Delaurence Catalog of Books For Mystics No. 30 [ C. 1973]

Description

Scarce DeLaurence catalog excellent for identifying the company’s books and charms. Also provides various spells and rituals and dated 1970s advertising.

 

DeLaurence’s Catalog of Books for Mystics Together With A Complete “Cabinet” of Materials Accessory to the Pursuit of Mystic Study. No.30. DeLaurence. Chicago.[c. 1973].

 

The DeLaurence Catalog of Books for Mystics No. 30, circa 1973, is a scarce vintage catalog from the DeLaurence company, a still-extant mail-order occult book and supply company founded by L.W. DeLaurence in Chicago at the turn of the 20th century.

A prominent figure in the occult and metaphysical community of his time, L.W. DeLaurence’s books and catalogs were widely distributed and popular among practitioners of various esoteric traditions, including Hermeticism, Theosophy, and Spiritualism, and his books and products are arguably some of the biggest influences on the development of modern hoodoo and obeah (notably, it is still illegal to bring DeLaurence company goods into Jamaica). A prolific author, book pirate, and publisher, and his often heavily plagiarized books covering various grimoires, astral projection, clairvoyance, and numerology continue to be widely read today.

This catalog is an excellent reference for identifying and dating the company’s many books, talismans, and charms, and also provides detailed information on various spells, psalms, and seals, borrowed from various occult books with just enough instruction for one to use them (in typical DeLaurence fashion, the text suggests they will only work with the company’s branded incense).

One of the most interesting features of the catalog is its dated references, such as an advertisement for branded afro combs, the use of a JFK half dollar as a talisman and memento of the assassinated president, as well as fantasy artwork inspired by the Elric books by Michael Moorcock, all of which provide a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of its time of publication. A resource for collectors of occult literature, but also for historians and sociologists interested in the study of alternative spiritual practices and their place in American culture during the mid-20th century occult revival.

420pp, perfect bound in printed soft wraps. Wear to corners and spine ends. Two small stains to wraps. Book block rubbed. Binding worn but firm. Illustrated throughout. Very good.

 

If you liked this book, you might also enjoy: this first Trident Books edition of the famed Solomonic grimoire the Ars Notoria or this scarce guide to practical Spiritualism, How To Hold Circles For Mediumship Development.