The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca [Paperback]

Rosemary Ellen Guiley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This new edition retains the balanced tone and thorough research of the previous two (The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft, 1989 and 1999). In more than 480 entries, paranormal expert Guiley covers both historical witchcraft, such as the Salem witches,Santa Fe witches, and Stamford witches of the seventeenth century, and contemporary issues and concerns. Topics such as different types of witchcraft, fairies, folk magic, the occult, pagan practices, voodoo or vodun, spells, demons, charms, and magic circles are clearly defined. Descriptions of beliefs, and rituals connected to witchcraft, and biographies of individuals, both historical and fictional, living and dead (for example, Aleister Crowley, Morgan le Fay, Margaret Alice Murray, and Starhawk), are included. In addition to updates of contemporary biographies, this edition contains new Wicca-related material, as indicated by the addition of the word Wicca to the title. Short lists of further reading, a number of them updated, follow many of the entries. The lengthy bibliography has been expanded and updated as well. Offering a broader perspective than many arcane resources on this popular subject, this volume is suited to casual readers and researchers. --Susan Awe --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 436 pages
• Publisher: Checkmark Books; 3rd edition (September 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816071047
• ISBN-13: 978-0816071043
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #406,908 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I work fulltime investigating and writing about all things paranormal, which means I lead a most unusual and highly adventurous life. I have written more than 45 books, including single-volume encyclopedias, on a variety of topics, A-Z, angels to zombies and everything in between. I'm interested in the entire spectrum of the paranormal, for everything fits together. I go off in the field to investigate reports of ghosts, UFOs, aliens, ultraterrestrials, Shadow People, Bigfoot, mysterious creatures, Djinn, demons, angels, fairies and more. I am frequently out on the road, and I've had plenty of first-hand experiences of many of the things I document in my books. My work is part of my spiritual journey; probing into the Unknown, the Other Side, and other dimensions is my search for Truth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of special note is the updated information about the portrayal of witches in popular entertainments, December 14, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca (Hardcover)

Rosemary Ellen Guiley is a foremost authority on the paranormal and the author of 31 non-fiction books on paranormal topics. In "The Encyclopedia Of Witches, Witchcraft & Wicca" she draws upon her many years of expertise and study to compile a comprehensive encyclopedia of information in a newly revised, updated and expanded third edition which features more than 480 separate entries, making it a key reference on the subject of witchcraft principles, practices, and history, as well as its modern incarnation as the Wiccan religion. This new edition features updated information on the treatment of women accused of being witches by the Inquisition, amulets, charms, spells, familiars, biographies of contemporary Wiccans, and more. Of special note is the updated information about the portrayal of witches in such popular entertainments as films, television, stage plays, and novels. An impressive and definitive compilation of information, "The Encyclopedia Of Witches, Witchcraft & Wicca" is strongly recommended for personal, academic, and community library Metaphysical Studies and Wiccan Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Guiley has done it again!, April 4, 2011

By 

M Blankenship "Ian B" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca (Paperback)

This encylopedia is wonderful and one of her biggest. Everything you ever wanted to know about witches, the craft, and wicca is fully explained in here along with famous witches, locations, rituals, and more. The book goes into the different types of witchcraft from white to dark, and I love the amount of history included as well. All of her encylopedias read like a book rather than just a boring dictionary. Two thumbs up!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation of entries on witches, witchcraft, and wicca, August 23, 2010

By 

Z Hayes (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca (Paperback)

I own several of Rosemary Ellen Guiley's books, mostly on the paranormal and supernatural as I not only have an interest in the subject but also use it for research purposes. This title, "The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca" is another well-researched title for those interested in the subject or keen to use the contents for research and academic purposes.

The book contains over 480 entries spanning witchcraft practices all over the world, across different time periods, the practice of witchcraft in societies, etc. The entries are by no means comprehensive, but they are detailed and what makes this book a valuable tool of research and knowledge is the suggestions for further reading which enables readers to look up other works on the subject to widen their knowledge.

I was particularly interested in the folklore relating to witchcraft and its practices around the world, as well as the coverage on the notorious Salem witch trials as well as other historical cases of witchcraft trials, e.g. the Island Magee Witch Trials in Ireland in 1711. The encyclopedia also has extensive entries on various places on interest such as the Witchcraft Museum in Cornwall, England. All of the entries are arranged in alphabetical order. There is also an extensive bibliography at the end, followed by an index for cross-referencing. Recommended!