Bareste (Eugène

Bareste (Eugène, Attributed to). Memoirs and Prophecies of the Little Red Man, by a Sibyl. From Saint Bartholomew's Day to the Night of Times. Paris, Aubert et Cie and Lavigne, 1843. 1843 edition, with original covers bearing the inscription “2nd edition.” 1 softcover volume, untrimmed, 126 pages, illustrated with 8 plates hors texte, all present. Publisher's covers printed in red, framed by a decorative border. Curious work of 19th-century esoteric and prophetic literature, published anonymously under the pseudonym “Une Sibylle” and attributed to Eugène Bareste (1814-1861), writer and journalist, also known for his studies on Nostradamus. Dedicated to the legendary Little Red Man of the Tuileries, a mysterious figure whose appearances were said to have foretold political upheavals and the misfortunes of French sovereigns. The work develops a universe of historical prophecies, magical evocations, cabalistic traditions and supernatural beliefs, from the Wars of Religion to the author's contemporary era. The introduction examines invisible geniuses and intelligences in ancient, Christian and Eastern traditions. The text notably mentions Zoroaster, the hierophants, the elemental spirits and the mythologies of India. It also reproduces a song by Béranger dedicated to the Little Red Man. Interesting fantastical iconography, including eight hors-texte engravings depicting scenes of a supernatural character. Bibliographic note: the cover bears “2e édition,” while the title page, dated 1843, contains no edition statement. (Reissue of the first edition) Copy preserved in its period binding, with its printed covers, a condition appreciable for this type of publication. Significant foxing and stains on the covers, minor marginal defects, some internal browning; overall still satisfactory. Small old pencil annotation on the title. Little-known work, of interest to collections devoted to occultism, prophecies, Romantic marvels and Napoleonic legends.

Estimate:£167.51

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