About the author
Gideon Bohak is an Israeli scholar of Jewish studies, a professor at Tel Aviv University specializing in ancient and medieval Jewish magic. His book Ancient Jewish Magic: A History, published by Cambridge University Press, is a comprehensive survey of the subject from the Second Temple period through the rabbinic era, drawing on magicians' own compositions in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek alongside the accounts of non-magicians who described and prescribed against such practices. The book is widely regarded as a standard scholarly reference in the field, valued for grounding its history in primary textual and material evidence rather than later esoteric reinterpretation. Bohak's approach treats magic as a documented historical practice within Jewish religious and social life rather than as a living spiritual system, distinguishing his work from more devotional or practice-oriented writing on Jewish mysticism. Ancient Jewish Magic remains a key text for students of ancient religion, magic, and the ancient Mediterranean world.
📖 Where to start with Gideon Bohak
💬 What our editors say about Gideon Bohak's books
“Bohak’s meticulous scholarship provides an authoritative map of Jewish magical history, yet its academic density may alienate casual readers or those seeking practical ritual instruction. It is not suited for individuals looking…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Ancient Jewish Magic: A History
“Gideon Bohak delivers a meticulous academic reconstruction of ancient Jewish sorcery, rigorously dissecting the social status of practitioners and their engagement with neighboring cultures. While the methodology is sound and the…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Ancient Jewish Magic: A History
“This academic compilation is a dense, expertly curated exploration of magical continuity across three major monotheistic traditions. While it provides unparalleled depth regarding the historical evolution of esoteric practices in…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Continuity and Innovation in the Magical Tradition - Ingram Academic Bohak, Gideon
📋 Editions by Gideon Bohak in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Jewish Magic: A History | 2011 | Cambridge University Press | 494 | 9780521180986 |
| Ancient Jewish Magic: A History | — | Cambridge University Press | 494 | 9780521874571 |
| Continuity and Innovation in the Magical Tradition - Ingram Acad | 2011 | Brill | 390 | 9789004203518 |
