Codex Seraphinianus by Luigi Serafina, 1983, First Edition

Codex Seraphinianus by Luigi Serafina

Abbeville Press, 1983

FINE Condition

This is the first U.S. edition of Luigi Serafina’s critically acclaimed “Codex Seraphinianus” published by Abbeville Press, New York in 1983.  The true first edition was published in two volumes by Franco Maria Ricci in 1981. I ran across this uncredited summary of the book that is the best synopsis that I could locate, “Many people think it's one of the weirdest books ever published. An art book unlike any other art book. A unique and disturbing surreal parody. Grotesque and beautiful. It's very hard to describe. “Codex Seraphinianus” by Italian artist Luigi Serafini is a window on a bizarre fantasy world complete with its own unique (unreadable) alphabet and numerous illustrations that borrow from the modern age but veer into the extremely unusual. Artists have studied the book's illustrations, philosophers have pondered the book's meaning, codebreakers have tried (unsuccessfully) to decipher the text (although the numbers are now understood apparently), science fiction and fantasy fans have embraced it, and academics have tried to classify the book. Collectors just like to own it - an invaluable tool for making house-guests slightly uneasy.”

Measuring 14" x 9.5", the book is bound in black cloth covered boards with a photographically illustrated dust jacket.  The book and dust jacket are in FINE condition with the dust jacket having the most minimal of surface wear.

Photographs of the dust jacket cover as well some of the illustrations from the book appear below. Please note that although the thumbnails may appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photoviewer by clicking on the thumbnail.