farfel_n03_157_207

207
Sept 85
Brattle Book Shop
Boston, Mass. (See #204)
-

Chaucer, Geoffrey
The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Colophon dated May 8, 1896.
Hammersmith: June 26, 1896. William Morris.
Here is ended the Marchantes Tale of Januarie.
Here Bigynneth The Squieses Tale. p151-2
pages 4, 554. 26 large initial words designed for the book by W. Morris.
Teh Kelmscott Press was at 1st installed, on 12 Jan. 1891, in a
cottage at 16, Upper Mall, Hammersmith, but was later moved to
larger premises in Sussex House, next door to its original home.
After the death of Morris, the Kelmscott Press was continued
for awhile by Sydney Cockerell + F.S. Ellis, ceasing publication
in 1898. The total number of books was 52 in 66 volumes.

J.F. Matanus was born in Sicily + flourished there during the 1st half of the 4th C
He was especially known for his work in judicial astrology + between 334+337,
this most comprehensive textbook of astrology of ancient time was composed
by him. Ancient astrology apparently 1st started in Chaldee at the head of
the Persian Gulf now known as Iraq. At 1st astrology was only available to
the well to do, because of the necessary computations were complicated +
difficult under the old calendar. The Julian calendar reform of 46 BC
changed this. The sun now entered - new sign of the Zodiac, usually
the 25th of the month, the moon was easily observable, + the planets
were assigned each to a day of the week.
Firmicus flourished during the reign of Constantine the Great who ruled the
Roman empire from 306-337. his observations cover a wide range of
public life + other human activity. In allusion to military affairs generals are
mentioned twice as often as mere soldiers. 30 passages in the work have to
do with public finance. Religion receives much less spare than politics. There
are no clear references to Christianity, but few particular cults are mentioned.
Various professions + trades are mentioned frequently 68 passages
refer to judicial punishment. He devotes as much space to lust + vice as to
religion. Forecasts of well being are grouped under several heads,
happiness (felix or falicitas) wealth, honor + fame.