"The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts," first published in 1898 by Arthur Edward Waite, a renowned British poet, scholarly mystic, and co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, offers a profound exploration into the realms of ceremonial magic and occultism. Waite, celebrated for his systematic study of western occultism, brings his extensive knowledge and scholarly approach to this comprehensive volume. Divided into two distinct sections, the book delves deep into the literature and history of ceremonial magic. The first part scrutinizes the antiquity and evolution of magical rituals, encompassing the rituals of transcendental and black magic. It provides a detailed examination of the composites of rituals, offering readers a scholarly insight into their origins and purposes. The second part of the book presents the Complete Grimoire, a fascinating section that reproduces original occult documents in their unabridged form, meticulously corrected for historical copyists' errors. This section is especially noteworthy for its chapter on goetic theurgy, featuring detailed conjurations and invocations to the king and the Spirit. It also encompasses rites of exorcism, which are of particular interest for their practical applications in purging and cleansing. The contents of this volume are vast and varied, including discussions on the descending hierarchy, infernal evocation according to the Grand Grimoire, the methods of Honorius, and various miscellaneous and minor processes. The book also touches upon infernal necromancy, offering rare insights into this enigmatic practice. Accompanied by clear and explanatory illustrations, "The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts" is an indispensable resource for students of the occult. Its comprehensive coverage of both the theoretical and practical aspects of ceremonial magic makes it one of the greatest overviews of the occult ever compiled. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, practices, and complexities of magical rituals and occult studies.