777. Vel Prolegomena Symbolica Ad Systemam Sceptico-Mysticae Viae Explicandae, Fundamentum Hieroglyphicum Sanctissimorum Scientiae Summae.
London: Walter Scott Publishing, 1909. First Edition. Hardcover, Octavo, x pp + (ii pp loosely inserted errata) + 54pp + (iv. pp adverts). Original red buckram, bevelled edges. Edition limited to 500 copies. Complete with the detachable subscription form for "The Equinox" bound in at the rear of the volume plus a facsimile of the rare Tree of Life diagram with additional errata on the verso.
The first edition of Crowley's often reprinted Qabalistic compendium: one of the classics of twentieth century occultism. Yorke 57. There was no dust jacket issued as such with this book, although a few copies have been seen in a plain paper or glassine protective wrappers in which they were apparently sent out by the publisher, but which were evidently intended to be discarded by the bookseller or purchaser. A nicely-aged facsimile of the Tree of Life diagram / additional errata sheet is included. Originals are frequently absent as being loosely inserted the sheet was often lost.
Modest overall shelf-wear to the boards: cloth at head and tail of spine frayed and a little faded, a touch of bruising to the points, and a few light bumps to the edges. Lower spine and small patch of front board have a dark shadow where a shelf-label was removed. The endpapers are unevenly browned, as is always the case with this edition. Pages have a little very pale browning, a few modest dog-ears and a few tiny chips to page edges. Hinges NOT cracked; binding strong and square. Definitely shows some signs of time and use, but still a solid, about VG+ copy of an increasingly hard-to-find first edition of one of Crowley's most important works. Additional charges to cover delivery insurance and/or signature may be requested - the exact amount depending on destination. Item #74696
Price: $1,650.00