About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherInstitute for T.H.E. Study of Ancient Cultures of T.H.E. University of Chicago

ISBN-100918986753

ISBN-139780918986757

eBay Product ID (ePID)108468820

Product Key Features

Number of Pages322 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication NameMechanics of Ancient Egyptian Magical Practice

SubjectArchaeology, Magick Studies, Ancient / Egypt

Publication Year2008

TypeTextbook

AuthorRobert K. Ritner

Subject AreaBody, Mind & Spirit, Social Science, History

SeriesStudies in Ancient Oriental Civilization Ser.

FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Weight34.8 Oz

Item Length11 in

Item Width8.7 in

Additional Product Features

Edition Number3

Intended AudienceCollege Audience

LCCN92-061830

TitleLeadingThe

Dewey Edition20

Series Volume Number54

IllustratedYes

Dewey Decimal133.4/3/0932

SynopsisThe first critical examination of magical techniques and the practice of the magician in Ancient Egypt , revealing their widespread appearance and pivotal significance for all Egyptian 'religious' practices from the earliest periods through the Coptic era, influencing as well the Greco-Egyptian magical papyri., To date, no comprehensive treatment of Egyptian magic has focused on the practice of the magician. Both general studies and textual publications have emphasized instead the religious elements in the contents of recited spells, while the accompanying instructions, with their vignettes and lists of materials, instruments, and ritual actions, remained uninvestigated. This study represents the first critical examination of such magical techniques, revealing their widespread appearance and pivotal significance for all Egyptian religious practices from the earliest periods through the Coptic era, influencing as well the Greco-Egyptian magical papyri. The author also discusses the pagan-Egyptian influence on Old and New Testament practices and in the lives of the Coptic Desert Fathers. The third edition is a reprinting of the second, which included minor corrections from the original edition. This volume is a significant revisionist approach to ancient Egyptian magic. As a result of a methodical analysis of both the textual and archaeological records, Ritner concludes that the boundaries between ancient Egyptian magic, religion, and medicine were not as strictly observed as modern commentators believe. Furthermore, he categorically denies the frequent attempts of moderns to define ancient Egyptian magic as a phenomenon dealing with the supernatural, practiced primarily for nefarious purposes sub rosa by strictly observed as modern commentators believe. Furthermore, he categorically denies the frequent attempts of moderns to define ancient Egyptian magic as a phenomenon dealing with the supernatural, practiced primarily for nefarious purposes sub rosa by individuals outside of the religious mainstream. Ritner's engaging prose style and felicitous exegesis of even the most arcane material make for easy reading. But more important still, the content of the work ensures that it will become a vital reference tool for all engaged in any aspect of ancient Egyptian religion. [From a review by R. S. Bianchi in Journal of the American Oriental Society 114 (1994) 513-14]., To date, no comprehensive treatment of Egyptian magic has focused on the practice of the magician. Both general studies and textual publications have emphasized instead the religious elements in the contents of recited spells, while the accompanying instructions, with their vignettes and lists of materials, instruments, and ritual actions, remained uninvestigated. This study represents the first critical examination of such "magical techniques," revealing their widespread appearance and pivotal significance for all Egyptian "religious" practices from the earliest periods through the Coptic era, influencing as well the Greco-Egyptian magical papyri. The author also discusses the "pagan-Egyptian" influence on Old and New Testament practices and in the lives of the Coptic Desert Fathers. The third edition is a reprinting of the second, which included minor corrections from the original edition. This volume is a significant revisionist approach to ancient Egyptian magic. As a result of a methodical analysis of both the textual and archaeological records, Ritner concludes that the boundaries between ancient Egyptian magic, religion, and medicine were not as strictly observed as modern commentators believe. Furthermore, he categorically denies the frequent attempts of moderns to define ancient Egyptian magic as a phenomenon dealing with the supernatural, practiced primarily for nefarious purposes sub rosa by strictly observed as modern commentators believe. Furthermore, he categorically denies the frequent attempts of moderns to define ancient Egyptian magic as a phenomenon dealing with the supernatural, practiced primarily for nefarious purposes sub rosa by individuals outside of the religious mainstream. Ritner's engaging prose style and felicitous exegesis of even the most arcane material make for easy reading. But more important still, the content of the work ensures that it will become a vital reference tool for all engaged in any aspect of ancient Egyptian religion. [From a review by R. S. Bianchi in Journal of the American Oriental Society 114 (1994) 513-14].

LC Classification NumberBF1591.R57 1993