Magic and Divination in the Middle Ages: Texts and Techniques in the Islamic and Christian Worlds

After discussing the terminology of talismanic magic and its position in divisions of science in the Middle Ages, this book traces the history of talismanic texts from the Classical period through the Arabic world to the Latin Middle Ages. The principal authorities are Hermes and Aristotle, and the search for the secret knowledge of these ancient sages is shown to have been a catalyst for the translating activity from Arabic to Latin in 12th century Spain. The second half of the volume is devoted to the branches of divination prevalent in Arabic and Latin-reading societies - chiromancy, onomancy, scapulimancy, geomancy and fortune-telling. The book ends with advice on when to practice alchemy and a prophetic letter warning of the Mongols. This book contains 20 studies in English, including previously unedited texts.