The Oracles of the Ancient World: A Comprehensive Guide (Duckworth Archaeology) [Hardcover]

Trevor Curnow (Author)

Book Description

Series: Duckworth Archaeology | Publication Date: April 2004

Ranging from Abai to Zeleia, from massive temples in Egypt to modest tombs in Turkey, oracles were a major feature of the religions of many ancient cultures until their demise under the Christian Roman emperors.

This unique work is a guide to all the known oracles of the ancient world. The greater part of it is devoted to an alphabetical listing providing details of nearly 300 sites in more than 25 countries where oracles of one kind or another functioned in antiquity. The text is extensively cross-referenced and illustrated, and supplemented by indexes, a glossary, and a substantial introduction.

The book brings together for the first time a wide range of disparate materials relating to this important topic, along with the results of extensive first-hand investigations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Trevor Curnow is Reader in Philosophy, University of Cumbria, and the author of Oracles of the Ancient World and Philosophers of the Ancient World.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 180 pages
• Publisher: Duckworth Publishers (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715631942
• ISBN-13: 978-0715631942
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,021,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Reference Aid & An Interesting Book, September 26, 2005

By 

J. A. Peters (Toledo, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Oracles of the Ancient World: A Comprehensive Guide (Duckworth Archaeology) (Hardcover)

Curnow delivers a great reference tool for any researchers of the ancient world. It is complete with B/W pictures graphically describing the anicent oracles of Eastern and Western Europe including the famous Delphi Oracle. Curnow goes the extra mile when he gives every oracle its longitudinal and latitudinal degree position which pinpoints its exact geographical location. There is also a great set of maps showing by country the oracle's location. Anyone who is a fan of the ancient world will surely love this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Oracle encyclopedia, March 6, 2011

By 

Prof Benno Zuiddam (Launceston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Oracles of the Ancient World: A Comprehensive Guide (Duckworth Archaeology) (Hardcover)

My apologies, I wasn't able to access and correct the star-rating in my previous review. Should never have been one. Hopefully this will compensate.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars An Encyclopaedia of Oracles, February 22, 2007

By 

Dr. Benno A. Zuiddam - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Oracles of the Ancient World: A Comprehensive Guide (Duckworth Archaeology) (Hardcover)

This is a book for anyone who is interested in the oracles of the ancient world. Dr Trevor Curnow provides a general introduction into the world of oracles, why people used them and how these oracles functioned. A helpful list of prominent technical terms and words that require classical expertise can be found at the end of the book. The main part of this book could be referred to as an encyclopaedia of oracles. Most if not all ancient sites pass the review and are classified by the name of their geographical site. The entries are relatively short, like encyclopaedia articles, but the book encorporates the latest scholarly research in archaeology and classical studies.