?This is a book of essays by a group of American and Australian economists and political scientists. They seek, at the highest level, a theory of the world polity and, at a lower level, a theory of the role of component states within this polity. They are dissatisfied with the more established approach in international relations, with its narrower interest in the relationship between states and its egocentric one-country or two-country models. As a novel scientific approach to international affairs, this volume claims our attention as citizens. May it help a little to avoid a return to beggar-my-neighbor policies and war.?-Economic Journal

The author of "Picatrix" was likely a highly educated and intellectually versatile scholar, deeply rooted in the Arabic-speaking world of the 11th century. He was well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including astrology, alchemy, and philosophy, drawing on Greek, Persian, and Indian sources. As a participant in the Islamic Golden Age's rich scholarly tradition, he likely had access to extensive libraries and intellectual circles. His work suggests a blend of academic knowledge and practical application, indicating both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in astrological and magical practices.