The book has taken four years to write, on and off, and was mostly written by Mierzwicki himself. Jo-Ann Byers-Mierzwicki contributed an appendix, research on contemporary practices, and reworked the text for readability. The description of the book reads as follows, as taken from Amazon where the book can already be pre-ordered:
"The religion of the ancient Greeks has lain dormant for too long. In Hellenismos, Tony Mierzwicki shows how to bring it back in all of its primal glory. Learn how to forge personal relationships with the ancient Greek deities. Recreate the practices of the Greeks and enjoy the richness of their spiritual practice. Explore this accessible introduction to Greek reconstruction."
According to Mierzwicki's own description, the book is 'aimed at people drawn to reviving authentic ancient Greek religion, true to the spirit of the original by revealing how the ancient Greeks thought and how they venerated their deities. There are even ideas on how to incorporate veneration of the Greek gods and goddesses into other spiritual modalities. A lot of research has gone into this book, as evidenced by roughly 470 footnotes, most of which are from scholarly texts'.
I do not know Mierzwicki personally, but I do know that Cara Schulz of Hellenion fame has contributed to the project. No word yet on wether there will be an e-book version, but I'll be ordering my copy, regardless. Admittedly, the book doesn't look very Traditional--with its links to the Wiccan practice and magic--but even the support is important when it comes to books on a subject I love. Will you be buying a copy?
I will reserve judgement about the book and any apparently "magic(k)al" content until I read it. I'll definitely be buying it, if only to be able to reference where mistakes are made, if any.
ReplyDeleteI am more interested in Larbys book coming out then this one. But depending on the reviews, I may pick this one up.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely hesitant with the references to modern Wicca and other so-called magic(k)al practices. If they think to lump oracular and mantic religious practice as magic they really are batting out of left field. I dislike neos for any number of reasons; however, for now I will withold my opinion until it is published.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to have found this site! I know I am new here, but just wanted to comment.
ReplyDeleteI have met Tony and his wife a few times over the years and he approaches things from a more academic style. This is great if for no other reason that the footnotes/bibliography provide other sources one might not be aware of. However, I have also attended a couple of his workshops at Pcon and he comes across as really knowing his stuff. Can't wait for the book. Had hoped to get an advance copy for my own academic research but alas no luck!
I will definitely be buying a copy of this.
ReplyDeleteJust FYI, according to the publisher, Llewelyn Worldwide, this book has been canceled.
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