Ancient Magic

A Practitioner’s Guide to the Supernatural in Greece and Rome

Philip Matyszak

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Hardback

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English

Thames & Hudson
14 February 2019

History; Ancient history: to c 500 CE

Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical. Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from - or be promoted to - full godhood.

Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, and lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book will offer an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.

By: Philip Matyszak
Imprint: Thames & Hudson
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 195mm, Width: 129mm,
Weight: 460g
ISBN: 9780500052075
ISBN 10: 0500052077
Pages: 208
Publication Date: 14 February 2019
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Philip Matyszak has a doctorate in Roman history from St. John's College, Oxford, and is the author of numerous books, including the bestselling The Greek and Roman Myths: A Guide to the Classical Stories, as well as Legionary: The Roman Soldier's (Unofficial) Manual and Ancient Rome on 5 Denarii a Day.

Reviews for Ancient Magic: A Practitioner’s Guide to the Supernatural in Greece and Rome

'It's funny, it's interesting and it's informative. The author's borderline cynical humour, ironic take in parts of the book, and his powers of comparison are thoroughly entertaining' - The Secret Library