This collection of manuscripts upon a variety of themes including the occult, alchemy and natural science was compiled by General Charles Rainsford and is being offered by Sotheby's in London.
It is estimated to sell for £40-£60,000.
The catalogue description reads: comprising 58 manuscript copies of works on esoteric subjects including alchemy, chiromancy, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Kabbalah, Angelic lore, ritual magic and conjurations, Paracelsianism, Tarot, somnambulism, astrology, and natural science, in English, Latin, Italian, French, and German, including 28 manuscripts in Charles Rainsford’s autograph (chiefly English translations), as well as manuscripts purchased by him and commissioned by him, including one in the hand of Dr Ebenezer Sibly, many items illustrated with pentacles, sigils, alchemical furnaces, and diagrams, many also with annotations, indexes, or inserted notes by Rainsford, the great majority dating from the late 18th century but a few earlier items, various sizes and bindings, most items boxed, some with Rainsford’s ownership stamp and most with a Northumberland bookplate, significant damp damage to 15 volumes
No comments:
Post a Comment