The Petite Albert and the Grand Albert (Two Foundational 18th-Century Grimoires)

For the complete occultist, delve into a seminal omnibus edition presenting new complete English translations of two foundational grimoires: The Petite Albert and The Grand Albert. These texts, often conflated yet distinct, are meticulously rendered anew from the French, offering an unparalleled scholarly resource for practitioners and historians of Western esotericism.

“One of the historically important grimoires. Steve Savedow’s new edition is more than a translation: He includes both the Grand and Petit Albert, and added a concise introduction and extensive commentary, identifying ingredients and providing clarifications and cautions where needed, making this fascinating text accessible to a broader audience.” —from the foreword by Joseph H. Peterson

This fine edition (printed on quality, archival [acid-free] paper, bound with sewn signatures, headbands, color endsheets, cloth over board with gold foil stamping on spine, and dust jacket) features an in-depth introduction by scholar Steve Savedow outlining the history of the texts, their historical/cultural context, and the variant manuscripts sourced. It is an invaluable study for students of the history of Western magic and those interested in the evolution of printed works through the ages.

The Petite Albert, also known as The Little Albert, is a compendium of folk magic; it unveils a rich tapestry of natural and folk remedies, alongside potent spells for invisibility, protection, compelling love, gaining wealth, and destroying enemies. This edition meticulously details variations of the infamous “Hand of Glory” and the “Garter for the Traveller,” illustrating their evolution across various “Little French Grimoires.” Moreover, it explores talismanic magic rooted in elemental, planetary, and astrological correspondences, drawing heavily from the Key of Solomon.

The venerable The Grand Albert, also known as The Secrets of the Great Albert, often attributed to Albertus Magnus, reveals itself as a comprehensive Book of Secrets, including a crucial manual of midwifery pertinent to early modern folk healers sometimes described as being “witches.”

This new edition critically examines the grimoires’ intricate history, cultural impact, and variant manuscripts, illuminating their profound influence on printed occult works since their 18th-century widespread appearance. This is an indispensable addition to any serious magical library.