The Book of Magical Art, Hindu Magic and ...

8vo [184.15mm x 238.125mm]. Handsomely rebound in pebbled calf with original illustrated cover mounted on front board, and original blue endpapers in gilt floral motif. Two books in one. [18] 530 p.p. Continuous pagination, with two separate title pages. Includes separate frontispiece for each title page, with [23] illustrations, plus numerous in-text. Light rubbing, scratching to front cover. Sporadic smudges and occasional small green stain to leaves, otherwise interior clean. Near fine. Lauren William de Laurence [1868-1936] operated a successful spiritual mail-order company selling occult items and magical goods from his Chicago home. De Laurence professed to be an adept in the magical arts, clairvoyance, and psychic mediumship. Many of his writings on magic and the occult and personal development were published through his own publishing company, De Laurence, Scott & Co. However, De Laurence is known and criticized for his plagiarizing of titles from famous occult writers such as A.E. Waite and S.L. MacGregor Mathers. De Laurence was thought to have influenced modern Hoodoo and Obeah, in Jamaica. In his book on Hindu Magic, De Laurence claims to have visited the West Coast of India, where he witnessed many 'miraculous feats' on numerous occasions. The first book contains chapters on Natural Magic, Alchemy, Talismans, Mummial and Magical Attraction, Ceremonial and Cabalistic Magic. In Book two, De Laurence outlines some Lessons in Occultism, Astral Influence, Magic & Sorcery, Medieval Philosophy & Theosophy, as well as the Philosophy of Disease and Medicine, including diseases derived from divine and astral causes.  Bookseller Inventory # 001389