1601 Compendio dell Arte Essorcistica

MENGHI, Girolamo.

The author's summary of his experiences as exorcist to the Bologna diocese over 30 years, treating the nature of demons and witches and describing successfully tested methods of containing evil. The book was placed on the papal index in 1709.

Published by Bologna, Giovanni Rossi & Venice, Varisco 1601

Bologna, Giovanni Rossi & Venice, Varisco, Special Edition. Menghi, Girolamo.

Compendio dell Arte Essorcistica, et Possibilità delle Mirabili, et Stupende Operationi delli Demoni, et de i Malefici. Con li rimedij opportuni alle infirmità maleficiali . Con una copiosissima gionta dell istesso Autore . Bologna, Giovanni Rossi, 1601. 

And Parte Seconda del Compendio Dell Arte Essorcistica. Nellaqual si tratta della natura delli Angeli cosi buoni, come rei, & della possibilità delle mirabili . Venice, Zorzi Varisco for Giorgio Varisco, 1601.

Printer s woodcut devices on title and at end. 2 volumes in 12mo. Cover vellum. Author's augmented edition of this classic of occult literature. Girolamo Menghi, 1529 to 1609, a Franciscan monk from Viadana, was the leading exorcist of the Italian Renaissance.

The Compendio, his best work, is a summary of his experiences as official exorcist of the Bologna diocese over a period of thirty years, where he treats the nature of demons and witches and describes successfully tested methods of containing evil.

First published in 1580, a supplement was added in 1601, offered here as a second volume. The dedication is to Cardinal Giulio Feltri della Rovere, 1532 to 78, sponsor of sacred music and protector of the Franciscan Order.

Menghi's work precedes the codification of exorcism rites in Rituale Romanum, 1614 during the pontificate of Pope Paul V. It was placed on the Index in 1709.