Gaffarel's Unheard of Curiosities [concerning the Talismanical Sculptures of the Persians, the Horoscope of the Patriarkes, and the Reading of the Stars] Star Chart/Map

Gaffarel, James

Published by G.D. For Humphrey Moseley, London, 1650

About this Item

London: Printed By G.D. For Humphrey Mosely, 1650. "Written in French by James Gaffarel, and Englished by Edmund Chilmead, Mr of Arts , and Chaplaine of Christ Church OXON." 16mo. One of two fold-out charts [a Hebrew star chart, or map] is present, the other is not. Original full calf. 433 pp + a section listing "Books Printed for and Sould by Peter Parker, at the Leg and Star, right against the Royal Exchange in Cornhill". Both covers detached and thoroughly scuffed; spine split down the middle, with contents still firmly attached, however. Fascinating india ink remarks on both front pastedown and rear flyleaf by an impressed former owner in 1793, discussing the history and inflammatory nature of the piece. A fair copy of an exceedingly rare piece, offered as is. A strange and emotion-inspiring book from its inception, Unheard of Curiosities has never stopped being controversial to this day, and has been reprinted in facsimile recently in both 1993 and 1999. To borrow from The Zodiacal Zephyr's Astrology Bibliography: "Jacques Gaffarel (1601-81), Hebrew scholar, theologian, cabalist, was the librarian for Richelieu. His writings tended to center upon the cabablistic sciences. The present work was first published (in French) in 1629. The first part defends Hebrews and Orientals against Christian charges. The Second deals with the talismanic arts of Persia. The Third, treats horoscopes and astrology of the ancients. The fourth astronomy and Hebrew letters. 'Chapter 5 in the second part is mostly of interest to gemologists.' Sinkankas I,368. L17n.

Seller Inventory # 000243

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Gaffarel's Unheard of Curiosities [concerning the Talismanical Sculptures of the Persians, the Horoscope of the Patriarkes, and the Reading of the Stars] Star Chart/Map
• Publisher: G.D. For Humphrey Moseley, London
• Publication Date: 1650
• Language: English
• Binding: Full Calf
• Edition: First English Edition
• Condition: Fair
• Seller catalogs:
  • Antiquarian