Effigy
From ancient times to the present, humanity has wielded a plenitude of formulae for the making and manipulation of magical images. In esoteric traditions where image magic is particularly deep rooted, the most prevalent motif is the poppet, that doll through whose agency the witch gains influence over the enfigured victim. Though such effigies popularly exact their curses by point of thorn and pin, image-magic includes far more than vengeful maleficia, being a complex sorcerous art also including healing, love, sexual power, fertility, protection, and magical knowledge. In its highest forms, the ensouled effigy serves as holy Icon. These divine images, lovingly carved by the priests of many faiths, make present the multitude of gods on earth, becoming the focus of that form of veneration known as idolatry.
Although often considered the preserve of magical and priestly adepts, great tradition attends also the making of poppets by common-folk, whether Christian or heathen, high or low-born. This folk knowledge was especially sought out in times of great desperation, the resultant manikins used to magically improve man’s lot and wreak revenge upon his oppressors.
Many years in the works and thoroughly researched, Effigy is an exhaustive compendium of image magic, viewed particularly through the lens of witchcraft, and the sorcery and folk magic of Britain. As a cartography of magical simulacra, it meticulously examines the broad range of magical effigy types, their materials and methods of construction, as well as the spells used to awaken and empower them. The whole is enriched by practical receipts taken from the author’s personal notebooks, and arresting original images by Raven Ebner.
Hardcover Edition
Cloth and colour dust jacket. Limited to 729 copies
Deluxe Edition
Quarter bound in mahogany goat, with special endpapers. Limited to 63 copies.
Special Edition
Full mahogany goat and marbled endpapers and slipcase, signed by the author. Limited to 27 copies
Shadow-Body Edition
Bound from the final remaining text blocks of the first edition, it is limited to 22 hand-numbered copies in full smooth navy-blue goatskin. The book also features marbled endpapers, raised bands, satin ribbon page marker, gilt stamping, and slipcase. The hand-binding work was executed by The Key Bookbindery in Oakland, California and exemplifies the exceptional quality and skill Three Hands Press fine editions are known for.
