4 vols. xxiiii, [2] 269, [7], 301, [20], [1]; [8], 195, [34], [3], 120, 160, 32; [4], 507, [27], 37; [10], 297, [3], 218, [8], 156 pp. With 23 (of 25?) copper-engraved plates, 2 of them double-page (1 hand-colored), and 4 with overlays (including one of the double-page plates). (4to) 30.5x23.5 cm. (12x9¼"), later full calf.
Important English edition of the works of Jacob Behmen, or Boehme, 1575-1624, a German theosophist and mystic who had a profound influence across Europe and into England, where his followers and adherents included Isaac Newton. This excellent edition is especially noteworthy for its famous plates by William Law, several of which have marvelous overlays, when lifted revealing the makeup of the human anatomy and soul. The colored plate is cabalistic and astrological in nature. The half-title is present in the fourth volume, the other volumes seem not to have been issued with half-titles. This copy without the engraved portrait frontispiece, not found in all copies. Pages entirely untrimmed and largely unopened.
Condition:
Spines detached, one spine lacking; dampstain to top half of pages throughout first volume, smaller dampstaining in lower margin of other volumes; penciled markings and marginal notations throughout; internally very good, would benefit from binding restoration or replacement. Rare.