Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, Scott (Sir Walter) Published by London, John Murray, 1830 FIRST EDITION, [4], IX, [1], 402p., engraved uncoloured frontispiece after J. Skene, extra illustrated with 12 plates by Cruikshank (one loosening) later straight grained brown full morocco binding, boards twice ruled in gilt,top edge gilt. Marbled endpapers. With previous owners name on front endpaper. Original spine ruled in gilt, spine gilt with fleurons, title, author and year, raised bands, t.e.g., original endpapers, Gilt -tooled spine and dentelles. 12mo, London, John Murray, 1830. First Edition of Walter Scott's popular work on witchcraft and the supernatural. The work a significant influence in promoting the Victorian vogue for Gothic and ghostly fiction. Examining Scottish criminal trials for witchcraft, Scott notes that the nature of evidence admissible gave free reign to accusers and left the accused no chance of escape. Prisoners were driven to confess through despair and the desire to avoid future persecution. One trial which Scott had been quick to realise the importance of is that of Isobel Gowdie. Her confessions, rediscovered by Pitcairn in the archives of the Edinburgh High Court, became a sensational new source of Scottish witchcraft, bringing the term coven - to denote a group of witches- into popular usage and attesting to a wealth of fairy lore in the highlands of Scotland, that was far removed from the traditional demonologists. Scott also observed that trials for witchcraft were increasingly connected with political crimes, just as in Catholic countries accusations of witchcraft and heresy went together. Will give discount for a direct purchase. Handsome binding. Rare in this lovely condition.