Some famous books on necromancy
Historical Context:
This article discusses historically significant texts and academic works about necromancy from a scholarly perspective.
Throughout history, numerous texts have documented necromantic practices and theories. While many of these works are now preserved in museums and private collections, they provide valuable insights into historical perspectives on death and the supernatural.
Ancient Texts
The Egyptian Book of the Dead
Date: c. 1550 BCE
Ancient Egyptian funerary text containing spells and instructions for navigating the afterlife.
The Necronomicon
Date: Various claimed dates
While primarily known through fiction, various historical texts have claimed this title.
Picatrix
Date: 10th-11th century
Medieval grimoire of astrological magic containing some necromantic elements.
Medieval Grimoires
- The Munich Manual of Demonic Magic
- The Lesser Key of Solomon
- Pseudomonarchia Daemonum
- The Book of Abramelin
Academic Works
- "Necromancy in the Middle Ages" by Richard Kieckhefer
- "Death, Burial and Rebirth" by Jon Davies
- "The Book of Necromancers" by François Ribadeau Dumas
"These texts represent not just magical beliefs, but complex theological and philosophical systems of their times." - Dr. Elizabeth Morrison, Medieval Studies
Modern Academic Publications
📚 "Forbidden Rites: A Necromancer's Manual of the Fifteenth Century" (1997)
📚 "The Rise of Necromancy: Death Ritual and the Right to Speak with the Dead" (2019)
📚 "Necromancy: Ancient Origins to Modern Practice" (2021)
Where to Find These Texts
- • British Library, London
- • Vatican Secret Archives
- • Bibliothèque nationale de France
- • Herzog August Library, Germany
- • Various University Special Collections
Many of these texts are now digitized and available for academic study through university libraries and specialized databases. However, some remain restricted due to their fragile nature or institutional policies.
⚠️ Important Note:
This list is provided for historical and academic interest only. Many of these texts are rare, protected, or restricted. Some may contain historically sensitive material.