This scarce German edition presents one of the most important contemporary accounts of Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743–1795), the enigmatic occultist, alchemist, and Freemason who became a legend in 18th-century Europe.
 
Born in Palermo, Sicily, Cagliostro traveled across Europe, selling magical artifacts and performing alchemical rituals. A skilled letter forger, he even impressed Casanova, who wrote about his talents in his memoirs.
 
Cagliostro’s influence grew when he was admitted as a Freemason in London, later establishing several Masonic lodges, including the controversial Egyptian Rite. His name became entangled in the Affair of the Diamond Necklace, a scandal that shook the French monarchy. Though imprisoned in the Bastille, he was later acquitted.
 
In 1789, after a life of mystery and intrigue, Cagliostro was arrested in Rome—allegedly betrayed by his wife to the Inquisition. Sentenced to life in prison, he died in captivity in 1795.
 
This historical monograph was written by Giovanni Barberi (1748–1821), the very man who led the Inquisition’s investigation against Cagliostro. With access to exclusive documents, Barberi provides a detailed examination of the Freemason’s life and influence.
 
The book consists of four chapters:
📖 Chapter 1: A biographical account of Cagliostro’s life
📖 Chapters 2–4: His Masonic activities, including the Egyptian Rite and his alleged role in a Freemason conspiracy against European monarchies
 
This rare edition is a must-have for collectors and scholars of esoteric history, secret societies, and 18th-century mysticism.
 
Checkout this brief French account of the life and mysteries of Count Alessandro di Cagliostro as well.