ancient-history ancient-literature anthropology classical classics criticism cultural-history culture divination folklore futurism greece history literary-criticism magic non-fiction rome

Cultures of all epochs have consulted oracles in times of need. This fascinating exploration of the enduring popularity of oracles examines how they are interpreted and why. Taking examples from literature and history, from the oracles at Delphi to those in Macbeth, and further still to the works of Kafka and Bob Dylan, and even in the film The Matrix, Wood combines storytelling and commentary to provide a lively account of humanitys persistent faith in signs, which continues to exert an important influence on the course of civilization.