![MAIER, Michael (1568-1622). Arcana arcanissima hoc est hieroglyphica Ægyptio-Græca. [London: Thomas Creede, 1614].](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2017/CKS/2017_CKS_14298_0118_000(maier_michael_arcana_arcanissima_hoc_est_hieroglyphica_aegyptio-graeca042631).jpg?w=1)
Details
MAIER, Michael (1568-1622). Arcana arcanissima hoc est hieroglyphica Ægyptio-Græca. [London: Thomas Creede, 1614].
Small 4° (177 x 131mm). Engraved title, woodcut head- and tailpieces, initials. (Lacks engraved dedication, verso of final page soiled and small area of margin torn away, first few leaves a little waterstained, a few leaves with a little soiling.) 18th-century sprinkled calf, spine decorated gilt in compartments with floral motifs, morocco lettering-piece (light waterstaining along joints). Provenance: a few old marginalia and underlining – the Earls of Macclesfeld (bookplate, sold at Sotheby’s 30 October 2007, lot 3631).
FIRST EDITION OF MAIER’S FIRST WORK, ‘an interpretation of Greek and Roman mythology from the alchemical point of view’ (Duveen). Published without an imprint, Duveen and STC differ on the place of publication; Duveen lists Oppenheim whereas STC quotes London. STC records another issue where the title is dated 1614. This copy lacks the dedication leaf which is usually engraved but some copies contain simply an engraved border or stamped dedication. Duvven p. 380; STC 17196.5.
Small 4° (177 x 131mm). Engraved title, woodcut head- and tailpieces, initials. (Lacks engraved dedication, verso of final page soiled and small area of margin torn away, first few leaves a little waterstained, a few leaves with a little soiling.) 18th-century sprinkled calf, spine decorated gilt in compartments with floral motifs, morocco lettering-piece (light waterstaining along joints). Provenance: a few old marginalia and underlining – the Earls of Macclesfeld (bookplate, sold at Sotheby’s 30 October 2007, lot 3631).
FIRST EDITION OF MAIER’S FIRST WORK, ‘an interpretation of Greek and Roman mythology from the alchemical point of view’ (Duveen). Published without an imprint, Duveen and STC differ on the place of publication; Duveen lists Oppenheim whereas STC quotes London. STC records another issue where the title is dated 1614. This copy lacks the dedication leaf which is usually engraved but some copies contain simply an engraved border or stamped dedication. Duvven p. 380; STC 17196.5.
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