The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclos’d: Or, An Universal History of Apparitions Sacred and Prophane, Under All Denominations; whether, Angelical, Diabolical, or Human-Souls. 1729 re-issue of Defoe’s pseudonymous tract on the supernatural, with engraved frontispiece and five plates. A wonderful collection of historical, religious and folklore tales of spirits, demons, apparitions Including information on angels, “the Devil in Humane shape,” apparitions in dreams, and “when to be afraid… and when not.” Daniel Defoe, of Robinson Crusoe fame, penned the first edition as an “Essay on the Reality of Apparitions,” afterwards called The Secrets of the Invisible World Disclosed. In June 1725 he had adopted the pseudonym of Andrew Moreton, which he afterwards used frequently for purposes of concealment with the first edition of this volume appearing in 1728. This volume would go into many editions and prove an important influence on the early romantics and the rise of gothic fiction.  A lovely volume for anyone interested in ghosts and demonology.
 
1740.  Daniel Defoe. Secrets of the Invisible World. London: J. Cecil. 8vo, Fourth edition. 19th century boards over leather w/ gold gild, border, title and author. Leather rubbed but pleasantly aged.  Poetic handwritten inscription on front blank dated 1793.  Frontispiece of the Witch of Endor and numerous plates of Ghosts. Pages are clean with some foxing towards the end.  395 pages. English.