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hrusewif's review against another edition
5.0
This book is a beauty; if you've ever wanted a general collection and examination of early Christian magical texts, then it's absolutely a book you should add to your collection.
The 135 listed primary sources examined by the book covers a wide range of syncretic and original magic, ranging from healing to cursing, and about every subject in between- really showing you a wide breath of syncretism and general belief that was prevalent among the early Christians. The best bet is that the 7 page long list of references, which doubles as the book's Table of Contents, includes what appear to be the museum archive numbers for their home museums as well. Something I've noticed some academically oriented texts fail to include when it comes to museum items in particular, but which is very appreciated.
My favorite part of the book, however, is arguably the introduction, which discusses many of the problems inherent in the modern dichotomy of science and logic vs magic (and it is wholly a modern juxtaposition). Especially in regards to how academics tend to approach the topic of magic and its study within academia, and the many problems these now traditional approaches cause. This is something the Pagan community in particular has been speaking on for decades now regarding academia's treatment of magic and paganism, and it was nice to actually see that being spoken about in an academic context.
The book also touches a bit about the contexts of this early magic, as well as a simplified discussion of the early Christian views on magic. It delves into the ways in which these texts were utilized, how they'll be formatted in the book, and more... All of which adds another layer of perspective and understanding to the sources examined, and helps to further place them in their proper cultural and social contexts. This is something I believe is absolutely integral to any study of older magical and religious systems. Unfortunately it's another thing typically lacking in studies I've read on similar topics.
Overall it's a lovely book. And though it's certainly one narrow look at one region of a much broader topic, it's one worth picking up and digging into. Especially for those who think the bible prohibits (and has always prohibited) the practice of magic as sinful or evil. But I'd argue that if you consider yourself a Christian magical practitioner of any stripe, this book should be a must read in general- if for no other reason than to understand Christianity's magical legacy, its early viewpoints, and its development; learning a little history never did anyone dirty.
The 135 listed primary sources examined by the book covers a wide range of syncretic and original magic, ranging from healing to cursing, and about every subject in between- really showing you a wide breath of syncretism and general belief that was prevalent among the early Christians. The best bet is that the 7 page long list of references, which doubles as the book's Table of Contents, includes what appear to be the museum archive numbers for their home museums as well. Something I've noticed some academically oriented texts fail to include when it comes to museum items in particular, but which is very appreciated.
My favorite part of the book, however, is arguably the introduction, which discusses many of the problems inherent in the modern dichotomy of science and logic vs magic (and it is wholly a modern juxtaposition). Especially in regards to how academics tend to approach the topic of magic and its study within academia, and the many problems these now traditional approaches cause. This is something the Pagan community in particular has been speaking on for decades now regarding academia's treatment of magic and paganism, and it was nice to actually see that being spoken about in an academic context.
The book also touches a bit about the contexts of this early magic, as well as a simplified discussion of the early Christian views on magic. It delves into the ways in which these texts were utilized, how they'll be formatted in the book, and more... All of which adds another layer of perspective and understanding to the sources examined, and helps to further place them in their proper cultural and social contexts. This is something I believe is absolutely integral to any study of older magical and religious systems. Unfortunately it's another thing typically lacking in studies I've read on similar topics.
Overall it's a lovely book. And though it's certainly one narrow look at one region of a much broader topic, it's one worth picking up and digging into. Especially for those who think the bible prohibits (and has always prohibited) the practice of magic as sinful or evil. But I'd argue that if you consider yourself a Christian magical practitioner of any stripe, this book should be a must read in general- if for no other reason than to understand Christianity's magical legacy, its early viewpoints, and its development; learning a little history never did anyone dirty.
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