Sunday, June 30, 2024

Theis & Vitellozzi (eds.), Textual Amulets from Antiquity to Early Modern Times (Bloomsbury)

RECENT BOOK FROM BLOOMSBURY:
Textual Amulets from Antiquity to Early Modern Times

The Shape of Words

Christoffer Theis (Anthology Editor) , Paolo Vitellozzi (Anthology Editor)

Paperback
$39.95 $35.95

Hardback
$120.00 $108.00

Ebook (PDF)
$35.95 $28.76

Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
$35.95 $28.76

Product details

Published May 30 2024
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 216
ISBN 9781350254572
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations 50 bw illus
Dimensions 9 x 6 inches
Series Bloomsbury Studies in Material Religion
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

Description

Comparing amulets over time and space, this volume focuses on the function of written words on these fascinating artefacts. Ranging from Roman Egypt to the Middle Ages and the Modern period, this book provides an overview on these artefacts in the Mediterranean world and beyond, including Europe, Iran, and Turkey.

A deep analysis of the textuality of amulets provides comparative information on themes and structures of the religious traditions examined. A strong emphasis is placed on the material features of the amulets and their connections to ritual purposes. The textual content, as well as other characteristics, is examined systematically, in order to establish patterns of influence and diffusion. The question of production, which includes the relationships that linked professional magicians, artists and craftsmen to their clientele, is also discussed, as well as the sacred and cultural economies involved.

Originally published in 2022, but I missed it then. Now out in paperback.

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