Sphere, London, 1975, 1^st pr thus.  ISBN 0-7221-6245-6.  MMPB 316 pages including Bibliography, Contemporary Sources, General Bibliography, and Index, followed by ads.  Very good; light edge and cover wear, binding tight, small ding at spine head.  Interior clean and unmarked with tanned pages; black & white photo plate section.  “The extraordinary ‘affair of the poisons’ was one of the most scandalous secrets of the reign of Louis XIV.  Scores of the alchemist-necromancers and perfumer-poisoners operating in Paris were arrested and began to denounce ever more exalted members of the aristocracy as their clients.  Before the end of the affair three hundred people had been seized, tortured or put to death, and the scandal had touched the highest in the land.” (from rear wrap)