Rings for the Finger. From the Earliest known times to the Present, with full Descriptions of the Origin, Early Making, Materials, The Archaeology, History, for Affection, for Love, for Engagement, for Wedding, Commemorative, Mourning etc.
Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1917. First edition. Hardcover. Large thick octavo. xviii + 382pp. Red gilt decorated cloth, with gilt tilting to spine, top edge gilt, color frontis w/ tissue guard, two color plates (one with tissue guard), doubletone plates, list of illustrations, index. A huge, wide-ranging study of rings, their symbolism and history, by George Frederick Kunz (1856 – 1932) an American mineralogist and mineral collector who wrote a number of popular books on the esoteric nature of gems, talismans, jewelry etc. This volume, focused exclusively on rings, includes a lengthy chapter on 'Magic and Talismanic Rings,' as well as others on 'The Religious Use of Rings,' 'Rings of Healing,' and much on the folklore and history of rings. Cloth lightly rubbed with some spot fading, a few bumps to rear board, spine darkened and rubbed with some dulling to gilt titling, page edges a bit darkened, pages toned but most "unopened". Thus a tight, clean and unmarked VG+ copy. Scarce in such nice condition. Item #63204
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