The Real History of the Rosicrucians by A.E. Waite [1887 True First Edition]

The Real History of the Rosicrucians by A.E. Waite

Publication: 1887 George Redway True First Edition

A.E. Waite's exposition on what he regards the 'Real' history of The Rosicrucians. This work was published during a time in which Rosicrucian literature was in high demand. Some original rosicrucian manuscripts were being translated and presented to an English speaking audience for the first time. Thus the history and origin of the mysterious order was of particular interest to many of those curios of its teachings. The work itself is one of the treasured English productions among collectors of Rosicrucian literature. 

This is a True First Edition: the present offering is in the rare first state issue. It was originally published by George Redway in 1887. The first state is easily identifiable by the decorative gilt rose cross along the spine and the 'Redway' imprint which accompanies. The second state binding, which lacks the rose cross, was issued some years later by Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. Paul Trench, Trubner & Co was an amalgamation of three publishing companies which commenced in 1889, that of  Kegan Paul Trench, Trubner & Co, and George Redway. So we know that the Trubner editions could not have been produced prior to 1889. Further, the second state binding were issued with original Redway text blocks containing the 1887 publishing date, thus the confusion on these editions. 

Another rather curious thing to note about this edition is the fact that some versions contain the gilt symbols upside down, and others upright.

Condition: Original bright blue boards decorated gilt on boards and spine, deckled edge pages, corners bumped, spine edges turned in with small tears, spine slightly darkened, center tear 1 inch loss to page 446, small half inch book plate to rear inner board, gilt still very bright, pages clean , binding firm, overall in Very Good condition