Dictionary of Witchcraft by Collin De Plancy

by Jacques Collin de Plancy

Dictionary of Witchcraft is a must-have resource for anyone interested in witchcraft, pagan religions, and the occult. This historical dictionary was the first reference work to seriously document superstitions, manifestations, magic, and superstitions. The author’s interest was to compile a vast amount of matter that would interest, entertain and instruct others. This dictionary was consulted by some of the greatest Romantic writers, notably by Hugo. Collin de Plancy followed the tradition of many previous demonologists of cataloguing demons by name and title of nobility, as it happened with grimoires like Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and The Lesser Key of Solomon among others. It is considered a major work documenting beings, characters, books, deeds, and causes which pertain to the manifestations and magic of trafficking with Hell; divinations, occult sciences, grimoires, marvels, errors, prejudices, traditions, folktales, the various superstitions, and generally all manner of marvelous, surprising, mysterious, and supernatural beliefs. This edition was translated and introduced by occultist Wade Baskin. Collin de Plancy (1794–1881) was a French occultist, demonologist, author, and translator. His best-known work, Dictionary of Witchcraft (Dictionnaire Infernal), was published in 1818 but didn’t receive wide acclaim until 1863 when a set of 69 illustrations by Louis Breton were added. Later in life, de Plancy converted to Catholicism and focused his studies on Catholic histories and mysticisms.

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Jacques Albin Simon Collin de Plancy was a French occultist, demonologist and writer; he published several works on occultism and demonology.

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Dictionary of Witchcraft by Jacques Collin de Plancy, Edited by Wade Baskin

The Dictionary of Witchcraft, a seminal work by Jacques Collin de Plancy and expertly edited by Wade Baskin, stands as a fascinating testament to the intersection of literature, folklore, and the supernatural within the Romantic movement. De Plancy, a significant figure of his time, adeptly blends entertainment with instruction, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of witches, magic, and the mythos surrounding the occult.

Originally inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of the Encyclopedists, Collin de Plancy's work is marked by a desire to demystify and categorize the irrational aspects of human experience. The Dictionary of Witchcraft captures this spirit, providing insightful definitions and explanations that reflect not only the beliefs of his contemporaries but also the rich tapestry of cultural narratives surrounding witchcraft. This dictionary emerged from his earlier success with the Dictionary of Demonology, which established him as a notable voice in the exploration of the macabre and the supernatural.

De Plancy’s fascination with the irrational links him to prominent Romantic writers such as Victor Hugo and Charles Nodier, both of whom shared a similar preoccupation with the eerie and the unknown. His influence from German and English Gothic literature is evident, enriching his narratives with a dark allure that captivates the reader. The resulting text is intricate, weaving together folklore, superstition, and pseudo-science, allowing readers to venture into a realm that blurs the lines between reality and myth.

The Dictionary of Witchcraft is not merely an academic reference; it is imbued with a narrative quality that invites readers to engage with the text on a deeper level. Wade Baskin’s editorial insights enhance the original work, helping to contextualize de Plancy’s contributions and ensuring that the text remains accessible to modern audiences. Each entry is crafted with care, offering a glimpse into the beliefs, rituals, and fears associated with witchcraft throughout history.

One of the remarkable aspects of Collin de Plancy's writing is his prolificacy. He employed various pseudonyms and wrote on a multitude of topics, from superstition to pseudo-science, creating an extensive body of work that continues to intrigue scholars and enthusiasts alike. Notable titles such as History of Phantoms and Demons and The Devil’s Self-Portrait showcase his breadth of knowledge and his ability to engage with complex themes.

In conclusion, the Dictionary of Witchcraft by Jacques Collin de Plancy, with Wade Baskin's thoughtful editing, is a significant contribution to the study of the occult and Romantic literature. It serves as both an informative resource and a captivating read, bringing to life the beliefs and fears surrounding witchcraft while connecting them to the broader context of Romantic thought. For anyone intrigued by the mysteries of the supernatural, this dictionary is an essential addition to your library, promising to entertain and educate in equal measure.

[JayBird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well...this book gave a lot of imagination, ideas of creation. It is a well-rounded work that provides a lot of information, maybe necessary to compile knowledge on the matter. I think I gave it four stars because I kept waiting for something else. Overall, I liked it very much and it has helped me a lot.

[Signor Mambrino · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this thinking it was a translation of the dictionnaire infernal. It's not though. It's a fairly shit book to be honest. Poorly translated and no sources given. Some of it seems vaguely based on truth, a lot of it is rubbish. Entertaining enough but wouldn't take anything written in here as fact.

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the influence it might of had at one point it was rather lame. I had hoped that it would of been more expansive than it was. Wade Baskin's introduction was practically non-existant. I think he could of put a little more effort into it.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, okay

This book had some stuff that was interesting. I only read it because I watched the movie The Witch and looked for some research.