First complete edition of one of the most important works on magic and the occult from the 16th century, considered to be "the indispensable handbook of Renaissance 'Magia' and 'Cabala'" (Yates). The beautifully illustrated work systematically maps the cosmos and explains the connections between the different parts, to teach the reader to manipulate it to their advantage. The work is predominantly Neoplatonic and discusses many different types of magical theory, combining the natural magic of Marsilio Ficino (1433-1499) with the cabalist magic of Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463-1494). It consists of three books, which correspond to the three worlds of the cabalists: elemental, celestial or mathematical, and intellectual. The first book is about natural magic, which can be found in the elemental world. It explains how to arrange substances in accordance with the occult sympathies between them to operate the magic. It also deals with the magical properties of the human mind, soul, and words. The second book discusses the symbolism and virtues of numbers and letters, and how to attract and use the influence of the stars. This part contains beautiful woodcut illustrations of the proportions of the human body, which are strongly reminiscent of Da Vinci's Vitruvian man. The third book is about ceremonial or religious magic and sets out schemes for reaching angels and spirits. Here it becomes clear that the work is based on Christian Kabbalah, as it leads up to the name of Jesus as the final mystery.
Henricus Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim (1486-1535), a cabalistic philosopher, was one of the most colourful figures of the 16th century. His adventurous life, legendary already during his lifetime, well suited his paradoxical way of thinking. He studied, taught and worked in Germany, the Low Countries, England, France and Italy, but never stayed anywhere long, as he got into trouble wherever he went. Failing to hold a teaching position permanently, he started working as a physician, although he had no medical degree. He became a physician to the mother of the French King, Louise de Savoy (1476-1531), and in 1528 he was appointed historian to Charles V (1500-1558), to whom the present work is dedicated. Agrippa was fairly influential during his lifetime due to his works, and his correspondence with many learned men all throughout Western Europe.
With the black morocco bookplate of Haven O'More mounted on the front pastedown, contemporary annotations in the margins throughout. The edges and corners of the boards are scuffed, the leather has somewhat cracked around the edges, the bindings has been restored, and the end papers have been replaced in the 18th century. Part of the title-page, possibly containing an indication of a previous owner has been removed and subsequently repaired with paper, without affecting the text. The title-page shows some offsetting of the previous end leaf made of 14th or 15th-century manuscript waste, the work is lightly browned throughout with occasional water stains in the margins, a small tear in the lower margin of page LXIX, a horizontal tear in the lower margin of pages CLXXXVI and CLXXXVII, and the outer margin of page CLXXXVII, slightly affecting the text, lacking the final blank leaf, as usual. Otherwise in good condition. BMC German, p. 11; Caillet 93; Durling I, 70; Ferguson, p. 12; Mayer, Bio-bibliography of XVI. century medical authors, 230.1; USTC 661971 (3 copies); VD 16 ZV 15702; Wellcome I, 91; cf. Thorndike V, pp. 127-138; Walker, Spiritual and demonic magic, pp. 90-96; Yates, The occult philosophy in the Elizabethan age, pp. 37-47.