Customer Reviews

Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth

5 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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This is a wonderful book both for Pagans and people researching Paganism. The author examines the practices and beliefs of various different Pagan groups (Druids, Wicca, etc) and what beliefs can be said to define Paganism. It's scattered with quotes from Pagans (and Terry Pratchett novels), and gives a great look into the worldview of neo-Pagans in the UK and around the world.

This is by far the best book on modern paganism for those with more than an academic interest in the subject. He presents an amazing amount of comparative information while remaining respectful of all the various tendancies he covers (a welcome departure from most American writers).

Especially for those just beginning their exploration of Paganism as a spritual path, this book is an absolute must. So much confusion I had in the beginning would have been thwarted by having read this book before ANY other!

Not since Starhawk's "Spiral Dance" have I read a book that so accurately represented my beliefs.

Graham Harvey has produced a master work of honest and gentle exploration. When I flip to any page I find clear unbiased expression of the Pagan philosophy and practice. He respectfully documents the primary controversies in and outside of the pagan movement without taking sides. And with plenty of disclaimers about the variety and diversity of the Pagan experience.

I treasured this book from the first time I opened it. It makes me want to be a better person.

Graham Harvey has attempted to write an academically sound yet sympathetic assessment of the current neopagan scene. This is in itself commendable. Harvey could have written a book that broke out of the stereotypes of his earlier works (such as those written and edited with Charlotte Hardiman). Unfortunately, his effort is marred by several forms of bias. For one, this book ends up being an apology for some groups, while ignoring the existence of others. For example, those new to the topic will conclude that the only neopagan religion with a "Celtic" flavor is "druidry" as practiced by the British OBOD group, a modern construction built on eighteenth-century views of ancient traditions. This does not reflect reality. In the sections of the book he attempts to present an overivew of contemporary pagan theology where he draws conclusions and generalizations about Celtic belief, practice, and folklore that are superficial and stereotypical. Moreover, Harvey does not escape his UK bias, except with regard to Wiccans where he has drawn heavily on his contacts with US Wiccan groups. Those seeking a thorough overview of contemporary pagan groups should look elsewhere. This book does not live up to its purpose.