Atalanta Fugiens

Magnum Opus Hermetic Sourceworks No.4 

Atlanta Fugiens, is a multimedia book written by German physician, alchemist, and courtier Michael Mailer, and published in 1617. 

The book consists of 50 emblems, each accompanied by a copper engraving, motto, epigram, discourse, and a fugue for three voices. It also includes a preface on the Greek myth of Atalanta and Hippomenes, as well as ancient music.

Designed to engage the reader's intellect, eye, and ear, the book guides them through alchemical theory and the production of the philosophers' stone.

The engravings were created by Matthäus Merian, the son-in-law of the book's publisher, Johann Theodor de Bry.

Fugues

The fugues are three-voice musical compositions, with each voice labelled as Atalanta, Hippomenes, or Pomum objectum. The voices of Atalanta and Hippomenes are always in canon, with Atalanta leading.

The book is considered a virtuoso work that demonstrates the literary potential of alchemy and the possibilities of early modern printed books.

Date Published: 1987

Page Number: 175

Cover Types Handbound leather hardback