The Oracles of the Ancients Explained: wherein a True Answer May be Obtained to any Question Whatsoever, on the Same Principle as Questions were Answered by the Oracles of the Ancient Grecians, London, 1815, 4to, tables, contemporary boards (worn). RARE.

The Oracles of the Ancients Explained: Wherein a True Answer May be Obtained to any Question Whatsoever, on the Same Principle as Questions were Answered by the Oracles of the Ancient Grecians. London: "Printed for the Author, and Sold by Law and Whittaker, Ave-Maria-Lane, and all other Booksellers; by J. Browne, 9, Union Passage, Bath," 1815. 4to (269 215mm). Half title, one-page of publisher's advertisements following the Preface, 2 woodcut ornaments, tables within wood-engraved borders (some creasing). Contemporary suede-backed marbled paper boards, green endpapers, stitched (very worn, some short tears at gutter caused by stitching). FIRST (AND ONLY) EDITION of a book, purportedly based on the oracular practices of the ancient Greeks, which claims to answer "The Radical Questions" (of which there are 22) relating to personal fortune such as "Shall thy Life be fortunate", "In what manner wilt thou die". "If thy Lady Love thee", "If a Wench be a pure Maid", and so on, by the roll of three dice and the consultation of the corresponding numbered tables and verses contained within. "This work is not meant to be read methodically, as books are wont to be read, there being no chain of subject, each verse treating on a separate subject, without any analogy to each other; nor can the meaning of any verse be obtained but from its respective number. For instance: if you wish an answer to any question propounded, the question must first be established on some number, and from that number, (not from the question,) results an answer. And though many of the verses and passages may appear somewhat obscure in meaning; yet if those, to whom they are applied, do but ponder them well, they will perceive the meaning clear enough. Nor must a second answer be required for any question after it has been once answered. Be also advised to look into this book with an even mind, no way swayed by prejudice or ridicule; for such as be wayward, envious, or malignant, I would advise them not to meddle with it; - the reason is obvious" (from "To the Reader"). The author is unknown. RARE, with no copies recorded either at auction or in the trade.