DÉMONS (Jean) [Paris, Estienne Prevosteau], 1594. La Démonstration de la quatrième partie de rien et quelquechose et tout. In-12 (15,8 x 9,9 cm), red morocco, framed with gilt fillets on the boards, spine ribbed and decorated with gilt irons, gilt edges (Niedrée). 79 p. First edition. Strange and enigmatic, this opuscule is a collection of two long theological and esoteric poems combining French verse and Latin commentary. According to Jan Miernowski, the work is not simply a text on magic and the occult, but a spun allegory on the political situation in France. So, while Nodier had classed Démons as a literary folly, the author is in fact in the parodic tradition of Jean Passerat and is part of "this playful or facetious tradition of literature" (Tremblay). This copy is enriched by a handwritten note in an unknown hand, taking up Brunet's comments on the work and its sequel La Sextessence diallactique et potẽtielle. Rare copy having belonged to the poet and occultist Stanislas de Guaita. Slight rubbing to binding, short in margins. Provenance : - Stanislas de Guaita (ex-libris). - Georges Petit, Château de Grandvoir. Bibliography : Tremblay, " D'un maroquin à l'autre ou la quête insensée du bibliomane Charles Nodier " In: Réforme, Humanisme, Renaissance, n° 78, 2014. p. 175-207. Miernowski, Signes dissimilaires, p. 239. Nodier, Mélanges tirés d'une petite bibliothèque, p. 243-248. Brunet, II, 585.