Icelandic Magic: Aims, tools and techniques of the Icelandic sorcerers

Description

In this unprecedented work, the author Christopher A. Smith has meticulously
studied no less than 6 original Icelandic manuscripts dating from 1500 to 1860
to extract a picture of the aims, tools and techniques of Icelandic sorcerers.
Set against the context of the harsh economic, social and environmental
conditions of this North Atlantic island, the book gives a detailed account of
the types of spells that were used and the motivations behind them.Hundreds of
items from the six books of magic have been analysed to present the reader
with a clear idea of the methods that were used, including incantation,
invocation of deities and use of the enigmatic magical staves (galdrastafir).
Furthermore, the book goes into great detail concerning the physical tools
used by magicians and the kinds of objects that might have been found in a
sorcerer’s ‘toolbox’.The book is illustrated throughout with images from the
original manuscripts. Although it is not intended by any means as a book of
instruction, one chapter does focus on workings of certain types and gives
suggestions for those brave enough to try them out.All in all, this work will
be an indispensable item for anyone interested in the history of magic in
general and of Icelandic magic in particular. Read more

Features:

Product Details:

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avalonia; Illustrated edition (September 13, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 220 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1905297939
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 31
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.2 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.14 x 0.5 x 9.21 inches
• Best Sellers Rank: #625,465 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #670 in Paganism #1,382 in Occultism #2,076 in Magic Studies (Books)
• #670 in Paganism
• #1,382 in Occultism