COMPENDIUM MALEFICARUM | 1992 | GUACCIO

Compendium Maleficarum is a major work of early modern demonology and witchcraft studies, first composed in Latin in the early 17th century by the Barnabite friar Francesco Maria Guazzo (alias Guaccio). It is structured in three books, in which Guazzo describes what witchcraft is, details various magical practices (including pacts with the Devil, the use of poisons, poisons, potions, incubi/succubi, witch Sabbaths), classifies demons, and offers theological, spiritual, and ritual remedies and exorcisms. The work is remarkable for its encyclopedic span, combining theological doctrine, case studies, moral exhortation, and ritual practice. The 1992 Italian edition translates it and situates it in historical context, making it accessible for scholars of religion, folklore, witch-craft trials, and demonology.