WITCHCRAFT. - Cotton MATHER. The Wonders of the Invisible World: Being an Account of the Tryals of Several Witches Lately Executed in New-England and of Several Remarkable Curiosities therein Occurring. [London:] Printed first at Boston in New England, and reprinted at London for John Dunton at the Raven in the Poultry, 1693. Third edition, 4to (194 x 141mm.) Title with black lettering, black borders, half-title. (Marginal damp-stain to half-title and to F1-G2, browning, small marginal paper repairs to three rear leaves, lacking 2pp. of advertisements to rear, g2, some trimming, loss to the catchwords at C4 and F1, and partially to some words at G2.) 19th century calf (spine worn, upper cover detached). Note: this work is the most rare and influential of the books and tracts that Cotton Mather and his father, Increase, wrote together. It has been deeply influential in the vast and ongoing scholarly debate over the Salem witch trials. Cotton Mather appointed the chief prosecutor himself, and in writing their early history, he managed to convey a hysteria towards the 'witches', nineteen of whom were hanged. These events went a long way in establishing the theology of Puritan control over New England and, in the ongoing debate, America's own origin story. Text collates A2, B2, B-H4. [Holmes, 1241]. Buyer’s Premium 24.5% (including VAT @ 0%) of the hammer price. Lots purchased online via the-saleroom.com will attract an additional charge of 5% (including VAT @ 0%) of the hammer price.