Confessions of an English Opium-Eater

[Thomas De Quincey]

1823

Taylor and Hessey

Second Edition

Description:

De Quincey's most notable work detailing both the pleasures and terrors of drug addiction.

Published anonymously, originally in The London Magazine, De Quincey recounts his early life as an impoverished runaway in London and his subsequent reliance on laudanum, initially taken to alleviate severe stomach pains but eventually transforming into a consuming 10 year long dependency. Rare Second Edition.

Condition:

Fair Condition. Bound in plain blue boards with brown paper to spine. New end papers. Without half title. Rough-cut edges. Contents are tanned and foxed. 6 pages of ads to rear. Gathering B2 in slightly loose, otherwise binding is firm. Boards have some slight staining with mark to front board. Moderate edge-wear with bumping to corners.

The Pictorial Key to the Tarot: Being Fragments of a Secret Tradition Under the Veil of Divination

A.E. Waite

[1910]

William Rider & Son Limited

First Edition

8vo

Description:

The rare, first edition of this essential work on tarot & symbolism.

This first edition was released in 1910 and bears a 1911 date on the title page, as do all other first issues. Issued alongside the Rider–Waite–Smith tarot deck, this work highlights the collaboration between author A.E. Waite and illustrator Pamela "Pixie" Smith, both prominent members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Driven by a commitment to symbolic precision, Waite conducted extensive research into the history and traditions of Western occultism to inform the deck's design. The text serves as the foundational guide for the symbolism developed by Waite and Smith for their revolutionary deck, which remains the most commonly used today, featuring 78 of Smith's plates accompanied by Waite's detailed explanations.

Condition:

Very Good Condition. Orange Cloth with gilt vignette and lettering to front board. Binding is firm. Pages have light spotting. Slight offsetting to end papers. Boards are clean with slight bumping to edges. Spine is lightly dulled with slight marking to tail and mid spine.

A Commentary upon the Third Book of Moses, Called Leviticus

Symon Lord Bishop of Ely [Simon Patrick 1626-1707]

1698

Ri Chiswell

Small 4to

Description:

Written by Symon Patrick, the Bishop of Ely, this book provides a clear and thorough guide to the laws and ceremonies found in the biblical book of Leviticus. The text explains the meaning behind the ancient rules and religious duties of the time, making the complex lessons of the Old Testament easier for readers in the late seventeenth century to understand.

Condition:

Very Good Condition. Brown calf binding with gilt panelling to boards. Binding is firm and contents are clean. Slight trimming to top-edge. Wonderful 17th century marble end papers and armorial plate of Vanhattem of Dinton Hall, Bucks to front pastedown. Boards have some notable shelf-wear to boards and some bumping to corners causing slight peeling to leather edges. Lettering has faded to spine. Slight loss to spine tail (1cm). A very nice copy overall.