The Bathhouse at Midnight: An Historical Survey of Magic and Divination in Russia (Magic in History Series)

Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Review: O.k. I know the title of this review looks like I'm shilling for the author/Publishing house...But this is one of the best books on the subject of Slavic Paganism and Magick I have seen yet. If this is a branch of study you are interested in, this book is a MUST have! Any Pagan, whether they are interested in Slavic studies or not can learn something of interest from this book.

Rating:
Summary: Critical stance before magic beliefs
Review: Would you eat potatoes if you believed that they grow out of the anus and genitals of a dead oriental magician? Do you want to know what anyone is thinking? There is a way by using peas and snakes. "If a madman is touched by a diamond he will be cured of his malady" (good to cure your mad relatives, although perhaps out or reach for much of the common folk). Do you laugh at it? Russian have believed that way for centuries, and similar beliefs have been shared (do not use the past tense!) by the other European -and American- people too.

All this and more is compiled in a very orderly way by the author, in a masterful work that can be savoured by the professional historian and educated layperson alike. Besides, the book is not a difficult reading (content: 5 starts; pleasure of reading: 4 to 3).

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