Witchcraft and Magic in Europe, Volume 1: Biblical and Pagan Societies

by Frederick H. Cryer and Marie-Louise Thomsen

Book Overview

In the ancient Near East, the art of influencing the natural course of events by means of spells and other ritual forms was universal. The social and political role of magic is apparent, too, in the competition to achieve precedence over rival systems of ritual practice and belief. Within a region filled with petty kingdoms competing for power, the Jews of ancient Palestine maintained control over adherents by developing distinct ritual practices...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812217853
• ISBN13: 9780812217858
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.1"