Item Details
Secrets of Life Unveiled, or Book of Fate.
St. Louis, MO: Shafer & Co., 1877. First Edition. Publisher's Cloth. A very scarce compedium of occult science, as well as, an interdisclipinary collection of divine science of the natural world world for influences of behavior and etiquette. The book includes a chapter on, "The Art of Beautifying, or Secrets of the Toliet" combines secret behaviors of 'charming' for flirtation and attraction influence, for example there is a section on handerchief, glove, fan, and parasol fliration, in addition to letter writing and telegrams. There have been many modern day references to “the language of the fan” in history, and it has been suggested that women used to communicate secretly to their love interests through the fluttering of these instruments. Daniel Shafer's version of this fan language in his book, Secrets of Life Unveiled (1877). While this demonstrates published evidence of a “language of the fan” in circulation, this confirms an early reference to glamour and fashion magic, perhaps more than leisure parlour reading for women. The title at the front continues: "For inquirers, both old and young...Male and Female, Single and Married, the Curious and Thoughtful, for Thinkers, Lovers of the Lost Arts, for Believers in the Divine Science of Natural and Celestial Magic, Dreams, Omens, Spells, Charms Enchantments, Incantations, Etc,." Extremely scarce in any condition, in general, as this is a handbook, unlikely to find a better copy unhandled. Very Good+. Lightly starting hinges, but complete and intact. Chipping at extremities with light dampstaining to spine with minimal exposure at corners; minor loss to head and tail; scuffing to rear boards. Minor spotting to endpapers, and light annotation by former owner, else interior unmarked. Publisher's brown cloth stamped with decorative and gilt, brown endpapers. 8vo. 446pp+2pp. Illus. (b/w, adverts.). Item #12987
Price: $1,400.00