A unique Italian copy of the third book of the Picatrix, the 11th century Arabic discourse on ceremonial magic, is valued at $54,378-67,972 ahead of a sale at Bibliopathos Auctions in Verona, Italy.
The lot will cross the block on July 10.
 The Italian translation of the Picatrix is thought to be unique |
The work essentially codifies varying strands of knowledge on the subject of magic and astrology - a taboo subject in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Because of this, all translations of the work from this time are written by hand - the present copy included.
It features a wealth of fascinating treatises, spells and recipes - including the following method for playing with fire: "To touch the fire without burning: take a double mallow and egg white, chopped parsley seed and lime and spruce juice."
"Rub the body or the hand and let it dry out. Repeat the operation. Then you can touch the fire without being burnt."
A Latin edition of two classic Arabic medical texts (Ibn Zuhr's Teisir and Ibn Rushd's Kulliyat) printed in Venice in 1496 could make $47,580-54,378.
This will be the first complete incunable (a book printed in Europe prior to 1501) version of the issue to appear at auction in a century.
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