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The Petit Albert and the Grand Albert: Two Foundational 18th-Century Grimoires

✍️ Magnus, Albertus; , Savedow, Steve; , Peterson, Joseph H
75 $
📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the arcane secrets of two seminal 18th-century grimoires, now meticulously translated anew.

This omnibus offers the most comprehensive English translations to date of *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert*, two foundational texts of Western esotericism often misunderstood as a single work. Expertly rendered from their original French, this edition provides an unparalleled resource for both seasoned practitioners seeking authentic magical knowledge and scholars delving into the history of occult traditions. Complete with insightful commentary and historical context, it illuminates the distinct contributions of each grimoire to the magical canon, making complex historical practices accessible.

Key themes
{'title': 'Practical Grimoire Magic', 'body': 'Delve into an authentic compendium of 18th-century magical practices, encompassing remedies, charms, and rituals. This edition clarifies the often-obscure instructions, identifying ingredients and providing essential cautions, bridging the gap between historical text and practical application for modern readers.'} {'title': 'Historical & Scholarly Insight', 'body': 'Beyond mere translation, this work serves as a critical academic resource. It meticulously outlines the complex history of these grimoires, placing them within their cultural and esoteric context, and providing a deep understanding of their evolution and impact on Western magical thought.'} {'title': 'Distinguishing the Alberts', 'body': "For the first time in English, readers can fully appreciate the distinct identities and content of *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert*. This translation rectifies generations of conflation, allowing for a precise study of each text's unique contributions to the grimoire tradition and preventing misattribution."}
In stock
🏛 Weiser Books 📅 2026 📖 272 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781578639342
Fun fact
This monumental edition finally grants English readers access to the complete and clarified texts of *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert*. Savedow and Peterson's meticulous scholarship shines, providing not just translations but a crucial historical and practical framework. While not for the casual dabbler, serious occultists and historians will find this an invaluable, beautifully produced volume. Those expecting light reading or a 'how-to' guide for instant results might be disappointed; this is a work of profound study. It firmly establishes itself as the definitive English resource for these foundational grimoires.

📝 Description: The Petit 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 Petit 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 Petit 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.

⭐ Reader reviews

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★
If you are a serious student of Western esotericism, a practitioner of traditional magic, or a historian exploring the occult arts, this meticulously translated and annotated edition is an indispensable addition to your library. Prepare for a deep dive, not light reading.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

This edition offers entirely new, complete English translations of both *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert*, meticulously re-rendered from the French. It notably includes extensive scholarly commentary, historical context, and clarifies the distinctions between these two often-confused grimoires, making it a definitive resource.
While highly accessible due to its clear translations and commentary, this work is best suited for those with a foundational understanding of Western esotericism. It is a scholarly and practical dive into historical grimoire magic, rather than an introductory guide to occult practices.

📖 Who should read this

If you are a serious student of Western esotericism, a practitioner of traditional magic, or a historian exploring the occult arts, this meticulously translated and annotated edition is an indispensable addition to your library. Prepare for a deep dive, not light reading.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Practical Grimoire Magic

Delve into an authentic compendium of 18th-century magical practices, encompassing remedies, charms, and rituals. This edition clarifies the often-obscure instructions, identifying ingredients and providing essential cautions, bridging the gap between historical text and practical application for modern readers.

Historical & Scholarly Insight

Beyond mere translation, this work serves as a critical academic resource. It meticulously outlines the complex history of these grimoires, placing them within their cultural and esoteric context, and providing a deep understanding of their evolution and impact on Western magical thought.

Distinguishing the Alberts

For the first time in English, readers can fully appreciate the distinct identities and content of *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert*. This translation rectifies generations of conflation, allowing for a precise study of each text's unique contributions to the grimoire tradition and preventing misattribution.

💬 Quotes from the book

«For the sincere seeker, discerning the true intent behind these ancient remedies and potent charmes is paramount.»

«These texts, though frequently conflated, represent distinct veins within the rich tapestry of 18th-century magical thought.»

📜 Historical context

Originating from the fervent intellectual and magical milieu of 18th-century France, *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert* stand as cornerstones of the grimoire tradition. They represent a significant lineage of practical magic, drawing from older Hermetic and alchemical currents, and profoundly influenced subsequent European occult literature and folk magic practices.

📚 Glossary

Grimoire
Esotericism
Hermetism

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. {'prompt': 'Reflect on how the magical practices described in these 18th-century grimoires compare to contemporary magical or spiritual traditions you are familiar with. What similarities or differences do you observe?'}
  2. {'prompt': "Consider the ethical implications of historical magical texts. How might the 'cautions' and 'clarifications' provided by the editor influence a modern practitioner's approach to these ancient rituals?"}
  3. {'prompt': 'The distinction between *The Petit Albert* and *The Grand Albert* is a key focus. How does understanding their separate identities deepen your appreciation for the evolution and diversity within the grimoire tradition?'}

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