The Greater Key of Solomon

The Greater Key of Solomon
Including a Clear and Precise Exposition of King Solomon's Secret Procedure, Its Mysteries and Magic Rites. Original Plates, Charms and Talismans.

Author: S. L. MacGregor Mathers, Editor & Translator
Additional Matter: L. W. de Laurence
Publisher: The De Laurence Company
Place of Publication: Chicago
Date: Stated 1914
Binding: Hardcover
Pagination: 130 pages
Illustrated: Yes

An intriguing early 20th-century edition of The Greater Key of Solomon, edited and translated by S. L. MacGregor Mathers, with additional material by L. W. de Laurence. The work presents material attributed to the Solomonic magical tradition, including descriptions of magical rites, symbols, plates, charms, and talismans, and is translated from manuscripts held in the British Museum, London.

Mathers was a founder of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an influential occult organization whose teachings and practices played an important role in the development of Western esotericism. L. W. de Laurence was a prominent publisher of occult and esoteric literature in the early 20th century and is associated with numerous reissues of works in this field.

This copy bears the 1914 copyright date on the verso of the title page and exhibits the typography characteristic of the period. Exact dating or identification of individual De Laurence printings can be difficult, as the company produced numerous reprints and editions over the years.

Condition: Very Good. The binding is tight and solid, with minor shelf wear. Previous owner’s book plate affixed, with price marked out in black amrker

A desirable copy for collectors of occult literature, Western esotericism, early 20th-century magical texts, and the publications of MacGregor Mathers and L. W. de Laurence. The combination of the early stated date, illustrated plates, charms and talismans, and its connection to the influential Golden Dawn tradition makes this an appealing addition to a specialized antiquarian collection