Cosmic Superimposition : Wilhelm Reich 1951 [ First Edition ]

Description

First Edition of Scarce Important Work on Orgonomy Cosmic Superimposition by Controversial Psychoanalyst Dr Wilhelm Reich

Reich, Wilhelm. Cosmic Superimposition Man’s Orgonostic Roots in Nature. Orgone Institute Press. Orgonon, Rangeley, Maine. 1951. First Edition.

A first edition of the scarce later work by controversial psychoanalyst and student of Sigmund Freud Dr Wilhelm Reich, Cosmic Superimposition, arguing that the origins of human physical and psychological structures can be found within the movements of his proposed universal energy orgone, also responsible for and visible within the movements of clouds and galaxies as result of the true nature of gravity. One of the most important works of Reich’s theories on Orgone, it was reprinted along with its companion volume, Ether, God and Devil in a 1973 combined edition.

Persecuted by the Nazis in his native Germany for his work on politics and sexuality, Reich emigrated to the United States following further persecution in fascist Norway. One of his best works is 1933’s The Mass Psychology of Fascism based on his experience of the rise of Hitler, echoed in work Listen, Little Man! (1948) illustrated by Shrek creator William Steig.

Claiming to have discovered orgone, a universal life energy similar to chi, which he claimed could be manipulated to manipulate weather, improve health, and personal well-being, Reich ran afoul of US authorities in 1956 due to claims that use of his orgone accumulator devices could cure cancer. He was arrested the same year with his books burned and devices destroyed by government order, rendering first edition copies of his works rare outside institutional collections. Reich died in prison in 1957 but has maintained a following which included William S Burroughs who utilized a self-made orgone accumulator at his Bowery apartment in New York City.

130pp. Beige cloth boards with lettering to front and spine. Wear to spine ends. Pastedowns and endpapers toned. Pages bright and clean. Original dustjacket with wear, chips, and losses to edges, corners, and spine ends. Very good in fairly good.

If you liked this book, you might also like this first edition of Listen, Little Man! also by Wilhelm Reich. You might also enjoy this first edition copy of Mineral, Animal and Vegetable Life by Coral Castle creator Edward Leedskalnin.