[Kabbalah]. Anonymous

Estimate

$2,500–$3,000

Hammer price

$3,000

Historical auction record. Hammer prices exclude buyer’s premium and taxes.

author

RAZIEL HAMALACH

printer

Moses Mendes Coitinho

Place

Amsterdam

Publication

1701

Description

FIRST EDITION. Title within elaborate woodcut architectural border. Unusual Kabbalistic charts and diagrams throughout

references

Vinograd, Amsterdam 731; Fuks, Amsterdam 573

summary

A Particularly Attractive, Wide-Margined Copy A collection of mystical, magical and cosomological texts whose authorship is traditionally attributed to the Biblical Adam. It is popularly believed that the Book of Raziel’s talismanic powers protects its owner’s home from fire and other dangers. In addition, the title and introduction assures the owner, should the text be studied with purity of mind, he will be blessed with grandchildren who will become great scholars. 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

ff. 18, [1], 19-45. Trace stained, institutional stamps on title, otherwise a clean crisp copy. Contemporary vellum-backed salmon-stained boards, gilt-tooled foliate frame with sunflower motifs, foliate inner border with central cartouche. 4to

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