Beschreibung:

Title: Amphitheatrum sapientiae aeternae, solius, verae, Christiano-Kabalisticum, Divino-Magicum, nec non Physico-Chymicum, Tertriunum, Catholicon Author: Khunrath, Heinrich Place: [Hanau] Publisher: Excudebat Guilielmus Antonius] Date: [1609] Description: a-g4, h2, A-2E4. 60, 222, [1] pp. + 2 double-page tables + 9 double-page engraved plates (some by Peter van der Doort , 1 single page plate. Engraved allegorical title-page. Engraved author portrait by Johann Diricks. Some text printed in double columns. Each page printed within a double rule frame. Woodcut head- and tail-pieces, initials. Edited by Erasmus Wolfart. (Folio) 31x19.5 cm (12¼x7¾"), period vellum, yapp edges. Fine copy of "one of the most important books in the whole literature of theosophical alchemy and the occult sciences" (Duveen). The plates are magnificent, richly and compactly detailed with emblems and text. A favorite plate is that depicting the alchemist's studio, which has be often reproduced in modern works. This work was also issued with a cancel title-page dated 1608. The first edition was published in 1595 and only three copies are known. All copies of the 1609 edition are probably composite, but Duveen notes 9 double-page plates. Several of the engravings, including title, are dated 1602. Duveen, Coll. of Alchemy and Chemistry, 32. Lot Amendments Condition: Vellum spotted and lightly soiled, hinges starting, bookseller's markings in blue pencil on front endpapers; two of the folding plates with splitting at center fold; near fine. Item number: 279730