Autographs
1691 Book by Balthasar Bekker on Witchcraft, Signed Three Times by the Dutch Minister Author ... Balthasar Bekker
BALTHASAR BEKKER (1634-1698). Dutch Minister, Author of Philosophical and Theological Works, and Contributor to end of Witchcraft Persecutions in Europe. His best known work is "De Betoverde Weereld" (1691), which translates to "The World Bewitched" (1695), Amsterdam. (Book currently offered, and is "Author Signed" Three Times!
1691 First Edition Author Signed Thrice, printed in Dutch, historic "Witchcraft" Book, "De Betoverde Weereld (The Bewitched World), Signed Internally THREE TIMES by the Author, Balthasar Bekker, published in Amsterdam, by Daniel Van Den Dalen. This rare Book is Bound in vellum covers with the title handwritten in ink on the spine. This pleasing well printed book consists of Four Volumes in One. The First and Second Volumes were published in 1691; the Third and Fourth in 1693, all combined herein.
Though unrelated, the publication of these volumes coincided with the infamous SALEM WITCH TRIALS that were going on across the Atlantic. Signed by author Bekker Three Times within this Volume. His hand signed signatures located within on the reverse of the title page for the second volume, and at the end of the introductions to the third, and fourth, volumes. This book lacks the engraved portrait of Bekker, but otherwise seems to be complete. It is in overall very nice condition, with expected light soiling to vellum, and clean pages. Some pages have small water stains along the edges, and other expected light wear.
Most noticeably, the final five pages have had small rectangles cut out from the top. There is a Bookplate on the front inside cover, and minor pencil notations in the back. Bekker's book is considered an important "Enlightenment" text, in which he argues against the belief in Spirits, Superstition and the Occult. The entire title translates to: "The Bewitched World, or, an Examination of the Errors in the Common or Vulgar Opinions Concerning Spirits: Their Nature, Power, Administration and Operations. and also the Effects Men are able to produce by their Communication with Good or Evil Spirits."
Balthasar Bekker (20 March 1634 - 11 June 1698) was a Dutch Minister and Author of philosophical and theological works. Opposing superstition, he was a key figure in the end of the witchcraft persecutions in early modern Europe. His best known work is De Betoverde Weereld (1691), or "The World Bewitched" (1695).
Bekker attacked the belief in sorcery and "possession" by the devil. Indeed, he questioned the devil's very existence. He applied the doctrine of accommodation to account for the biblical passages traditionally cited on the issue. The book had a sensational effect and was one of the key works of the Early Enlightenment in Europe. It was almost certainly the most controversial.
The publication of the book led to Bekker's deposition from the ministry. The orthodox among Dutch theologians saw his views as placing him among notorious atheists: Thomas Hobbes, Adriaan Koerbagh, Lodewijk Meyer and Baruch Spinoza. Eric Walten came to his defence, attacking his opponents in extreme terms. Bekker was tried for blasphemy, maligning the public Church, and spreading atheistic ideas about Scripture. Some towns banned the book, but Amsterdam and the States of Holland never did, continuing his salary, without formally stripping him of his post.
The World Bewitched is now considered interesting as an early study in comparative religion.