ÝFritz Graf¨ draws upon a wide range of evidence, including papyri
recipes, curse tablets, 'voodoo dolls, ' trials of alleged
magicians, and observations made by ancient authors, to reconsider,
as a 'historian of religion, ' the changing forms and functions of
magic in Greece and Rome. Clearly written, scholarly, and at times
stimulatingly controversial, the book should appeal to a variety of
readers, from those approaching the subject for the first time to
experts in the field. -- Hugh Parry "Phoenix"
ÝGraf's¨ combination of scholarly knowledge, caution and a
willingness to test the boundaries of his arguments (this third is
rarely combined with the first two) makes this the most successful
general introduction to the problems and scope of Greco-Roman
magical practices...He provides much intelligent solidity where the
subject has often prompted an over-sympathetic obsessiveness and
wildness. -- Simon Goldhill "London Review of Books"
A very good book, full of insights. -- David Graeber "The
Nation"
Fritz Graf...is well known for his work on Greek religion. His book
on magic in the ancient world...contains a great deal of very
interesting material, ably discussed; it is a substantial and
controversial contribution to the study of a fascinating and
controversial subject. -- Jasper Griffin "New York Review of
Books"
Fritz Graf's imaginative contributions to the study of myth and
ritual are deservedly well known; in this work, Graf brings his own
scholarship, and that of participants in a series of seminars...to
bear on the hitherto rather neglected field of magic in antiquity.
The result is an accessible, clear and well-annotated guide to the
complex world of the ancient magician, which serves both as a
valuable introduction to the field and as an invaluable resource
for further research and debate. -- Michael Lambert "Scholia
Reviews"
This will be a very helpful introduction to the subject.
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