Grimoire

Grimoires, also known as Books of Spells are magical objects that have appeared numerous times in ancient and medeival religions that believe in magic.

Description
Grimoires are textbooks of magic, that typically include instructions on the creation of magical objects, how to perform magical spells or summoning creatures such as demons and spirits. In many occasions, the book it self is considered to have magic capabilities. Other content that could be found on a Grimoire would be the preparation of rituals, magical tools, potions and their ingredients etc.

Etymology
The term "Grimoire" originated from the old French word "grammaire", which was used to refer to all books written in Latin. By the 18th century the term was used purely to refer to the books of magic. Later, though, the term would become a figure of speech by the French, used for something hard to understand.

Ancient Period
The earliest known form of text resembling a Grimoire has been found inscribed on cuneiform gray teblets which were excavated in the city of Uruk and are dated to between the 5th and 4th century BC. Magical incantations have also been found inscribed on amulets and othem items. When Alexander the Great became king of Egypt, the Egyptian magical system was gratly altered and expanded. The opening of the Library of Alexandria probably had some effects on books of magic.

There is also evidence of Grimoires being used by some sects of early Christianity. For example, the Book of Enoch contains information on angels and astrology. The 1st century historian Josephus mentions a book circulating under the name of Solomon, which contained demon summoning spells and described how it had been used by a Jew named Eleazer to cure instances of possesion. This book could have been the Testament of Solomon, one of the oldest magical text, but it was probably different.

When Christianity became the main religion of the Roman Empire, books of magic were burnt down, as they were connected to paganism.

Medieval Period
The production og Grimoires continued among Christians, Jews and followers of the Islamic faith. In Europe, the Church categorised Grimoires into the ones that deal with "natural magic" and the ones that deal with "demonic magic". Natural magic was acceptable, as it was viewed as taking note of the powers God gave to nature but demonic magic was not, as it was believed to not come from God, but from the Devil. Also, seceral Grimoires from that period have been attributed to Popes, as theu were the main practisioners of magic.

In Christendom, Grimoires were often attributed to ancient deities or figures, which gave them a sense of authenticity.

Early Modern Period
During the Rennaisance there was an increased interest in Hermeticism and Jewish mysticism.