Author Description

The Testament of Solomon, translated into English by F. C. Conybeare in 1898, is one of the most important texts of ancient mystical and occult tradition. Attributed to King Solomon, the wisest of rulers, it reveals how he was granted divine authority through a sacred seal to command angels, bind demons, and oversee the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. Preserved in Greek and composed between the first and fifth centuries CE, this text opens a window into the hidden world of spirits, their powers, and their relationship to divine law. Within these pages, Solomon himself testifies to the spirits he encountered, describing their names, abilities, weaknesses, and the ways they could be subdued by the will of God. The Testament is part visionary narrative and part handbook of angelology and demonology, offering insight into the unseen order that shapes the visible world. Its vivid descriptions influenced later grimoires, magical writings, and esoteric traditions throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance. For readers interested in occult texts, apocrypha, and ancient wisdom literature, it remains a cornerstone. For modern seekers, the Testament of Solomon is more than an historical curiosity. It is a living testimony of divine authority, sacred knowledge, and spiritual power. Conybeare’s 1898 translation brought this hidden work into the English-speaking world, where it continues to fascinate students of esotericism, magic, biblical studies, and mystical traditions. This edition is essential for those exploring the roots of demonology, angelology, and the mystical heritage of Judaism and Christianity, providing an unparalleled glimpse into the spiritual imagination of antiquity.