A valuable anthology of ancient texts describing the Mystery Religions (or Mystery Cults) -- the Greek and Roman religions that held secret initiations where members experienced trials, saw sacred dramas, re-evaluated life and death, and learned secrets of the cosmos. Part fraternal organization, part passion play/sacred drama, part pilgrimage, these religions have largely kept their secrets because worshipers were sworn to silence.

This book collects the contemporary texts that describe (or at least give clues) about the Mystery Religions of Isis, Demeter, Bacchus, Cybele, Mithras, and others -- and has an intriguing final chapter on how these religions influenced Judaism and Christianity. (You will never read the letters of Paul in the same way...)

A wonderful glimpse into one of the most interesting corners of Greco-Roman religion -- which was not all somber processions, Etruscan divinations, or animal sacrifices. A vividly human look at how religions create grandeur and meaning and an essential companion to any of the many fine scholarly studies of these ancient religions.

-Kushana ( )