Splendor Solis

The World's Most Famous Alchemical Manuscript

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Pub Date 19 Mar 2019 | Archive Date 16 Apr 2019
Watkins | Watkins Publishing

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Description

The only high-quality yet affordable edition available of the classic alchemical manuscript Splendor Solis, described as "the most magnificent treatise on alchemy ever made". Includes up-to-date commentary from experts in the field and a modern translation of the 16th-century text.

A magnificent edition of the Splendor Solis for all those interested in alchemy, magic and mysterious manuscripts. Popularly attributed to the legendary figure Salomon Trismosin, the Splendor Solis ('Splendour of the Sun') is the most beautiful alchemical manuscript ever made, with 22 fabulous illustrations rich in allegorical and mystical symbolism. The paintings are given a fitting showcase in this new Watkins edition, which accompanies them with Joscelyn Godwin's excellent contemporary translation of the original 16th-century German text, as well as interpretation from alchemical experts Stephen Skinner and Georgiana Hedesan, and from Rafal T. Prinke, an authority in central and Eastern European esoteric manuscripts. Stephen Skinner explains the symbolism of both the text and the illustrations, suggesting that together they describe the physical process of the alchemical transmutation of base metal into gold. Rafal T. Prinke explains the theories about the authorship of both text and illustrations, discussing Splendor Solis as the turning point in alchemical iconography passing from the medieval tradition to that of the Baroque and the reasons for the misattribution of Splendor Solis to Poysel and Trismosin. Georgiana Hedesan looks at the legendary figure of Salomon Trismosin and his creation by followers of Theophrastus Paracelsus as part of an attempt to integrate their master in a lineage of ancient alchemical philosophers. The images are taken from the British Library manuscript Harley 3469, the finest example of the Splendor Solis to survive.
The only high-quality yet affordable edition available of the classic alchemical manuscript Splendor Solis, described as "the most magnificent treatise on alchemy ever made". Includes up-to-date...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781786782052
PRICE $33.95 (USD)
PAGES 176

Average rating from 8 members


Featured Reviews

As someone who has recently become fascinated with alchemy, I was excited to read this book. I had not heard of the famous alchemical text 'Splendor Solis' so I was eager to learn more about this elusive piece. This book was a full English translation of 'Splendor Solis' with full colour plates of the artwork included, so it was essentially a concise biography of the manuscript.

'Splendor Solis' was a 16th century piece detailing the Great Work of alchemy- transmuting base materials into the famous Philosopher’s Stone. This book was an in-depth look and modern translation of the original copy. Included was a brief history of 'Splendor Solis,' looking at its revival in the 20th century, and how to properly read this manuscript. Readers should not try to analyze the famous text using psycho-spiritual techniques whereby the scientific and chemical process of alchemy becomes unimportant. I appreciated the authors strong argument for reading 'Splendor Solis' as it is, because at the end of the day, it is a material and physical experience. The history and authorship chapters were fascinating because as with most famous occult texts, the author is unknown. I thought the illustrations of the manuscripts were beautiful and moving and I can understand why it is such an important piece in alchemical history.

Overall as someone fairly new to alchemy, I thought the translations and explanations of the text were fairly easy to understand and I cannot wait to learn more about this beautiful art.

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What a fascinating read! I've always been interested in alchemy and the beautiful alchemical manuscripts that describe this art, so this collection of essays about the 'Splendor Solis' was a really interesting read. Everything is very well-laid out and written accessibly. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different provenances of the information that makes up this text. A super book.

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