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A Brief History of Ancient Astrology (Brief Histories of the Ancient World)
 
 
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A Brief History of Ancient Astrology (Brief Histories of the Ancient World) [Paperback]

Roger Beck (Author)
3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Book Description

November 20, 2006 1405110740 978-1405110747 1
A Brief History of Ancient Astrology explores the theory and practice of astrology from Babylon to Ancient Greece and Rome and its cultural and political impact on ancient societies.
  • Discusses the union between early astrology and astronomy, in contrast to the modern dichotomy between science and superstition.
  • Explains the ancient understanding of the zodiac and its twelve signs, the seven planets, and the fixed circle of 'places' against which the signs and planets revolve.
  • Demonstrates how to construct and interpret a horoscope in the ancient manner, using original ancient horoscopes and handbooks.
  • Considers the relevance of ancient astrology today.


Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Beck’s] writing is clear, lively and accessible; concepts and technical details are well explained…” (The Classical Review, Vol 58 No. 1 2008)

"This is a work likely to entice readers to further pursue the subject … Recommended." (Choice)

"Roger Beck’s book does credit to the author: It is clear, and, possibly most importantly, it gives its reader a taste of what the study of ancient astrology may be like ... Should one look for an introduction to the extremely complex field of study, Roger Beck’s book is an excellent choice." (Bryn Mawr Classical Review)

"Written in a charming colloquial style in which the personal voice of the author is present throughout, full of well-intentioned examples from ancient sources, and furnished with useful diagrams, Beck’s book is extremely user friendly … A book that does an excellent job at enabling non-specialists (such as classicists and ancient historians) to grasp both the science that underlies ancient astrology and the mentality that drove it." (Aestimatio: Critical Reviews in the History of Science)

Review

"Beck's account is eloquent, compelling, and accessible – even when dealing with technical aspects of horoscopy; it will be of consequence to all those interested in astral symbolism, in semiotics, or in the mentality underlying classical thought."
Luther H. Martin, University of Vermont

Product Details

  • Paperback: 176 pages
  • Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell; 1 edition (November 20, 2006)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1405110740
  • ISBN-13: 978-1405110747
  • Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,178,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Average Customer Review
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14 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars Waste of time, April 26, 2009
This review is from: A Brief History of Ancient Astrology (Brief Histories of the Ancient World) (Paperback)
This book is a complete waste of time and money for anybody interested in astrology or in the history of astrology. It is a partisan biased view of the astrology, for an author who clearly thinks that the theme is "beneath" him. So in almost every page the author seems to have the need to do clever remarks to the audience showing that we, intelligent people, could never believe in such a foolish thing as astrology

You can see a complete review, by astrologer Deborah Houlding

[...]
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3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars OPPOSITE, January 13, 2011
This book is for those of us who are interested in astrology as an important historical, cultural,and literary thematic, but know that it is - sorry to you above - absolute hogwash. You get a view of astrology that is not biased towards the ridiculous.
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Inside This Book (learn more)
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
lower midheaven, omen astrology, quartile aspect, ancient astrology, celestial configurations, trine aspect, astrological literature, twelve places, fixed circle, female sign, ancient astrologers, first thunder, two luminaries, ancient astronomy
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Firmicus Maternus, Vettius Valens, Good Daemon, Antiochus of Athens, Ceionius Rufius Albinus, Aries the Ram, Cassius Dio, Near East, Scipio's Dream
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