Description
Book SynopsisInvestigates the cultural and ideological motivations behind early imaginings of the magician, the sorceress, and the witch in the ancient world. This book highlights the degree to which these ancient cultures shared ideas about power and legitimate authority, even while constructing and deploying those ideas in different ways.
Trade ReviewNaming the Witch is a well argued, well constructed book that can be highly recommended. -- Patrick Maille Bryn Mawr Classical Review A scrupulous and highly innovative study of the phenomenon of "magic" in the ancient world... A significant contribution to the discussion... Recommendable to all readers. -- Thomas J. Kraus Review of Biblical Literature This is one of the most stimulating and intelligent of many studies of ancient magic in recent scholarship... -- Ian H. Henderson Toronto Journal of Theology
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Abbreviations 1. Magic, Discourse, and Ideology 2. Barbarians, Magic, and Construction of the Other in Athens 3. Mascula Libido: Women, Sex, and Magic in Roman Rhetoric and Ideology 4. My Miracle, Your Magic: Heresy, Authority, and Early Christianities 5. Caution in the Kosher Kitchen: Magic, Identity, and Authority in Rabbinic Literature Epilogue Works Cited Index
