15 leaves. Ink manuscript copy of the 1677 original, with pictorial title page and 14 illustrated plates. 31.5x22 cm (12¼x8¾") full polished red calf tooled in gilt. Hand-drawn holograph copy of one of the most famous works of alchemy: a text consisting entirely of pictures, without explanatory text. This is thought to be one of some 4 or 5 copies produced. Duveen 19 and 387: "This work consists of an engraved title and a series of fourteen beautiful engraved plates, without a word of text or explanation, portraying the preparation of the Philosopher's Stone. The plates are partly symbolical and partly allegorical: they represent an adept and his wife engaged in various alchemical operations." With bookplate of Le Bibliophobe Bechtel, and an ink holograph card from Guy Bechtel, in French, dated 18.11.78, laid in. The copy itself is quite possibly earlier than 1978. A note on the rear flyleaf suggests that this holographic edition of the Mutus Liber may have been one in a series of similarly produced alchemical and occult works. Of the greatest rarity in this format.
15 leaves. Ink manuscript copy of the 1677 original, with pictorial title page and 14 illustrated plates. 31.5x22 cm (12¼x8¾") full polished red calf tooled in gilt. Hand-drawn holograph copy of one of the most famous works of alchemy: a text consisting entirely of pictures, without explanatory text. This is thought to be one of some 4 or 5 copies produced. Duveen 19 and 387: "This work consists of an engraved title and a series of fourteen beautiful engraved plates, without a word of text or explanation, portraying the preparation of the Philosopher's Stone. The plates are partly symbolical and partly allegorical: they represent an adept and his wife engaged in various alchemical operations." With bookplate of Le Bibliophobe Bechtel, and an ink holograph card from Guy Bechtel, in French, dated 18.11.78, laid in. The copy itself is quite possibly earlier than 1978. A note on the rear flyleaf suggests that this holographic edition of the Mutus Liber may have been one in a series of similarly produced alchemical and occult works. Of the greatest rarity in this format.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
