The Forty Questions of the Soul
In the Clavis the numbering of the paragraphs in the Dutch and in the English editions is identical. In the German editions of 1662, 1675, and 1698 (the last, apparently, printed from the same type as 1675) the paragraphs are not numbered, and are of considerably greater length. The other German editions are numbered uniformly, but disagree in this respect with the Dutch and with the English. In the German editions, too, there is nothing corresponding with the way in which the letters of the name "Jehova" (pars. 33-38) are arranged on the printed page; nor do the astronomical signs set to the headings of pars. 70, 72, 77, 87, 99, 118, and 122 appear. In both these cases Sparrow has manifestly adopted Beyerland's plan.
The Table of "The Seven Forms of Spirits," after par. 132, is the same in all editions, with the exception of the composite astronomical symbol at the top. This is found in Dutch and in English copies only.
As the result of Mrs Hehner's careful comparison of the English editions with the much later, and most approved, German editions — for which service I owe Mrs Hehner a deep debt of gratitude — the high quality of Sparrow's work becomes apparent. Especially so, when it is remembered that these standard editions were the outcome of the most exacting and uncompromising scrutiny of every available source of information by men whose qualifications for the task were of the highest order. The enthusiasm manifested over the publication of the 1682 edition was so great, that no labour, no expense, was considered too great to be lavished upon the work.
To the student of these writings who is denied the advantage of reading Bohme in the original, it will, I feel sure, be a comfort to know that John Sparrow has given us a version so reliable.
C. J. B.
Purley, February 5th, 1911.
THE EMENDATIONS
THE Emendations are the outcome of a very close comparison of Sparrow's translations of the Forty Questions and of the Clavis with the original German. For this purpose the editions of 1682 and 1730 have been used. The former was the first complete edition issued of the whole of Bohme's works, and was produced under the able editorship of John George Gichtel, assisted by several earnest and competent Bbhme students of the time. Such of the books as had been separately published were closely compared with the MSS., which were acquired for the purpose; and the whole work was carried out with scrupulous care and exactitude. As the result of these labours a number of errors were discovered in the earlier editions, and duly corrected.
After the appearance of the 1682 edition, Gichtel continued his studies; and on his death in 1710 his private copy was found to contain, in MS., many further corrections that he considered desirable. A not very successful attempt was made to use these in publishing the edition of 1715; but they were finally incorporated, in correct form, in the enlarged and improved edition of 1730.
In the Clavis the numbering of the paragraphs in the Dutch and in the English editions is identical. In the German editions of 1662, 1675, and 1698 (the last, apparently, printed from the same type as 1675) the paragraphs are not numbered, and are of considerably greater length. The other German editions are numbered uniformly, but disagree in this respect with the Dutch and with the English. In the German editions, too, there is nothing corresponding with the way in which the letters of the name "Jehova" (pars. 33-38) are arranged on the printed page; nor do the astronomical signs set to the headings of pars. 70, 72, 77, 87, 99, 118, and 122 appear. In both these cases Sparrow has manifestly adopted Beyerland's plan.
The Table of "The Seven Forms of Spirits," after par. 132, is the same in all editions, with the exception of the composite astronomical symbol at the top. This is found in Dutch and in English copies only.
As the result of Mrs Hehner's careful comparison of the English editions with the much later, and most approved, German editions — for which service I owe Mrs Hehner a deep debt of gratitude — the high quality of Sparrow's work becomes apparent. Especially so, when it is remembered that these standard editions were the outcome of the most exacting and uncompromising scrutiny of every available source of information by men whose qualifications for the task were of the highest order. The enthusiasm manifested over the publication of the 1682 edition was so great, that no labour, no expense, was considered too great to be lavished upon the work.
To the student of these writings who is denied the advantage of reading Bohme in the original, it will, I feel sure, be a comfort to know that John Sparrow has given us a version so reliable.
C. J. B.
Purley, February 5th, 1911.
THE EMENDATIONS
THE Emendations are the outcome of a very close comparison of Sparrow's translations of the Forty Questions and of the Clavis with the original German. For this purpose the editions of 1682 and 1730 have been used. The former was the first complete edition issued of the whole of Bohme's works, and was produced under the able editorship of John George Gichtel, assisted by several earnest and competent Bbhme students of the time. Such of the books as had been separately published were closely compared with the MSS., which were acquired for the purpose; and the whole work was carried out with scrupulous care and exactitude. As the result of these labours a number of errors were discovered in the earlier editions, and duly corrected.
After the appearance of the 1682 edition, Gichtel continued his studies; and on his death in 1710 his private copy was found to contain, in MS., many further corrections that he considered desirable. A not very successful attempt was made to use these in publishing the edition of 1715; but they were finally incorporated, in correct form, in the enlarged and improved edition of 1730.
No commentary for this page.
There is commentary on page 1.