[In Latin]

Schmid, Johann Samuel

Commentatio Epistolica de Alrunis Germanorum... 1739

Publisher: Halle Magdeb. Apud. Christ. Ludov. Sympherum, Acad. Typogr.

Octavo. [6.75 x 4 inches] [2], 95pp. (1) i.e. 93pp. [Latin] Very Good

This work gives a history of the Alrunes, from their linguistic origins to the way they were once worshipped. These small wooden or stone figures were carved in the image of the feminine and kept in the home as protective idols, but only if they were treated with respect and cared for as if they were living members of the household. They were believed to bring fortune, fertility, and hidden knowledge, and some warriors are even said to have carried them into battle for strength and protection.

The idea of the Alrune comes out of German and Scandinavian mythology, where they were seen as mystical objects holding the secrets of the world. The Old High German word Alruna means all-secret, and in later centuries the term evolved into Alraune, the German word for mandrake. The mandrake root, often shaped like a human body, carried its own powerful reputation in European folklore. The mandrake was believed to bring fortune or ruin, to stir fertility and desire, and to serve as a potent tool in witchcraft and ritual. Like the Alrunes, mandrakes were thought to bring wealth and magical power to those who possessed them, mystical objects where fear and hope intertwined.

Bound in vellum with paste paper laid over, giving the appearance of a half vellum binding; underneath the paste paper it is all vellum. There is some old handwriting on the front edge near the spine, now illegible. Decorative head- and tailpieces and initial drop caps are found throughout. The engraved frontispiece depicts an Alrune figure, shown from both sides, copied from an original specimen once preserved in the museum of Hermann von der Hardt at the Academia Julia. This links the work to the wider mandrake tradition and its overlapping lore of magical idols and roots. A separate slipped-in paper accompanies the book, containing bibliographic information and extensive pencil notes, likely from a previous dealer.

It is in Very Good condition, with some bumping to the corners, rubbing to the edges of the boards, and very small stains in a few places within the text. A small paper loss is present at the bottom of the title page but does not affect any of the printed text.

$700