Amulets [Paperback]

Sheila Paine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2004

All over the world, throughout history, amulets have offered protection against negative forces, whether witchcraft, the evil eye, enemies, sickness or accident. Here, in 31 neatly themed and beautifully illustrated chapters, the components, protective qualities and symbolism of a huge range of amulets are thoroughly explored. Used to guard anyone and anything vulnerable, their popularity is undimmed today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . an in-depth focus which reveals the past, present, and future of amulets in all their symbolism and power."
(The Midwest Book Review )

"In this opulent book filled with full color pictures of headresses and houses, textiles and jewelry, Sheila Paine takes an anthropological and historical look at the symbolism and materials of these charms, fetishes and talismans."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 )

"A beautiful book for the art afficionado or charm enthusiast."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 )

“Amulets’ mystical appeal gives them a place among the world’s religions--and in our everyday lives.”
(Jennifer Derryberry Mann, Spirituality and Health, August 2005 )

"The amount of information collected in this book is nothing short of astounding, making this the ultimate ference book."
(Lauren L. Laflamme, The Beltane Papers, Issue 36, Oct 2005 )

"This book should be included in every Pagan's library."
(Karolina Blaha-Black, New Witch, Apr 2006 )

". . . each photo brings the vibrancy and color of the culture of amulets: teeth, feathers, beads and mirrors."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 )

". . . containing full-color photos of genuine amulets on nearly every page, this book is a survey of creaativity and bekief from around the world."
(Barbara Ardinger, PanGaia, Nov 2006 ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

". . . an in-depth focus which reveals the past, present, and future of amulets in all their symbolism and power."
(The Midwest Book Review )

"In this opulent book filled with full color pictures of headresses and houses, textiles and jewelry, Sheila Paine takes an anthropological and historical look at the symbolism and materials of these charms, fetishes and talismans."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 )

"A beautiful book for the art afficionado or charm enthusiast."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 )

“Amulets’ mystical appeal gives them a place among the world’s religions--and in our everyday lives.”
(Jennifer Derryberry Mann, Spirituality and Health, August 2005 )

"The amount of information collected in this book is nothing short of astounding, making this the ultimate ference book."
(Lauren L. Laflamme, The Beltane Papers, Issue 36, Oct 2005 )

"This book should be included in every Pagan's library."
(Karolina Blaha-Black, New Witch, Apr 2006 )

". . . each photo brings the vibrancy and color of the culture of amulets: teeth, feathers, beads and mirrors."
(Vision Magazine, Jan 2005 ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thames & Hudson (September 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0500285101
• ISBN-13: 978-0500285107
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,518,558 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars and a half Stars - Excellent Book on the Topic, November 23, 2004

By 

Boudica (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection (Paperback)

Sheila Paine is an expert on tribal societies and textiles, and is the author of several books covering textiles and their tribal use. This book, Amulets, is a source of history, cultural background, stories and photographs of amulets the author has collected from her travels to more than thirty countries.

The book is a lovely presentation. Printed on glossy paper, it has detailed photos of the amulets covering each page of the book along with a caption for each picture so you know exactly what you are looking at as well as where it came from in just a brief view of the material. This book reads like a museum catalogue, and the discussion of the material is at the same high level, to the author's credit.

The photos are not limited to the amulets alone, but also present us with pictures that express the culture of the people who produce these spiritual works of art. Tribal photos, showing the use of amulets in their daily dress or their festive dress, both from the past as well as modern day give the reader the background and good visual references for the culture. Amulets are not just small bits of bone or stone, but can be as complex as tribal masks, woven hats or cloth, pottery animals or elaborate shields. The variety presented in this book gives us a very large picture of the topic where many of us would only be familiar with a few.

The book is a good reference on the cultural aspects of amulets, as well as a basic study on some tribal culture. If you are not familiar with either topic, this book presents a good base to the study and is easy to understand and follow. While it is not National Geographic, it is just as easy to read, and holds your interest. Nothing dry and boring here.

The layout of the book is by what the amulet is made of, such as "Buttons, beads and blue" or "Hands and crosses". If you are just "cruising" through the book, the Table of Contents gives you a place to start. The Bibliography is quite extensive and presents many sources that you may not have seen before. And the index is extensive, well thought out and makes for easy reference. There is even a "Picture Credits" giving the photographers credit for their contributions.

The research, the notations of how the amulets are used and the history of the pieces discussed in the book makes this an excellent reference for those who are serious about studying this topic. While not a book on "magic", it is a book on an aspect of magic we practice and its cultural and sociological background. It borders on anthropological, but is fascinating for the history, lore and background it will give the average practitioner.

This is a very fine, intelligent and professional presentation and discussion of a topic that will interest many. I recommend this to those who have an interest in Amulets, as well as those who study cultural and tribal history. This is an excellent reference on the work, and one that will be at home on the coffee table or in the serious library. boudica

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cultural beliefs, October 24, 2008

By 

M. Morris "international doll artist" (Missouri City, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection (Paperback)

Book is well researched, great color photos of amulets in their natural setting. If you are interested in the religious/spiritual beliefs of other cultures this book will certainly wet your appetite.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well written, well illustrated book, January 23, 2010

By 

Terry Weiss "Mystery Lover" (Corvallis, OR U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection (Paperback)

I bought this book to help me find and use amulets and similar things in my art work. I found it an excellent resource - good pictures and a text that explains clearly what is what. I showed it to an art group I belong to and at least two other people said they were going to buy a copy. I have no idea if this would be satisfying to someone who is steeped in this material, but for me it is perfect. i thought the information was good and the presentation very good. I read it cover to cover and keep it at hand when I want to use it as a reference. Highly recommend it for a reference for someone who wants a good overview and a number of specific examples.