160 page paperback, 39 colour photos, 1 black and white photo, 2 colour illustrations

Both a historical survey and a reference work, this study traces the mythology and cultural importance of gems and minerals from Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt through the classical worlds of Greece and Rome to medieval Europe. Amulets and talismans and the powers attributed to them are catalogued for each civilization, with special attention paid to the spiritual and healing powers with which they were, and are today, thought to be imbued.

A large and detailed appendix lists gems and crystals with their respective mineralogical, historical, astrological, and healing properties.

Andreas Guhr was born in1950 in Hamburg. He trained as a ceramist, graphic designer and painter. Since 1972 he has owned his own wholesale business, selling minerals and antiquities. In 1977 he founded the Mineralien-Zentrum in Hamburg.

Andreas is known for his huge collection of minerals and fossils including the biggest amethyst druse in the world, amongst many other stunning gems. They are all souvenirs from his many travels in foreign countries. These great wonders of nature can be seen in his permanent exhibition Stein-Zeiten in Hamburg

Joerg Nagler

Joerg Nagler was born in Germany in 1950. He studied history, philosophy and political sciences in Kiel and also at the University of Indiana in the USA. He is currently Professor of History at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany.