The Cult of Isis in the Roman Empire: Isis Invicta (Studies in Classics, V. 22) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Malcolm Drew Donalson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0773468943 | ISBN-13: 978-0773468948 | Publication Date: April 2003

The first half of this study examines the chief characteristics of the Isis cult in the Roman Empire - the goddess herself, her mythology, attributes, appeal and cultic practices. Part Two is a survey of the cult's progress and setbacks from its introduction into Italy to the late second century.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 242 pages
• Publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773468943
• ISBN-13: 978-0773468948
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,187,838 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Malcolm Drew Donalson was born in Albany, Georgia, in 1951. He has taught Latin, Greek, and an array of history and religious studies courses for over thirty-five years. Having received his Ph.D. in humanities at the Florida State University, he has continually enriched his teaching through travel, research and publications. A member of the North American Patristic Society, he is currently Professor of Classics at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science, Mobile, where he has taught since 1991.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars well researched and much needed work on Isis, October 15, 2009

By 

Francesca Jourdan (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cult of Isis in the Roman Empire: Isis Invicta (Studies in Classics, V. 22) (Hardcover)

This is a long overdue book that is much needed. Donaldson has taken a wonderful lengthy research and made it available to a wide range of readers, in this work. In Part One, he discusses the origins of the Isis and Osiris story, and continues by describing the evolution of Isis as a goddess, mother and protector. Chapters of this section cover vocation, worship and public penance ; Isiac priests and priestesses ; Isiac feasts and events in the ever-changing calendar ; and Isiac temples. In Part Two, he goes on with an explanation of each stage in the Isis Cult, and its evolution as Roman emperors succeeded each other is thoroughly analyzed. From the Late Republic to the Antonine Period, this book examines the development of the Isis cult in depth, covering the reigns of Antony, Cleopatra, Caesar, Augustus, Caligula, Domitian and Commodus.
Donaldson has put a lot of effort in finding the bibliographic material and the text shows this research. Although it does not have many photographs (it only has 6), the book will soon become a reference on the subject of Isis.
I encourage everyone to read this wonderful book. This is a definite must for anyone interested in Ancient Egyptian and/or Graeco-Roman religion.