Alchemy, the quest for the Philosopher's Stone, has been an "alternative" strand in the development European culture since antiquity. By the 17th century, the complex pictorial language of symbols which encoded its theories and secrets had reached a highpoint of elaboration and sophistication. With the spread of printing, the iconography of alchemy began to flower as never before. This text presents a selection of alchemical illustrations reproduced from originals contained in obscure works from the shelves of research libraries around the world. The author (son of the artist Balthus), investigates the origins of this visual tradition, interprets the symbols and provides information on the authors, publishers, patrons and engravers of these "hermetick emblems" and "hieroglyphicall figures".
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Book Description
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About the Author
Stanislas Klossowski de Rola is the author of Alchemy: The Secret Art.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful reference!,
This review is from: The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century (Paperback)
As outside, so within, one might say. The construction of the book itself is sturdy and handsome, and no doubt able to deal with the occasional spilled alembic. Me, I got some coffee on it. It still looks good. Excellent qualifications for home-library fare.But the *contents*. Good heavens. I was expecting page after page of illustrations with small-text captions. I bought it with an eye toward obscure imagery; I got it, but as an unexpected bonus there is a *wealth* of material explaining what it all means, and the sources, and the authors in whose works it appeared originally, and relevant snippets therefrom. Glorious! In addition to the images (and there are a great many, scrupulously reproduced and diverse, never fear) there is supplemental text on the history of the imagery and--among other things--why the 'hieroglyphics' of alchemy had such appeal to for alchemists and for the world of these illustrations' time. There are woodcuts, ink drawings, engravings and a few other media for the plates themselves. All look clear, or at least true to the original artist's shortcomings. Kings, queens, lions, baths, ovens, snakes, eggs, phoenixes and the like abound. That's not all, certainly: be assured that there are also rarer devices included. If I had it on my lap at the moment, I could blow the rest of my available space here with them. You will be satisfied with the breadth of the material, I'm certain. It's *such* a good book to have. It stimulates both eyes and brain. Artists will draw inspiration from it, and the more scholarly folks will find it a gracious and sage read. I got it both ways. Lucky me.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable Collection,
This review is from: The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century (Paperback)
This volume is easily the most complete and well organized collection of Alchemical images ever published. The author begins with an incredibly insightful explanation and history of both the origin and meaning of hieroglyphics, and concisely explicates how these engravings are a natural intellectual evolution of the original Egyptian concept of pictorial language, one much more adept for conveying immense knowledge than written verse. And he does not rely solely on his own voice for this: crucial passages from the most relevant philosophers and scholars throughout history punctuate his discourse frequently to give the reader the most thorough explanation possible. He then trails into a brief history of how these collections first became available from a few dedicated publishers until they blossomed into a popular Hermetic movement, one that was responsible for the majority of the images contained within this book. Curiously, he ends his introduction with an incredibly cryptic passage on the Quest for the Philosophers Stone, rife with innuendo and subtle symbolism, an allusion which I am not fortunate enough to decipher. The images themselves are presented chronologically, showing the original Latin, German, etc., prefaces with English translations immediately below. A short biography of both the author and circumstances surrounding the publication of their respective work is also listed faithfully, followed by the plates themselves in consecutive original order. At least a paragraph explaining the most obvious of the plates symbolism provided in the form of footnotes is given as well. There is no detail that escapes the authors eye, and he specifically tells how they relate to Alchemical process, once again adding commentary from other learned minds where relevant. It is obvious that this was an intense labor on Mr. DeRolas part, a product of many years spent honing an incredible grasp of the craft which he has so competently brought to us. What is also obvious from the authors elusive admission is that Alchemy is not solely a process for the transmutation of metals so much as it is a purification of ones soul. This book is not an end all definitive manual for such things. Despite the authors profound understanding of this philosophy, he does not eagerly impart unto us the deeper meaning of alchemy. He remains quite prudent, but not selfish; within the text he gives many clues about how to penetrate the surface of this transcendentalism. Youll find many references such as One would be wise to pay close attention to this part of the frame, or The learned man should look past the obvious theme of this symbol. In essence, this work will provide the most comprehensive reference of Alchemical engravings available short of an expensive trip to Europes most hallowed libraries. On a deeper level, Mr. DeRola lends a wise hand that may guide the more intuitive mind past tired folklore and into the realm that the most proficient Hermetic intellects strove to inhabit. An indispensable work, invaluably resourceful and seamlessly crafted.
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Important Alchemical Compilation,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Golden Game: Alchemical Engravings of the Seventeenth Century (Paperback)
If you are interested in alchemical iconography this book will not disappoint. Ninety-nine percent of the book contains reproductions of engravings from alchemical works published in the 17th century. Also they are not the teeny-tiny pictures you find in a lot of other books on the subject.The softcover edition (Thames & Hudson) is printed in Slovenia on glossy paper. The hardcover editions (Thames & Hudson/George Braziller) are both printed in the German Democratic Republic on what appears to be acid-free cream-colored paper. The reproductions look slightly better in the softcover edition printed in Slovenia. Perhaps because the glossy paper provides a higher contrast. Or it could be that it was just printed better. (I think the German Democratic Republic in 1988 could have been the former East Germany.) The George Braziller hardcover just slightly edges out the Thames & Hudson hardcover. Although some people might say the quality of the reproductions look the same. None of the reproductions (which are probably photolithography) can compare to the original metal plates. Just look at the detail in any 100 to 200 year old book and you will see what I'm talking about. Be that as it may I highly recommend this book. This is an important compilation of Alchemical art. Normally you would have to purchase many books to acquire what is contained in this one. Buy it before its gone; before you have to purchase a beat-up used copy, or an expensive out-of-print hardcover.
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