Divine Power in Human Hands: Essays on Ancient Magic and Religion for Roy D. Kotansky

This volume honors a pioneer in the field of magical studies, Roy D. Kotansky, with nineteen essays inspired by his remarkable research produced over the past five decades. Part One presents investigations of amulets and curse tablets in a variety of media (gemstones, lamellae, and papyri), including several previously unpublished items. Part Two offers two studies of incantations, both related to apparently incomprehensible formulae, while Part Three focuses on restraining anger and lists of divine attributes in magical formularies. In Part Four, five contributors analyze ancient literary texts (the Oath of Hippocrates, works related to Pythagoras, and early Christian sources) and their historical implications.