Curiosities of Occult Literature [Heavily Annotated by the Author]

London: Arthur Hall, Smart, and Allen, 1863. First edition. 8vo, xi, [xii], [1], 2-275, [1]pp plus 2 plates at rear. Frontis of the Sphinx and Pyramids. Interleaved with 27 pages of handwritten notes and sketches by the author. Additionally heavily annotated throughout on blank versos and in margins by Cooke. Original publisher's blind stamped, pebbled brown cloth with gilt lettering on spine. Edges of boards a bit toned and bumped, a few instances of marginal staining. Faded inscription, likely from Cooke on ffep. Generally sound and clean and near fine.

One of an unknown number of specially bound, manuscript "M.S.S." copies of lawyer/astrologer (truncated) Christopher Cooke's curious autobiographical book dealing with the occult sciences.  The book was published in 1863, but Cooke retained a supply of the sheets and later had them interleaved and bound, adding his own manuscript writing to each.  There is generally thought to be some overlap in the writing, though each copy does contain unique elements.  The notes range from natal charts to notes on lectures and horoscopes to sketches of figures, faces, and even a map.  

Cooke was a lawyer for and close friend of astrologer, Richard James Morrison (1795-1874), better known as Zadkiel.  Much of the writing in this book details their relationship, failed business doings, involvement in occult movements of the time, and defense of fellow astrologers from imprisonment for fortune telling.  The rather eccentric and varied work also includes information on a trip to America, including experiences in the Spiritualist movement; discussions on crystals and scrying; a general defense of astrology; a discourse on astronomy; and much more.


While several are present in libraries, manuscript editions of this book are seldom encountered in the trade.  A very nice copy of this fascinating and scarce 19th century work on the occult and astrology, which is deserving of further study both in content of manuscript and bibliographical history.  

Not in Gardner.. (Inventory #: 6646)