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BARTON, T., Ancient Astrology. Routledge, London/NewYork, 1994. XXV,245p. ills.(B&W line drawings and photogrpahs). Paperback. Ex libris glued to half title. 'At last we have a reliable and readable account of horoscopal astrology from its origins in about the fourth century BC to its apparent decline in Western Europe in about the fifth century. The work falls into three clear and convenient sections. Drawing upon recent research in the field, Barton first provides a detailed historical account of the rise of astrology from its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt, through its development in Ancient Greece, to its reception in the later Roman Republic and Empire. This section ends with an account of the suppression of astrology that was brought about with the rise of Christianity as the state religion of the late Roman Empire. The second section of the book is given over to a detailed technical description of the principles of astrology. This very clear account also explains how horoscopes were cast explores the problems of interpreting the various (…) predictions that they generated. (…)The final section of the bok is concerned with placing astrology within its larger context. Here Barton related the theory of astrology to its practice and explores the broader social, religious and intellectual associations of astrology. Throughout the book the reader is constantly impressed by the painstaking and thorough scholarship and is always aware that a sophisticated interpretation of the sources is being adopted. In her reconstruction of ancient astrology, Barton draws upon a wide range of sources. (…) In her careful use of these sources, Barton infers no more than the evidence will bear. Indeed, she rightly calls into question the status and meaning of these sources. (…) Probably the most impressive aspect of this book is its ability to combine detailed technical competence with a broad understanding of the nature and historical significance of astrology.’ ((CORNELIUS O’BOYLE in The British Journal for the History of Science, 1996, pp.90-91). € 40.00 (Antiquarian)