Ioannis Indagine - Astrologia Naturalis - 1630
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Specialist in old books, specialising in theological disputes since 1999.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 3,000
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Description from the seller
DESTINY WRITTEN IN THE STARS: NATURAL ASTROLOGY BETWEEN PALMISTRY AND OCCULT SCIENCES
This rare German edition of Ioannes Indagine’s Astrologia Naturalis represents one of the most fascinating syntheses of the divinatory arts spread between the Renaissance and the early Baroque. An enigmatic and influential figure in German esoteric culture, Indagine builds an interpretive system in which astrology, physiognomy, and palmistry converge into a total-reading of man as a microcosm marked by cosmic correspondences. The work reflects a historical moment when medicine, natural magic, and observation of the human body were not yet separate disciplines, but part of the same symbolic vision of the universe. The numerous woodcut illustrations and the ornate engraved apparatus contribute to transforming the volume into an authentic visual laboratory of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century occult.
MARKET VALUE
Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century editions of Ioannes Indagine’s works devoted to astrology, physiognomy, and palmistry are increasingly sought after on the international antique market, especially when complete with illustrations and in uniform bindings. Similar copies, complete and well preserved, generally fetch prices between €1,500 and €4,000, with peaks for particularly fresh copies or those from major European esoteric collections.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Later binding, in antique parchment. Collation: [30], 282 pp. Frontispiece engraved, numerous ornamental initials and an illustrative apparatus consisting of about 88 woodcut figures in the text, together with head- and tail-pieces engraved. Manuscript annotations in ink and pencil on the flyleaves and scattered in the text. Faded stamps on the frontispiece and verso; small hole on pp. 87/88 with minor loss of a few letters. Some marginal creases, light browning, stains. Text and illustrations are sharp; binding is solid. Overall a good copy well preserved. In old books with a long plurisecular history, a few imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Deß hochgelehrten Astronomi Ioannes Indagine Astrologia Naturalis.
Strasbourg, Lazari Zetzners Erben, 1630.
Ioannes Indagine [Johannes von Hagen].
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Johannes Indagine was one of the most celebrated figures of German occultism in the early sixteenth century. His works greatly contributed to the spread of mantical arts in the German-speaking world, at a time when astrology and physiognomy were considered legitimate tools for knowledge of human nature. Astrologia Naturalis represents one of the most complete texts of the genre: the human body is interpreted as a cosmic map in which facial features, hand formations, and celestial configurations become signs to decipher. The work enjoyed enormous editorial fortune for over a century, being reprinted many times in Latin and German. The rich didactic woodcuts contributed to its wide diffusion among physicians, astrologers, alchemists, and seekers of occult sciences.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Johannes Indagine, born Johannes von Hagen (1467–1537), was a theologian, astrologer, Cistercian, and author of some of the most famous treatises on palmistry and physiognomy of the Renaissance in Germany. His works united empirical observation, medieval tradition, and astrological symbolism, profoundly influencing European esoteric culture between the XVI and XVII centuries. He is considered one of the main disseminators of the divinatory arts in German-speaking Europe.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
The work was originally published in the sixteenth century and achieved enormous diffusion thanks to the rising interest in astrology and natural magic. The 1630 edition printed by Lazarus Zetzner’s heirs fits into the prestigious Strasbourg printing milieu, a crucial city for the circulation of Hermetic, alchemical, and Rosicrucian literature in Protestant Europe. Zetzner was indeed one of the most important editors of esoteric texts in the seventeenth century.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
VD17: census of the Strasbourg edition, Lazari Zetzners Erben, 1630.
WorldCat, records of copies held in European and American libraries.
Wellcome Collection Library, sections dedicated to palmistry and physiognomy.
Thorndike, History of Magic and Experimental Science.
Caillet, Manuel bibliographique des sciences psychiques et occultes.
Houzeau & Lancaster, Bibliographie générale de l’Astronomie.
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDESTINY WRITTEN IN THE STARS: NATURAL ASTROLOGY BETWEEN PALMISTRY AND OCCULT SCIENCES
This rare German edition of Ioannes Indagine’s Astrologia Naturalis represents one of the most fascinating syntheses of the divinatory arts spread between the Renaissance and the early Baroque. An enigmatic and influential figure in German esoteric culture, Indagine builds an interpretive system in which astrology, physiognomy, and palmistry converge into a total-reading of man as a microcosm marked by cosmic correspondences. The work reflects a historical moment when medicine, natural magic, and observation of the human body were not yet separate disciplines, but part of the same symbolic vision of the universe. The numerous woodcut illustrations and the ornate engraved apparatus contribute to transforming the volume into an authentic visual laboratory of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century occult.
MARKET VALUE
Sixteenth- and seventeenth-century editions of Ioannes Indagine’s works devoted to astrology, physiognomy, and palmistry are increasingly sought after on the international antique market, especially when complete with illustrations and in uniform bindings. Similar copies, complete and well preserved, generally fetch prices between €1,500 and €4,000, with peaks for particularly fresh copies or those from major European esoteric collections.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Later binding, in antique parchment. Collation: [30], 282 pp. Frontispiece engraved, numerous ornamental initials and an illustrative apparatus consisting of about 88 woodcut figures in the text, together with head- and tail-pieces engraved. Manuscript annotations in ink and pencil on the flyleaves and scattered in the text. Faded stamps on the frontispiece and verso; small hole on pp. 87/88 with minor loss of a few letters. Some marginal creases, light browning, stains. Text and illustrations are sharp; binding is solid. Overall a good copy well preserved. In old books with a long plurisecular history, a few imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description.
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Deß hochgelehrten Astronomi Ioannes Indagine Astrologia Naturalis.
Strasbourg, Lazari Zetzners Erben, 1630.
Ioannes Indagine [Johannes von Hagen].
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Johannes Indagine was one of the most celebrated figures of German occultism in the early sixteenth century. His works greatly contributed to the spread of mantical arts in the German-speaking world, at a time when astrology and physiognomy were considered legitimate tools for knowledge of human nature. Astrologia Naturalis represents one of the most complete texts of the genre: the human body is interpreted as a cosmic map in which facial features, hand formations, and celestial configurations become signs to decipher. The work enjoyed enormous editorial fortune for over a century, being reprinted many times in Latin and German. The rich didactic woodcuts contributed to its wide diffusion among physicians, astrologers, alchemists, and seekers of occult sciences.
BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR
Johannes Indagine, born Johannes von Hagen (1467–1537), was a theologian, astrologer, Cistercian, and author of some of the most famous treatises on palmistry and physiognomy of the Renaissance in Germany. His works united empirical observation, medieval tradition, and astrological symbolism, profoundly influencing European esoteric culture between the XVI and XVII centuries. He is considered one of the main disseminators of the divinatory arts in German-speaking Europe.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
The work was originally published in the sixteenth century and achieved enormous diffusion thanks to the rising interest in astrology and natural magic. The 1630 edition printed by Lazarus Zetzner’s heirs fits into the prestigious Strasbourg printing milieu, a crucial city for the circulation of Hermetic, alchemical, and Rosicrucian literature in Protestant Europe. Zetzner was indeed one of the most important editors of esoteric texts in the seventeenth century.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
VD17: census of the Strasbourg edition, Lazari Zetzners Erben, 1630.
WorldCat, records of copies held in European and American libraries.
Wellcome Collection Library, sections dedicated to palmistry and physiognomy.
Thorndike, History of Magic and Experimental Science.
Caillet, Manuel bibliographique des sciences psychiques et occultes.
Houzeau & Lancaster, Bibliographie générale de l’Astronomie.
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of books
1
Subject
Esotericism
Book title
Astrologia Naturalis
Author/ Illustrator
Ioannis Indagine
Condition
Good
Publication year oldest item
1630
Height
162 mm
Edition
1st Edition Thus, Illustrated Edition
Width
109 mm
Language
German
Original language
Yes
Publisher
Strasburgo, Lazari Zetzners Erben, 1630
Binding/ Material
Vellum
Extras
Tipped in plates
Number of pages
312
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