15th Mar, 2019 10:30 GMT/BST

Books, Maps & Ephemera

 
Lot 163
 

163

Raphael pseud. [Smith, Robert Cross] Raphael's Witch!!! or the Oracle of the Future. William...

Raphael pseud. [Smith, Robert Cross]
Raphael's Witch!!! or the Oracle of the Future. William Charlton Wright, Paternoster Row, 1839. 8vo, blue cloth, spine with printed paper label; pp. [1-5], 6-148, [1]-4 (inserted music), 149-198, [2 (catalogue); large folding hand-coloured eng. frontis., eng. title, large folding hand-coloured plate all by R. Cruikshank and the author, tables to text. Fourth ed.
Raphael was the pseudonym for Robert Cross Smith, astrologer and publisher. Under the dramatic name Merlinus Anglicus Junior he produced astrological periodicals which were a major part of the 19th-century revival of astrology. He edited the first weekly astrology journal and managed the neat marketing trick of casting astrology as an exclusive and learned practice whilst simultaneously offering to induct the general public into the secret. His later almanac (The Prophetic Messenger) continued after his death as Raphael's Ephemeris, and it became a standard work in the field. It popularised the Placidian system of astrological houses and has had a huge influence to this day. This work was a drawing-room, bringing fortune telling to the dinner party and promising to "remove ennui and low spirits, by cheering the heart - brightening the ideas, and alluring to virtue, happiness, and bliss".
Not Sold

 

. Binding scuffed and marked, some foxing and spotting internally but a very good copy of a rare book.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Books, Maps & Ephemera, 15th Mar, 2019

Books, Maps & Ephemera

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch. 

YOUR DETAILS

ITEM DETAILS

Upload images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


CONFIRM & SUBMIT