RAZIEL HAMALACH. Anonymous
AUCTION 41 |
Thursday, September 18th,
2008 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts, & Graphic Art
Lot 168
(KABBALAH).
RAZIEL HAMALACH. Anonymous
Amsterdam: Moses Mendes Coitinho 1701
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
PRICE REALIZED $4,000
A celebrated cornucopia of mystical texts and magical recipes.
The first section, known as the Sepher Hamalbush, relates that soon after Adam was exiled from Eden, he prayed to God with remorse. Consequently, the Angel Raziel appeared in order to console Adam. The Angel stated he would impart the wisdom of the Book of Raziel and with the knowledge gained, Adam’s descendants would be equipped to foretell their future. An intricate formula with complex instructions follows, indicating preliminary actions to be performed prior to studying the text.
Even in the most traditional circles it is accepted that the work is medieval in origin, with authorship commonly attribute to Rabbi Elazar of Worms, author of Roke’ach
It is populalrly believed that posession of this text prevents one’s home from fire