A rare first edition of this fascinating work, published in Vichy by Librairie Bouchet-Dreyfus. Under the pseudonym Élie Alta, Georges Bouchet presents an ambitious synthesis of the so-called divinatory sciences: palmistry, phrenology, physiognomy, graphology, symbolism, and religious architecture. More than 450 explanatory illustrations punctuate this mystical essay where science, esotericism, and spirituality converge in a comprehensive vision of humankind and the cosmos. This copy, numbered 98 of 520, printed on glazed vellum, retains its original cover and plates in fine condition.
✦ Provenance: Vichy, Bouchet-Dreyfus Bookstore ✦ Estimated period: 1917 ✦ Dimensions: 25.5 × 16.5 x 5 cm ✦ Material: Glossy vellum paper, original red and black printed cover ✦ Contents: 520 pages, over 450 illustrations ✦ Condition: Good overall condition; spine reinforced, minor rubbing on the margins
A major esoteric work from the beginning of the 20th century, bearing witness to the links between occultism, symbolism and scientific thought of the Belle Époque – ideal for a library of curiosities or a collection of hermetic arts.
