First edition of this influential treatise on the "rational" investigation of the supernatural, written by the most important German theosophist of the late 18th century.
Karl von Eckartshausen (1752–1803), the illegitimate son of the Count of Haimbhausen, occupied a unique position in the history of Western Esotericism. While serving publicly as a Bavarian Censor and archivist, tasked with suppressing the Illuminati and "superstitious" literature, he was privately a Christian mystic and alchemist. His best-known work, The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary, became a foundational text for the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
In this work (Sammlung der merkwürdigsten Visionen), Eckartshausen attempts to bridge the gap between Enlightenment skepticism and the rising tide of Romantic spiritualism. The book collects numerous case studies of hauntings, apparitions, and visions, but importantly includes "Instructions on how to investigate and judge such incidents reasonably" (Nebst einer Anweisung...). Eckartshausen argues that while many "ghosts" are frauds or optical illusions (phantasmagoria), a residue of genuine spiritual phenomena exists that can be verified through careful, quasi-scientific observation.
The frontispiece depicts this tension visually, often illustrating a scene of spectral visitation that invites the reader to decide: is it a spirit, or a trick of the light?
Excellent condition. Internally shows spotting (foxing) in places, which is typical for Munich imprints of this period. The frontispiece and title page are somewhat browned. The title page has been professionally repaired/backed in the lower outer corner (hinterlegt), likely to reinforce a chip or tear. A solid copy of a scarce first edition.
Eckartshausen, Karl von. Sammlung der merkwürdigsten Visionen, Erscheinungen, Geister- und Gespenstergeschichten. (Collection of the Most Remarkable Visions, Apparitions, Ghost and Spectre Stories). München (Munich): Lindauer, 1792. Format: 8vo. Collation: [14] 243 [2]. Complete with engraved frontispiece. Reference: Graesse, Bibliotheca Magica et Pneumatica 92. Edition: First Edition (Erste Ausgabe).
First edition of this influential treatise on the "rational" investigation of the supernatural, written by the most important German theosophist of the late 18th century.
Karl von Eckartshausen (1752–1803), the illegitimate son of the Count of Haimbhausen, occupied a unique position in the history of Western Esotericism. While serving publicly as a Bavarian Censor and archivist, tasked with suppressing the Illuminati and "superstitious" literature, he was privately a Christian mystic and alchemist. His best-known work, The Cloud Upon the Sanctuary, became a foundational text for the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
In this work (Sammlung der merkwürdigsten Visionen), Eckartshausen attempts to bridge the gap between Enlightenment skepticism and the rising tide of Romantic spiritualism. The book collects numerous case studies of hauntings, apparitions, and visions, but importantly includes "Instructions on how to investigate and judge such incidents reasonably" (Nebst einer Anweisung...). Eckartshausen argues that while many "ghosts" are frauds or optical illusions (phantasmagoria), a residue of genuine spiritual phenomena exists that can be verified through careful, quasi-scientific observation.
The frontispiece depicts this tension visually, often illustrating a scene of spectral visitation that invites the reader to decide: is it a spirit, or a trick of the light?
Excellent condition. Internally shows spotting (foxing) in places, which is typical for Munich imprints of this period. The frontispiece and title page are somewhat browned. The title page has been professionally repaired/backed in the lower outer corner (hinterlegt), likely to reinforce a chip or tear. A solid copy of a scarce first edition.
Eckartshausen, Karl von. Sammlung der merkwürdigsten Visionen, Erscheinungen, Geister- und Gespenstergeschichten. (Collection of the Most Remarkable Visions, Apparitions, Ghost and Spectre Stories). München (Munich): Lindauer, 1792. Format: 8vo. Collation: [14] 243 [2]. Complete with engraved frontispiece. Reference: Graesse, Bibliotheca Magica et Pneumatica 92. Edition: First Edition (Erste Ausgabe).
