Ancient Christian Magic: Coptic Texts of Ritual Power (Mythos)

MEYER, Marvin W., and SMITH, Richard (eds)

ISBN 10: 0691004587 / ISBN 13: 9780691004587

Published by Princeton University Press, 1999

About this Item

Robust packaging. Tracking is always added to USA orders. It can be added to other overseas orders on request. Used books are exempt from USA tariffs. No ownership marks. Size: xiii, 409 + 2pp., illustrations, list of Mythos titles to rear.

Seller Inventory # ZZ6498

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ancient Christian Magic: Coptic Texts of Ritual Power (Mythos)
• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0691004587
• ISBN 13: 9780691004587
• Binding: Binding sound, text unmarked
• Condition: Fine
• Signed: No ownership marks
• Seller catalogs:
  • Eastern Christianity

About this title

Synopsis

This thought-provoking collection of magical texts from ancient Egypt shows the exotic rituals, esoteric healing practices, and incantatory and supernatural dimensions that flowered in early Christianity. These remarkable Christian magical texts include curses, spells of protection from "headless powers" and evil spirits, spells invoking thunderous powers, descriptions of fire baptism, and even recipes from a magical "cookbook." Virtually all the texts are by Coptic Christians, and they date from about the 1st-12th centuries of the common era, with the majority from late antiquity. By placing these rarely seen texts in historical context and discussing their significance, the authors explore the place of healing, prayer, miracles, and magic in the early Christian experience, and expand our understanding of Christianity and Gnosticism as a vital folk religion.

About the Author

Marvin W. Meyer is Professor of Religion at Chapman University and director of the Coptic Magical Texts Project of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity. Richard Smith teaches at Claremont Graduate School and was managing editor of The Nag Hammadi Library (revised edition).