John Middleton — Practical Astrology

London, J C for Richard Preston , 1679. First edition. Leather. An extremely scarce first edition of John Middleton's treatise on practical astrology. ESTC reference no R844.This copy with the signatures: [2], A-S8, T4. Collated, lacking original blanks, all text leaves are present. Occasional contemporary inscriptions to the margins of Chapter 8, 'Of the Terms of Art that Every Student Ought Well to Understand&apos. The former owner has written the terms to the margins to aid them in finding the appropriate section. With the extremely scarce engraved portrait frontispiece, and several in-text woodcut diagrams. A scarce survival, particularly in a complete condition. Middleton's Practical Astrology comprises a complete explanation of traditional horary astrology, with accompanying examples of horary charts. He provides an introduction to the whole art of astrology, and discusses the number and nature of signs, planets and aspects. He also provides several examples of celestial figures and a section on electional astrology. In a slightly later full calf binding. Externally, generally smart. The gilt has faded to the boards. Front hinge is strained but firm. Former owner's bookplate has been excised to the front pastedown. Internally, generally firmly bound. Large closed tear to the gutter of B2, affecting the first few letters to the recto and last few letter to the verso from the 8th line down. Repair to the margin at the fore-edge of L4. Repairs to the final leaf. Small hole to the final leaf. Pages are slightly age toned. Occasional light spots to pages. Very Good . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good .