A study of magical practices including direct translations of spells, rituals, and incantations in ancient Western Asia, the birthplace of Western civilization. Using knowledge preserved in cuneiform incantation tablets from Assyria, aided by Rabbinic tradition, Syriac writings, and Arabic tales, Thompson tracks early magical practices through 3000 years to its vestigial traces in contemporary society. Smythe-sewn. Index. Appendix. Collectors: these special editions go quickly!