Curses and Hexes
In the beginning and the end of this book, a book curse is
written. This curse is meant to prevent theft.
“This is the property of Joseph Smith. Donte steel this book for
fear of shame. For above and below to stand the owners name.”
J.H. Hickok and Geo. Fleming
Evangelical Musick; or The Sacred Minstrel and Sacred Harp
United..., Harrisburg: 1847.
Hymnbook Collection
Laid in this book is a note from the bookseller. It begins with
a typical description of the book and its provenance, then
begins to discuss why the bottom of the spine is painted red.
The bookseller claims that the spine was painted red to mark it
as “hell fire” to show the monks that it was a bad book.
Francisco Collior
De Sanguine Christi..., Milan: 1618.
McClintock Collection
On the back cover of this book, scratched into the surface of the
parchment, is a symbol we have yet to identify. The bottom of the
symbol is a swastika, and the top appears to be a broken triangle.
Nevertheless, the owner left their mark on this book! Perhaps a doodle or something more!
Crespin, Jean
Actiones et monimenta martyrum..., 1560.
McClintock Collection
A few of the books in our collection that have a more sinister magic feel to them. These books in particular either hold an inscription to curse whoever may steal the book, or a reminder to the monks who owned the book that it was evil.