C.G. Jung | VII Sermones ad Mortuos, first edition in English, 1925

[C.G. Jung, trans. H.G. Baynes]

VII Sermones ad Mortuos: The Seven Sermons to the Dead written by Basilides in Alexandria, the City where the East Toucheth the West. Privately Printed [Edinburgh: Neill & Co. for John M. Watkins], 1925

FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, THE TRANSLATOR'S COPY, 8vo, red ruled margins and rubrication throughout, 28 pages, original vellum boards with upper cover letters in gilt ("VII Sermones ad Mortuos"), some scratching and staining

The Seven Sermons to the Dead was the only part of Jung's Red Book that had any circulation in Jung's lifetime. It was first published in 1916 with this English translation following in 1925, but both editions were published by the author for private circulation to friends and trusted acolytes. Jung also hid his own authorship behind the Classical Gnostic author Basilides of Alexandria. 

Jung entrusted translation of this key work to Helton Godwin Baynes (1882-1943), a physician and one of the first English-speaking Jungian analysts. Baynes was a founding member of London's Analytical Psychology Club and travelled to Zurich in 1922 to undergo analysis with Jung. He translated a number of Jung's works as well as writing his own books on Jungian themes. See also lots 139-140. 

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE: WE HAVE NO RECORD OF ANY COPY OF THIS EDITION APPEARING AT AUCTION. 

LITERATURE:

H.G. ("Peter") Baynes; thence by descent