The Brotherhood of the Rosy Cross by A.E. Waite (1924 First Edition)
Publication: 1924 William Rider & Son; London First Edition
Very nice copy of a magnificently produced and important book, Sixteen full page illustrations, hand cut pages, elaborate gold gilt decorated boards. According to Golden Dawn and Waite scholar R. A. Gilbert: "Waite's study is, even now, the only significant historical work in English on the Rosicrucian movement of the 17th century and its successors." It includes a short section on the formative years of the Golden Dawn, accompanied by a reproduction of one of the pages of the "Cipher Manuscripts." Curiously Waite makes no direct mention of his own involvement in the Golden Dawn, nor the successor groups the Independent and Rectified Rite and Fellowship of the Rosy Cross.
Condition:
Large octavo. Original crimson boards with elaborately gilt spine and front board; gilt remains bright. Binding tight, evenly toned, with scattered foxing throughout. Pages clean and free of markings. Former owner bookplate on rear pastedown. Bottom edge of the front board damaged (see photo). Overall Very Good.