The Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch, a German grimoire on demon-magick is now in English translation
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in original occult sources, particularly German grimoires, many of which have yet to be translated into English. To address this gap, VAMzzz Publishing launched the “German Occult Manuscripts in Translation” series in 2024. These editions feature comprehensive introductions, commentary notes, and corrections of errors in Latin and Hebrew phrases, all translated to enhance understanding. The inaugural publications were released that same year, with more anticipated in 2025. A notable entry in this series, especially within the tradition of demonolatry, is the “Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch,” a substantial German grimoire on demon magic, now available in English for the first time…
Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch – translated into English is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Watkins and many more point of sale.
The Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch, which translates into English as “Nigromantic Arts-Book” or “Book of the Nigromantic Arts,” is one of the most comprehensive German grimoires. We know that before its 1743 republication by the “heirs of Peter Hammer,”* the Nigromantische Kunst-Buch was part of the monastery collection of Prince-Abbot Rupert II (Rupert von Bodman). He was a remarkable historical figure from a Swabian noble family, who played an active role in saving women accused of witchcraft. Rupert II was confirmed by Emperor Leopold as the Archmarshal of the Empress and had a role in European history as a co-founder of the Principality of Liechtenstein. How and where he obtained the Nigromantische Kunst-Buch remains unclear.
This translation contains more than 80 original illustrations, mostly of magical circles and demon sigils, complete with their task descriptions. Unique are the sigils of the great infernal princes such as Astaroth, Be(e)lzebub, Belial(is), Oriens, Suria, and others. Additionally, this work includes Goetia-like listings of other, mostly unknown demons, such as Basclip, Walachy, Mirus, Gaimon, Buchermann, etc. This is alongside various other magical instructions, such as those for creating enchantments, magical circles, and the staff, as well as astro-magical information.
Nigromancy is still often confused with necromancy, although the two terms refer to entirely different activities. Nigromancy originally refers to the “black art” or the practice of black magic in general. It encompasses a wide range of magical practices often considered sinister or dark, including summoning demons, using forbidden spells, and manipulating dark forces. The term comes from the Latin “niger” (black) and “manteia” (divination).
Necromancy specifically refers to the practice of communicating with the dead, usually to predict future events or reveal hidden knowledge. This term comes from the Greek “nekros” (dead) and “manteia” (divination). The term nigromancy has fallen out of use or been replaced by “demonolatry,” which refers to the religious worship of demons rather than the magical workings with demons. The contents of the Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch is in line with the Faustian “Höllenzwang” (Hell Compulsion).
The Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch contains an extensive collection of demons, including sigils to summon them. The book is clearly a compiled grimoire, which, along with much unique information, also dedicates a chapter to the Olympic Spirits, with different sigils and the use of Belthor for Bethor, Phiel for Ophiel, and Hul for Phul, suggesting copying from an older work on the Olympic Spirits with scribal or printing errors. The book was likely compiled in the early 18th century (or late 17th century) from multiple sources. Therefore, there may be differences in the age of the individual parts or the manuscripts on which those parts were based. It contains various sigils with a Faustian feel (see the chapter: Coats of Arms and Names of the Following Prince Spirits), which could originate from the late 16th to early 17th century.
The seven planetary (arch)angels are discussed in this grimoire within a “Solomonic theurgical format,” with subordinate devils and/or demonic helpers:
“Den Tag Solis regiert der Engel Raphael, und sein Teufel Alinanat, König mit seinen Helfern Uribel, Nuleby, Abentabo.” [On the day of the Sun, the angel Raphael governs, and his devil Alinanat, a king with his helpers Uribel, Nuleby, Abentabo.] etc. This follows a very old tradition, known from the Testament of Solomon** and the Book of Abramelin. This scheme is one of the various confirmations that the Nigromantisches Kunst-Buch is an eclectic work.
The work further includes instructions for the staff and magic circles, evocation liturgy, special schedules for magical treasure hunting, and planetary hours, the latter of which deviate significantly from the standard formula used in other grimoires.
Several paragraphs in the book place a strong emphasis on magical methods for finding gold and silver. In German culture, mining has always been closely associated with the supernatural. Besides the explicitly mentioned magical operations, Germany and regions where the German language predominated have a very rich folklore regarding mines and mountains, often involving mountain spirits such as Rübezahl, Kobolds, and related beings.
* In “The Book of Abramelin – a New Translation” (2015), George Dehn notes that “Pierre Marteau” (French for “Peter Hammer”) was a fictitious imprint used by publishers to evade censorship. This pseudonym was notably employed by the House of Elzevir, a prominent family of Dutch booksellers and printers active in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The Elzevirs, who operated in cities like Leiden and Amsterdam, used the “Pierre Marteau” imprint to publish controversial works without attracting the attention of authorities. Although the original Elzevir family ceased printing in 1712, the modern publishing company Elsevier, established in 1880, adopted their name and logo for marketing purposes, despite having no direct historical connection to the Elzevir family.
** see: Testament of Solomon, by Frederick Cornwallis Conybeare – VAMzzz Publishing ISBN: 9789492355041
