The Long Life of Magical Objects: A Study in the Solomonic Tradition

This book explores a series of powerful artifacts associated with King Solomon via legendary or extracanonical textual sources. Tracing their cultural resonance throughout history, art historian Allegra Iafrate delivers exciting insights into these objects and interrogates the ways in which magic manifests itself at a material level. Each chapter focuses on a different Solomonic object: a ring used to control demons; a mysterious set of bottles that constrain evil forces; an endless knot or seal with similar properties; the shamir, known for its supernatural ability to cut through stone; and a flying carpet that can bring the sitter anywhere he desires.

Taken together, these chapters constitute a study on the reception of the figure of Solomon, but they are also cultural biographies of these magical objects and their inherent aesthetic, morphological, and technical qualities. Thought-provoking and engaging, Iafrate's study shows how ancient magic artifacts live on in our imagination, in items such as Sauron's ring of power, Aladdin's lamp, and the magic carpet. It will appeal to historians of art, religion, folklore, and literature.

Format: Paperback, 248 pages
ISBN: 9780271083674
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press
Published: 22 January, 2021
Weight: 406 g
Dimensions: 235 x 156 x 21 mm

Shipping

Shipping is calculated based on weight and destination, and will be displayed at checkout.

International orders do not import duties and taxes, which may be due incurred once a shipment reaches your destination country.

For more information, see our Shipping Policy.

Returns

If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason and wish to return it for a refund, we accept returns up to 30 days after delivery.

For more information, see our Refund Policy.