By Thames & Hudson

Ancient Magic in Greece and Rome: A Hands-on Guide

Regular price £14.99
Regular price Sale price £14.99
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
SKU: 9780500026410
Regular price £14.99
Regular price Sale price £14.99

Bestselling author Philip Matyszak explores how the Greeks and Romans used magic, who performed it – and why.

Magic was everywhere in the ancient world. The supernatural abounded, turning flowers into fruit and caterpillars into butterflies. Magic packed a cloud of water vapour with energy enough to destroy a house with one well-aimed thunderbolt. It was everyday magic, but it was still magical.

Philip Matyszak takes readers into that world. He shows us how to make a love potion or cast a curse, how to talk to the dead and how to identify and protect oneself from evil spirits. He takes us to a world where gods, like humans, were creatures of space and time; where people could not just talk to spirits and deities, but could even themselves become divine; and where divine beings could fall from – or be promoted to – full godhood.

Ancient Magic offers us a new way of understanding the role of magic, looking at its history in all of its classical forms. Drawing on a wide array of sources, from Greek dramas to curse tablets, lavishly illustrated throughout, and packed with information, surprises, lore and learning, this book offers an engaging and accessible way into the supernatural for all.

Important Notice: Temporary Suspension of U.S. Shipping

We are currently updating our shipping processes to comply with new U.S. import regulations. As a result, we are temporarily pausing all orders to the United States.

Subscriptions: If you have taken out a subscription, we currently anticipate that you will receive your upcoming titles as usual. If this changes, we will contact you directly via email.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Please check back here for updates on when U.S. shipping will resume.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Our deliveries are now carbon neutral.  

Orders over £75* will qualify for FREE standard shipping within the UK. 

Order value 

Under £25 

£25 - £75 

Over £75 

Timescale 

UK Standard 

£ 3.50 

£ 5.00 

FREE                               

up to 7 Business Days 

Please allow 7 working days from the time you place your order to contact us about undelivered orders. 

*does not include custom prints or custom clothing. 

Local pick up 

Local pick up is free and allows you to buy online and collect your items from our shop in St. Pancras (London) or from Reception in Boston Spa. 

London

Orders placed before 3pm will be ready to collect from noon the following day (including weekends). Please ensure you check our opening times before coming to collect.

Boston Spa

Orders placed before 3pm will be ready to collect between 2 - 4 working days, though this is usually quicker. 

Rest of the World orders 

Order value 

Under £25 

£25 - £50 

£50 - £100 

Over £100 

Timescale 

Airmail 

£ 20 

£ 30 

 £ 40 

£ 50 

Usually 2 - 4 weeks 

 

EU and Europe orders 

Due to the new EU Regulation 2023/988 (GPSR), we are temporarily pausing shipments to Europe, including the Republic of Ireland. We understand this may be disappointing, and we are working to resume our services as soon as possible. Please check this page for updates. 

For more detailed information click here