SIGN LANGUAGE OF THE MYSTERIES, J.S.M. Ward Ltd Ed 1000, 1928 2 Vols FREEMASONRY

  THE SIGN LANGUAGE OF THE MYSTERIES — With 136 Rare Illustrations from Sources Ranging from the Ancient Egyptians to the American Indians — By J.S.M. Ward, Limited Edition of 1000, 1928 in Two Volumes —Freemasonry and Secret Societies

 Publisher: The Baskerville Press, London (1928)

Scarce two-volume, limited edition set from 1928 of THE SIGN LANGUAGE OF THE MYSTERIES, in well preserved condition. With 136 rare illustrations from sources ranging from the Ancient Egyptians to the American Indians. The boards and binding are solid and tight save some some light shelf-wear. The pages are crisp and clean save for crossed-out name in marker of previous owner on the first blank pages of both volumes. Otherwise, pages are crisp and clean. This was the first rigorous scholarship to explore the hidden symbolism in hand gestures and body positions used by Freemasonry, cults, priesthoods and other secret societies. Please see below for a partial listing of the contents of each volume. Volume I: 120 pages; Volume II: 245 pages; both volumes illustrated throughout.

Volume 1 Partial Contents:

 Introduction to a study of the ancient sign language
 Certain Sign languages survive today
Existence of Mantric signs
World-wide distribution of Mantric signs
 Signs connected with certain occult centers, the throat
 Signs connected with other occult centers such as the heart
 Signs connected with solar plexus
 Signs connected with the head, sign of distress 
Widespread use of the sign of distress 
Sign connected with head, sign of exultation
Sign of reverence
 Signs connected with the nose and mouth
 Sign of horror and shows how it is closely connected with death
 Signs connected with the hands and shoulders

Volume 2 Partial Contents:

Sign of Resignation
Sign of heaven and earth
 Saint and sinner alike use the sign of regret
 Sign of completion and examples of its use
Numerous miscellaneous signs
 Shows how the sign language links the ancient mysteries with the modern world
 Schedule of Mantric signs