Trismegistus Christianus seu triplex cultus
Cologne [but Amsterdam]: Cornelis van Egmondt [but Willem Jansz Blaeu], 1634. 24mo. 446, [1] pp. Engraved title and three engraved plates. Contemporary richly gilt brown morocco, panels alike with geometric outer roll around fleur-de-lis field, spine compartments gilt with fleur-de-lis, all edges gilt. Manuscript ownership inscription “Boutin” and ex-libris bookplate of Orleans priest Poirée. A gorgeous copy. Item #18933
Early edition of this mystical emblem book that explores three “cults” within Christianity: the cult of the Saints, the cult of consciousness, and the cult of the body. By using emblematic iconography and philosophical interpretation of scripture, the author manages to morph Hermetic tradition into Christian prescription. Written in the form of a dialogue between the author and young parishioner, the text encourages an ascetic lifestyle dedicated to meditation and reason and shirking vanity and the trappings of wealth. This edition was published under a false imprint because it was printed and distributed in a Catholic country, where the material was liminal at best to a traditional audience.
Jeremias Drexel (1581-1638) was a German Jesuit priest and author of mystical and devotional literature.
Price: $1,650.00