Proposals for original publications

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Proposals for original publications (c. 1817–1818)
3190999Proposals for original publicationsc/1817-1818

Proposals for Original Publications.


Will be Published, by the Editor of The “History of the Witches of Renfrewshire”, as soon as a sufficient number of Subscribers comes forward, to defray the expence of Publishing, an Original Work of 64 pages, Duodecimo, price Sixpence common, and one Shilling fine.

The History of the Witches of Ayrshire,

Among which are the notorious Maggy Osborne, the Witch of Ayr, and Witches of Kilwinning, who suffered death for Witchcraft during the 17th. century.

The History of the Witches of Ayrshire will form part second of a national work, “The History of the Witches of Scotland,” to be completed in 33 parts. The History of the Witches of each county will occupy a Part by itself. Of this national work “The History of the Witches of Renfrewshire” is already published.

This work will contain a great variety of Original Curious and Interesting Matter, taken from ancient records, &c. which have cost both expence and trouble.

Walter Scott, Esq. Hogg, the Ettrick Shepherd, &c. have long amused the public, with their own imaginary poetical flights about witchcraft: But the “History of the Witches of Scotland, in 33 parts,” will exhibit witchcraft in its true and genuine colours, as it really was supposed to exist.

As the Editor is determined not to print a single copy of this work more than is subscribed for, and in order to prevent pirated editions, he intends to enter the work itself in Stationers’ Hall; therefore persons wishing to possess a cheap copy of “The History of the Witches of Ayrshire" will now avail themselves of the present opportunity of subscribing for it; otherwise, they will have themselves to blame, should they afterwards not be able to purchase a copy but at an advanced price, if it be possible for one to be got. [1]

That this is not uncommon, with regard to local Historical Publications, Booksellers and Literary Charactors well know. For example, a copy of Semple’s History of Renfrewshire might have been purchased for one Shilling, but now a copy of it cannot be had for half a guinea.

Persons subscribing for either the “History of the Witches of Ayrshire”, or the "History of the Witches of Renfrewshire”, may be gratified, if they please, with a sight of some of the ancient and modern manuscripts from whence these works were composed.

2.The Memoirs of Welford, to which are added several poems and songs, by a Gentleman of great Literary Talent in Paisley.

The Memoirs of Welford. is a fine sentimental Novel, and is thought by good Judges to be equal, if not superior to McKenzie's “Man of Feeling”.

3.Rational Recreations, a great collection of Curiosities. Price 1s. fine, and 6d. coarse copy.

4.Paisley Repository, Price 1s. Also orders will be received for the Transparent Slate. Different prices. This excellent new invention besides saving a great expence in paper, tends greatly to facilitate the acquisition of penmanship to the young student. It is also of the greatest utility in the first rudiments of Drawing. It may likewise be used for all the purposes of a common Slate.

Zion’s Traveller; or the Soul’s Progress to Heavenv By Mr. William Crawford, Minister of the Gospel Wilton. Author of the “Dying Thoughts”, Price 6d

Tyro’s Orthographical and Numerical, Exercises, 2d

Books taken in exchange for any Books mentioned in the Catalogue herewith.

SUBSCRIBERS’ NAMES
for the History of the Witches of Ayrshire.


This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse

  1. D. Macarter & Co. Printers, Ayr.