From the Omens of Babylon (Arkana) [Mass Market Paperback]

Michael Baigent (Author)

Book Description

Series: Arkana | Publication Date: April 1, 1995

This study is an account of what is known of Babylonian astrology, retelling a lot of Mesopotamian material that has been buried in abstruse academic tones. Although it is most specifically about Mesopotamian astrology, it also tells the story of the discovery in the 19th century of this ancient city, and describes what is known of their culture. The second part of the book focuses on each of the seven major deities of their religion - their myths, cults and omenology, and how much of these ancient Babylonian interpretations of the gods natures has survived in modern astrology.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics); First Edition edition (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140194800
• ISBN-13: 978-0140194807
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,169,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Diligent work packaged in a readable manner, October 26, 2001

By 

Ryan Morrison (SF, CA, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From the Omens of Babylon (Arkana) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is divided into two sections. The first deals with scholars, archaeology and the ancient near east. It discusses the relevant texts and provides an outline of the practice of the diviner and their role in the courts and ancient society. The next section is pure astrology/cosmology, planet by planet. What makes this book remarkable is the fact that it presents a lot of scholarly information in a very easy-to-read manner. Some scholarly books can get dry making it difficult to follow to all except only to those who are most passionate about the subject material. This author attempts to bridge the gap and his approach would probably even make a casual reader interested. The book explores a subject which still has room for development, but for those not patient enough to search through libraries for reprints of older journals, this book in an approachable overview. Highly recommended to those interested in the ancient near east society or religion or those interested in astrology.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice study of Babylonian mythology/astrology, July 16, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: From the Omens of Babylon (Arkana) (Mass Market Paperback)

This is a wonderfully written little book taking you through the famous texts of ancient Babylon. The authors tell us how their astrology worked, and how it affected their national priorities. You'll understand how the Babylonians viewed the cosmos and the respect they had for their world.