Rivers of Life: Or Sources and Streams of the Faiths of Man in all Lands; Showing the Evolution of Faiths from the Rudest Symbols to the Latest Spiritual Developments
London: Bernard Quaritch, 1883. First edition, subscriber's copy. 2 vols., 4tos, xli, 568pp and vi, 659, [2]pp. Includes separate, 7.5x2.25' linen-backed folding chart, "A Student's Synchronological Chart of the Religions of the World" in matching slipcase. Vignette illustrations, plates, fold-out maps, charts, errata at rear of vol. II. "Subscriber's copy" written in ink below the publisher's imprint on title page. Presentation copy from the author with a 20x13cm note, 20 lines in Forlong's hand, recto verso, in ink, and signed, attached in old adhesive at the corner to the ffep of volume I. Original green cloth boards lettered in gilt and ruled in black. Some pushing at spine ends and a bit of wear to edges. Library bookplate to front pastedowns of both volumes. Hinges in Vol I only, just starting, else a clean, sound set and very good.
Very intriguing copy of Major General James Forlong's (1824-1904) monumental work of comparative religion, inspired in part by his exposure to Eastern Religions while serving in the Indian Army. The publication was highly controversial due to its inclusion of many sexual and sacrilegious interpretations of symbols and ceremonies. However, the study was revered and oft cited by occultists of the time such as H.P. Blavatsky and Aleister Crowley.
The note from Forlong gives an idea of how few subscriber's copies the author distributed:
"My dear____
I have managed to get you a subscriber's copy 2 vols & chart for £3.10/ which I hope you may have patience to read. I write from the Binders where I found the copy in haste..."
Though other subscriber's copies of this title were issued with a printed designation and without publisher's imprint, this copy clearly came from Forlong. In reading the note, we posit perhaps shortly before the remaining copies of the small print run were put out for sale to the public. In any event, a special copy of this scarce publication of occult significance.
. Item #5635
Price: $3,500.00