London: R. Knaplock, at the Bishop's Head, 1718. First Edition of this important treatise on Witchcraft. A survey of a number of cases of alleged witchcraft and examining witch trials. Chapter 5 examines the Salem trials, and condemns Cotton Mather's conclusions. Recent half leather binding with marbled boards. Gilt titles to black label on the spine. Two of the leaves are present in a high quality facsimile (p1/2) (with the engraved heading and beginning of the dialogue) and (p117/8) from chapter 8. The rest of the book is in very nice condition. The leather has just a touch of rubbing. The edges of the pages are slightly darkened, but overall in very good shape, with just the occasional stain not affecting the text. The title has a little marking, with a small chip to the corner.
xv, [v], 1-270, [ii, ads]. pp 230 x 190 mm (9 x 7½ inches).