Long out of print, this fascinating nineteenth-century collection of prayers weaves together magic and religion, drawing on ancient beliefs deeply rooted in popular traditions.
Saint Pantaleon – and other saints – were addressed with triduums and novenas to find a soulmate or to discover their true thoughts, to make them return, or even to punish them. But the prayers also concerned much more prosaic matters, such as securing a dowry by winning a "terno" at the Lotto.
In short, the Afterlife was invoked for any kind of grace: from long-awaited children to protection during dangerous sea voyages, or to silence thunder and lightning. The saints were asked for intercession for the unhappy, and for defense against the evil eye and one's enemies—to ward off earthquakes, epidemics, and, of course, the fires of Vesuvius.
For those who believe that the world has a meaning and an order reaching beyond the mere appearance of outward forms, Il Libro Magico di San Pantaleone (The Magic Book of Saint Pantaleon) remains a precious vademecum of prayers. It is a guide for those seeking to obtain «the grace of knowing through signs and words what one desires, and the help of angels and saints in all the necessities of life.