excellent introductory chapter which examines and contextualizes the phenomenon of curse tablets ... These artifacts, often overlooked by scholars, provide unparalleled insights into the social and religious history of the Greek and Roman periods, and Gager ably demonstrates their importance to these fields. The final chapter, which features a collection of ancient testimonies to the use of curse tablets, is also particularly valuable.
Religious Studies Review, vol. 27, no. 3
Gager's exceptional work on ancient magic is the rare book that will benefit experienced scholars, students, and popular audiences alike; and, recently reissued in paperback, it is now affordably priced for classroom use.
Religious Studies Review, vol. 27, no. 3
`There is a clear and persuasive introduction, which offers both a wealth of fascinating information, especially about the prevailing patterns of manufacture and composition of the tablets, and also some concise and provocative argument. ... This book will ... introduce students to a pervasive and deadly serious area of ancient life, and do much to help them understand it.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'The author and his team, as well as the publishers, are to be congratulated on this fascinating book, which is excellently produced and illustrated by well-chosen pictures.' N R M de Lange, Bulletin of Judaeo-Greek Studies `a contribution to scholarship as well as a tool useful for those interested in ancient religion' David Anne, St. Xavier College. `the material is fascinating, and provides a view of antiquity from an un-accustomed angle ... a thorough and scholarly book, of immense value to students of the ancient world and of the history of religion' Times Literary Supplement 'This is a clear and persuasive introduction, which offers both a wealth of fascinating information, especially about the prevailing patterns of manufacture and composition of the tablets, and also some concise and provocative argument. This book will ... introduce students to a persuasive and deadly serious area of ancient life, and do much to help them understand it.' Times Higher Education Supplement 'an extremely helpful collection of annotated and translated defixiones, both Greek and Latin ... Some quite remarkable illustrations supplement the 168 texts quoted.' Greece & Rome 'a comprehensive anthology of binding spells inscribed on ancient tablets ... As a collection of specimens not easily found elsewhere, the work is useful and worthy of high praise.' M.J. Edwards, Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 44, No. 2, Oct '93 'this is an interesting and scholarly sound treatment of an important topic whose significance, as the authors rightly stress, is generally underestimated ... A well produced volume.' B.C. Dietrich, University of Wales, The Classical Review, Volume XLIII, No. 2, 1993 'All the material is well sourced and referenced. The central text is highly objective and permits the reader latitude to draw his own conclusions without excessive editorial interruption. The subject matter and style of presentation leave a deep impression.' Greek Gazette, July 1994