John Booker
Encyclopedia
John Booker was an English astrologer, respected in that career for over 30 years. In the 1640s he was appointed licenser of mathematical publications, and so in effect a censor of astrological works, for the Stationers' Company.
23 March 1603; his nativity is among the Ashmolean manuscripts. He was originally apprenticed to a haberdasher in London, and was subsequently a writing-master at Hadley
and clerk to two city magistrates.
The first number of his almanac
, the Telescopium Uranium, was published in 1631. He almost immediately obtained a reputation from a prediction of the deaths of Gustavus Adolphus and Frederick V, Elector Palatine
, founded on a solar eclipse
. In 1640 William Lilly
thought highly of him, but they quarrelled over Booker's actions as licenser. Booker also engaged in violent controversy with Sir George Wharton.
In 1648 Booker and Lilly were required to come to the siege of Colchester
to encourage the Parliamentarian troops with predictions.
At the Restoration
he petitioned for leave to continue the publication of his almanac. He died on 8 April 1667, after three years' suffering from dysentery
. Elias Ashmole
bought his books and papers.
Life
He was born at ManchesterManchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
23 March 1603; his nativity is among the Ashmolean manuscripts. He was originally apprenticed to a haberdasher in London, and was subsequently a writing-master at Hadley
Hadley
- People :Surname* Arthur Twining Hadley , American economist* George Hadley, meteorologist, hence also:** Hadley cell** Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research...
and clerk to two city magistrates.
The first number of his almanac
Almanac
An almanac is an annual publication that includes information such as weather forecasts, farmers' planting dates, and tide tables, containing tabular information in a particular field or fields often arranged according to the calendar etc...
, the Telescopium Uranium, was published in 1631. He almost immediately obtained a reputation from a prediction of the deaths of Gustavus Adolphus and Frederick V, Elector Palatine
Frederick V, Elector Palatine
Frederick V was Elector Palatine , and, as Frederick I , King of Bohemia ....
, founded on a solar eclipse
Solar eclipse
As seen from the Earth, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun as viewed from a location on Earth. This can happen only during a new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. At least...
. In 1640 William Lilly
William Lilly
William Lilly , was an English astrologer famed during his time. Lilly was particularly adept at interpreting the astrological charts drawn up for horary questions, as this was his speciality....
thought highly of him, but they quarrelled over Booker's actions as licenser. Booker also engaged in violent controversy with Sir George Wharton.
In 1648 Booker and Lilly were required to come to the siege of Colchester
Colchester
Colchester is an historic town and the largest settlement within the borough of Colchester in Essex, England.At the time of the census in 2001, it had a population of 104,390. However, the population is rapidly increasing, and has been named as one of Britain's fastest growing towns. As the...
to encourage the Parliamentarian troops with predictions.
At the Restoration
English Restoration
The Restoration of the English monarchy began in 1660 when the English, Scottish and Irish monarchies were all restored under Charles II after the Interregnum that followed the Wars of the Three Kingdoms...
he petitioned for leave to continue the publication of his almanac. He died on 8 April 1667, after three years' suffering from dysentery
Dysentery
Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, especially of the colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing mucus and/or blood in the faeces with fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, dysentery can be fatal.There are differences between dysentery and normal bloody diarrhoea...
. Elias Ashmole
Elias Ashmole
Elias Ashmole was a celebrated English antiquary, politician, officer of arms, astrologer and student of alchemy. Ashmole supported the royalist side during the English Civil War, and at the restoration of Charles II he was rewarded with several lucrative offices.Ashmole was an antiquary with a...
bought his books and papers.