The Light of Egypt. The Science of the Soul and the Stars (Two Volumes).
Denver, CO: H.O. Wagner, 1963. Reprint edition. Hardcover. Octavo. Two volumes. x + 290 pp, xii + 212 pp. Original brown cloth, gilt titles, etc. to spines, gilt design on front covers. Burgoyne's famous work originally appeared in 1889, this 1963 printing is a reprint of the Fifth Edition which includes previously unpublished material from original manuscripts. The author, Thomas Burgoyne, was a prominent member of the The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light, a group closely associated with - or possibly even the same as the better-known Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, of which he was the Secretary. The group was probably the only one of its type teaching practical occultism and Western magic before the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. It claimed a line of descent back to the eighteenth century German Rosicrucians, although it first seems to have been active from 1870 onwards. The Order's teachings are said to have taken much from the sex magic practices espoused by Paschal Beverly Randolph, who some say was a member - although like so many things about the group there is uncertainty about this. The Light of Egypt is an extensive magical treatise: to quote the Preface: 'For nearly twenty years prior to the year 1881 the author was deeply engaged investigating the hidden realms of occult force. The results of these mystical labors were considered of great value and real worth by a few friends who were also seeking light. Finally he was induced to place the general results of the researches into a series of lessons for private occult study. The whole, when completed, presenting the dual aspects of occult lore as seen and realised in the soul and the stars, corresponding to the microcosm and the macrocosm of ancient Egypt and Chaldea, and thus giving a brief epitome of Hermetic philosophy, as taught by the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, Egypt.' Cloth a bit chafed at all edges and extremities, a few faint marks to cloth, corners and spine ends lightly bumped, page edges darkened, paper toned, owner's name in ink in both volumes. Overall a tight clean VG set (no dust jackets - possibly none issued). Item #57357
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