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The Galdrabók: An Icelandic Book of Magic.
Stephen E. Flowers, Ph.D. Second, revised edition. Rûna-Raven Press, 2005.
The Galdrabók- Review by Ensio Kataja
As the Icelandic name itself tells, Galdrabók is a "book of magic", a collection of spells, that has been originally written in Iceland in 1500. The development of collections of magical spells and rites started in Iceland during the Heathen Period (870-1000), continuing to Catholic (1000-1550) and even to Early Protestant Period (1550-1750). In the later magical formulas one can see the influence of Christianity and in this regard they resemble other European magical grimoires. The earliest formulas contain complex systems of magical signs and rune magic related to older and younger Fuþark. _The Galdrabók_ of Dr. Flowers includes not only the formulas for the spells in question, but it also reveals the theoretic background of medieval Icelandic magical thinking. These matters are not just carelessly hurled at the reader, but Dr. Flowers carefully explains the different historical and practical connections, making it easier to understand and further study even the most complex issues related.
The Galdrabók gives information about medieval Iceland and its traditions of magic. Thus it is a very suitable work for those who study the Middle Ages, magical thinking and traditions related to grey areas of religion. The book reveals many magical formulas meant for the overcoming of daily problems, acquiring of wealth, and for more nobler goals. Dr. Flowers also reveals the darker side of Icelandic magical thinking by analyzing the various curse formulas and shedding light on the existence of so-called books of the Black Art. The result of all the translated formulas, thorough introduction, as well as given references end up making _The Galdrabók_ a very informative and interesting totality that is valuable to any student or a layman alike.
Because it represents part of a continuing tradition and transmission of ideas from the pre-Christian age right up until the 20th century, Dr. Flowers thinks that the whole genre of texts concerning magic in Iceland is one that deserves expanded scholarly attention. I couldn't agree for more: this way we can comprehend the populations way of looking at the world from a level deeper than mere narrative texts might provide.
The Galdrabók: An Icelandic Book of Magic. May be purchased from Runa Raven Press
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