MYSTERIES OF THE HAND REVEALED AND EXPLAINED PALMISTRY PALM READING

1879. CAMPBELL, Robert Allen. PHILOSOPHIC CHIROMANCY. MYSTERIES OF THE HAND REVEALED AND EXPLAINED. Illustrated. Saint Louis: J.W. Campbell & Co., 1879. 12mo., green cloth, stamped in gilt with title & large hand on the front cover; 293 pages. First Edition. A very rare book on palmistry by an author who was a favorite among the Illuminati and Freemasons. Campbell's works are referenced in various Illuminati and occultist studies, particularly his book "Phallic Worship," published in 1887- a study of the phallic idea on religious creeds, ceremonies, customs and symbolisms. Another one of his popular books among the Illuminati is "Our Flag: The Evolution of the Stars And Stripes"- citing the mysterious origins of our nation's first flag. Campbell was involved in the founding of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor and made many contributions to the Materialistic School of Palmistry, while dismissing Astral Theory Palmistry. A rare title! Signed presentation from Campbell on the title page: "Mrs. Cora W. Slusser with kind regards of The Author. R.A.C. 2/7/80." Also with a postage stamp-like sticker bearing a photograph of a bearded man, presumably the author, tipped below the presentation. I have been unable to locate any other copies of this particular book or any other examples of Campbell's signature. There are a few, light pencil notes on two pages of text and I have left them intact & unerased. Thus, very rare! Good condition (gilt on front cover bright but with some scattered spotting to covers; few tiny tears to the edge of a few pages professionally repaired using clear, archival tape; bit of wear along exterior front hinge, contents clean & tight; light & shallow dampstain to top of the front endpapers; two pages stubs at rear gutter of text that may be done in binding process or perhaps two pages of advertisements were excised). $1,750.00.