Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes [Paperback]

Nigel Pennick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2002

Leading Rune authority Nigel Pennick unravels the mystery of the runes, in this fabulous full color book with 250 photos and step-by-step instructions for casting and reading.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A rune may look like nothing more than a rock with a symbol etched into it. But according to The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes, a rune is "literally a mystery containing the secrets of the inner structure of existence." Against a backdrop of vibrant, full-color photography and graphics, Nigel Pennick presents a comprehensive overview of rune history and usage, starting with its ancient roots and leading into a brief section on divination techniques. Pennick (author of Celtic Sacred Landscapes and The Pagan Book of Days) is foremost a European folk historian, so his orientation is more anthropological and cultural than instructional. Readers who want specific divination advice may want to start with The Book of Runes. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Nigel Pennick has studied the runes and practiced runic principles since 1960. He has written numerous books and papers on European folk traditions, customs and beliefs and has seen his work translated into nine languages. Co-founder of the influential magazine ARCANA, he has appeared on both radio and television in the UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd. (April 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007129998
• ISBN-13: 978-0007129997
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #227,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > Runes

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Only Rune Book You Will Ever Need, September 24, 2000

By 

"xkalaber_" (Maine, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes (Paperback)

Anyone who likes history and is interested in runes should look no further. This book contains everything you would ever want to know about the history of runes. This one book also provides information on how to make runes, how to read the runes, and of course, how to use them. There are no overly religious overtones as there are in some books about runes that for me take away from the pagan mystique. Also, the illustrations in the book are excellent which aid in learning the runes. If you don't like history and prefer to simply know how to use them, not a problem, just skip ahead in the book.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars complete illustrated guide to runes, August 11, 2001

By 

Michael R Royse (cincinnati, Oh United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes (Paperback)

This is a great book for any one interested in rune for any reason or level, I didnt put it down once I opened the book,, The information in it is perfect for divination or those interested in the historical..

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work, May 11, 2007

By 

S. Plowright (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Complete Illustrated Guide to Runes (Paperback)

This is one of the very few books about runes, written from an esoteric perspective, that shows respect for the history and traditions of the North. The majority of rune manuals merely use the symbols as a vehicle to carry an author's New-Age message, without any research into the historical facts.

Pennick is a bright exception. His many years as an active Pagan has given him a real respect for Pagan and Heathen traditions. His scientific background has given him an eye for detail, and an ability to dig up the facts.

Although it does contain sections on the "rune yoga" daftness, and some other New-Agey stuff, these can be ignored without diminishing the quality of the book.

The quality of this glossy tour of runic lore is unique. I would recommend it as one of the best introductions for those interested in the runes, whether for divination, or as part of their heritage.

Sweyn

The Rune Primer