The Petit Albert

Book excerpt: When the word "grimoire" is mentioned, the Petit Albert is perhaps the single most notorious book which comes to mind. Originally compiled in the 18th century, it brings together folk magick, talismanic sorcery, ritual and herbal medicine, and a bit of the diabolical, going well beyond the ritual styles of most contemporary writings. Originally in French, and drawing from the prior work of Paracelsus and Agrippa among others, this collection of operations extends far beyond its native land into the world at large; the first cosmopolitan grimoire of the pre-modern era. More diabolical than the Red Dragon and more in depth than the Black Pullet with regards to talismanic art, the Petit Albert is certainly a force to behold within the realm of occult literature.