A Manual of Astrology, or, The book of the Stars, Being the Art of Foretelling Future Events, by the Influences of the Heavenly Bodies in a Manner Unattempted by any Former Author and Divested of the Superstitions of the Dark Ages.
London: C. S. Arnold, 1828. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. (ii [of iv]pp. prelims) (v)-xiv, (15-16) (ii - plate) (17) -256pp. Late nineteenth century half-leather binding, black leather over marbled paper boards, gilt titling to spine. Engraved title page with hand-coloured vignette, and two engraved plates one of which is hand-coloured. One wood-cut diagram, and numerous engraved diagrams of astrological charts etc. The work's pseudonymous author was Robert Cross Smith (1795-1832), the first of six nineteenth-century popularisers of astrology to use the pen-name Raphael. Smith was an alchemist and astrologer with a broad interest in the occult, who supported himself by publishing astrological books and journals. He was clearly influenced by Francis Barrett's "The Magus," and is said to have been a member of an occult circle run by Barrett to which Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton also belonged. Bristol-born Smith edited an aptly-titled journal, The Straggling Astrologer, which failed, but was then reborn as the book "The Astrologer Of The Nineteenth Century" in 1824. His fame and popularity slowly grew, and from 1827 to his death he produced an annual astrological almanac, "The Prophetic Messenger" and published two other works: "The Familiar Astrologer" and the here-listed "A Manual of Astrology," both in 1828. The book was issued with two title-pages, a decorative engraved title page, and a normal typeset title-page. In this example the typeset title page is lacking, but the decorative engraved title-page is present, with the vignette nicely hand coloured. Otherwise it is complete with the two engraved plates, with one, "The Hieroglyphic of the Lunar Eclipse" very skilfully hand-coloured. Typically "The Hieroglyphic of the Lunar Eclipse" serves as the frontispiece, but in this particular volume it's position has been reversed, with the plate "The Illustrious Horoscope of the King of England" being bound facing the title-page, and "The Hieroglyphic of the Lunar Eclipse" being bound in facing the first page of the main text. Whether this was done by design, at the owner's request, or by accident by the bookbinder, is not known. The boards are bruised at the corners, and overall have some light rubbing. The front hinge / gutter are splitting from the bottom up, and the board is a little wobbly. It is still quite firmly attached, but will have to be treated with care if it is to remain that way. Pages unevenly darkened, and some somewhat grubby: the book has obviously been well-read. A few light pencil notes. Typeset title-page lacking as noted. Still a nice attractive copy, with handsome engraved title page, with hand-coloured vignette, and the two engraved plates, one of which is beautifully hand coloured. Item #64045
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