This scholarly discussion of the ancient practice of sorcery and magic includes the evil eye, conjuring, talismans, amulets, exorcism, a ceremony for rebuilding a temple, and taboos on marriage and childbirth. All are kinds of magical practice culled from various Semitic peoples-the Hebrews, Mesopotamians, Arabs, Algerians, Moslems, Egyptians, Chaldeans and more.