Description: Kimberly B. Stratton presents an innovative approach to understanding ancient depictions and accusations of magic as forms of discourse, examining their role in struggles to define legitimate power and authority. She traces "magic discourse" from Classical Greece to the Babylonian Talmud, illuminating powerful stereotypes of sorcery and witches.
Review Quotes: Stratton's analysis thus sheds light not only upon the ancient world but also upon a present in which the discourse of magic retains its currency in popular culture and religious rhetoric. . . . A most enlightening volume which will no doubt stimulate scholarly and popular conversation for many years to come.-- "Studies in Religion/Sciences Religieuses"