Summum Bonum

Julius Sperber (1540–1616), advisor and doctor of prince Christian von Anhalt Dessau, as well as the author of works on the Kabbalah and alchemy, is viewed as one of the leading figures of the Order of the Rose-Cross in Germany. Brought together under the generic title of “Summum Bonum “, the translations offered here for the first time in French, represent a compilation of various works by Julius Sperber, selected by the editor due to their relevance and status as Rosicrucian archives. The first document, “Open letter to all of those who have read something about the new Fraternity of the Order of the Rose-Cross”, is a 1615 apologia relating to a republication of the Fama Fraternitatis. The second, “Echo of the Fraternity highly illuminated by God which is the Illustrious Order R.C...” was written by Sperber in 1596. It is therefore of major importance as it establishes the existence of the Rose-Cross eighteen years prior to the appearance of the Fama Fraternitatis in 1614 and the Confessio in 1615, considered to be the Order's founding texts. It comprises both a defence of the Order against its detractors and advice given to postulants, as well as an autobiography of sorts. According to Sperber, the third document, baptised “Treatise on the Summum Bonum” was written in 1597 for the purposes of this edition. It concerns the Supreme Good to which all Rosicrucians aspire. It is accompanied by three highly interesting annexes: firstly a text on the conditions to be fulfilled in order to gain acceptance as a member of the Order of the Rose-Cross. Then the “Rule of the Society”. And lastly a “Conclusion” on the subject of the Master of the Fraternity.