History of Western Astrology [Paperback]

Jim Tester (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 27, 1988

`Superb general account.' Times Literary SupplementThe story of the history of Western astrology begins with the philosophers of Greece in the 5th century BC. To the magic and stargazing of Egypt the Greeks added numerology, geometryand rational thought. The philosophy of Plato and later of the Stoics made astrology respectable, and by the time Ptolemy wrote his textbook the Tetrabiblos, in the second century AD, the main lines of astrological practice as it is known today had already been laid down. In future centuries astrology shifted to Islam only to return to the West in medieval times where it flourished until the shift of ideas during the Renaissance.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A delight to read and an excellent guide through so wide-ranging and complex a subject...superb general account. --The Times Literary Supplement

Lucid, well-informed and concise...stimulates thought and commands respect.' --New York Times Book Review

Tester's book because of its breadth and solid textual explications might become the standard historical introduction, in English, to the language of the skies.' --Speculum --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 263 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st Ballantine Bks ed edition (December 27, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345358708
• ISBN-13: 978-0345358707
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,962,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best history of astrology in English, December 15, 1999

By 

Robert Moore (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of Western Astrology (Paperback)

I give this book a mildly enthusiastic 5 stars. My passion for the book is somewhat diminished in that his history is rather insular: one learns a great deals about the thought of some of the central figures in the history of astrology, but almost nothing about the historical or social setting of that discipline. For instance, a general knowledge of Greek science is utterly essential in understanding the manner in which astology first developed in the West. Tester seems to assume a mastery of this background.

Despite this, Tester discusses all the key figures in the history of Western astrology from the Hellenistic period through the Renaissance, and does so with depth and subtlety.

It should be added that this is a very scholarly treatment of the subject. Anyone seeking a popular history of the subject or anyone who actually believes in the validity of astrology is likely not to find this volume to their liking. But those who enjoy the works of authors like Frances Yates and Keith Thomas, this volume will prove to be of great interest.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for any serious astrologer, February 20, 2003

By 

C. Renstrom (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A History of Western Astrology (Paperback)

This is an extraordinary book. It's quite an accomplishment to take an artform that is over 2,000 years old and condense it into one readable volume. As a reference source, it is unparalleled and I refer to it almost as much as I do the dictionary. My only regret is that Tester didn't live long enough to realize his complete vision--- which was to write a fully comprehensive history. However what he did write is amazing and I strongly urge anyone who has even a passing interest in Astrology to purchase it. One of the best books you can ever hope to own.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Scholars only, September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: A History of Western Astrology (Paperback)

I believe that a good history book should be more than even brilliant scholarship. It should be interesting. It should tantalize the reader to go deeper into the subject. It should convey to the reader the author's love of the subject... why the book is worth the reader's valuable time (and money). Scholarly and readable are not contradictory terms.

If you share this belief, then avoid Mr. Tester's book. I'm sure the scholarship is fine (just like your high school history text). But this book isn't fun; this book isn't interesting, it's a bore. The erudite Mr. Tester shows no emotion, wit or enthusiasm in this numbing display of pedantry.

My guess is that Mr. Tester was from the "no pain, no gain" school of education: learning isn't meant to be easy. One can struggle through a chapter, have dinner, and completely forget what one has just read...I mean completely! It's really amazing how one can take a topic as intrinsically interesting as astrology and turn it into lifeless trivia.