Preface

Introduction

The Ubiquity of Love Magic

Definitions and a New Taxonomy

The Advantages of a Synchronic and Comparative Approach

Spells for Inducing Uncontrollable Passion (Eros)

If Eros Is a Disease, Then Erotic Magic Is a Curse

Jason's Iunx and the Greek Tradition of Agoge Spells

Apples for Atlanta and Pomegranates for Persephone

The Transitory Violence of Greek Weddings and Erotic Magic

Spells for Inducing Affection (Philia)

Aphrodite's Kestos Himas and Other Amuletic Love Charms

Deianeira's Mistake: The Confusion of Love Potions and Poisons

Narcotics and Knotted Cords: The Subversive Cast of Philia Magic

Some Final Thoughts on History, Gender, and Desire

From Aphrodite to the Restless Dead: A Brief History of the Agoge Spell

Courtesans, Freedmen, and the Social Construction of Gender

Aelian's Tortoises and the Representation of the Desiring Subject

Glossary

Abbreviations

Bibliography

Subject Index

Index of Foreign Words

Index of Passages from Ancient Authors

Index of Magical Texts

photo by Th. Klinke, courtesy Universtiy of Cologne, Institute for Ancient History

Christopher A. Faraone is Professor and Chairman of Classics, University of Chicago.