THE HAND-BOOK OF ASTROLOGY; BY WHICH EVERY QUESTION OF THE FUTURE, ON WHICH THE MIND IS ANXIOUS, MAY BE TRULY ANSWERED
Book Details + Condition: G. Berger (London). Very scarce First Edition of Volume I from 1861, which is a stand-alone book as it contains separate subject matter and is not dependent on Volume II, as explained in the author's Preface to the “second” volume. Also noted at the end: “Vol II, containing all the Doctrines of Nativities and Mundane Astrology, will be published in 1862”. By Zadkiel (Richard James Morrison). Hardcover with embossed boards and gilt swastika and title to front. 130 pages, with illustrations. Contents include: The Signs of the Zodiac, and of the Motion of the Sun, Moon and Planets, etc; Influence of Saturn; Influence of Mars; and much more. An Appendix of Astrological Lexicon, and Tables of Houses are included at the end of the book. Please see below for more information on Zadkiel, his work and influence. Firm binding; rubbed corners and edges; wear to boards; toned pages; interior is clean and free of markings.
The contemporary revival of interest in astrology reversed a trend that saw astrology almost disappear from Western culture by the end of the eighteenth century. Richard James Morrison was one of the fundamental Astrologers responsible for its return with his core foundational books most notably, The Hand Book of Astrology, which is still used to this day. Morrison was born on June 15, 1795, in London. He joined the navy at the age of 11 and rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1815 during the Napoleonic wars. He retired in 1817, still a young man. He became interested in astrology through R.C. Smith, better known under his pen name, Raphael. Morrison adopted the pen name Zadkiel and began an astrological almanac, The Herald of Astrology.
