Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol, and Spirit: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Lore (Cassell Sexual Politics) (Hardcover)

~ (Author), David Sparks (Author), Mariya Sparks (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Conner (Blossom of Bone: Reclaiming the Connections Between Homoeroticism and the Sacred, HarperCollins, 1993), ethnomusicologist David Sparks, and their daughter, Mariya Sparks, have written an engaging encyclopedia that endeavors to bring to light the queer (i.e., gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered) elements in a variety of spiritual traditions and in the arts. The coverage ranges from Islam to Shamanism to Queer Spirit. A short essay is provided about each spiritual tradition. Over 1500 articles cover individuals (historical and legendary), groups, and symbols. Entries are listed alphabetically and range from a sentence ("Andro") to six and a half pages ("Gallos"). No See references are provided, but a thematic index and a selected bibliography of almost 600 sources appear at the back of the book. Unfortunately, however, bibliographies are not offered for individual articles, and citations within the articles are inconsistent, e.g., under the entry "Sots and Sotties," Ida Nelson's quote gets a proper citation while Mikhail Bakhtin's does not. Such drawbacks make this potentially controversial book less useful for scholarly research. However, it is an interesting and provocative work; no other book presents the queer elements found in such a broad range of spiritual traditions. Recommended for large collections in religion or gay and lesbian studies.?Debra Moore, Loyola Marymount Univ. Lib., Los Angeles, Cal.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

An A-Z reference source on the theme of same-sex desire, gender variance and the sacred, this book examines the often-suppressed spiritual dimension of homosexuality. Its coverage includes archetypal figures such as deities, spirits and the characters of fairy tales; sacred texts including religious narratives; myths and legends; symbols and metaphors; persons and groups embodying the domain, such as Native American Indian berdaches; and works of art, including those of painting, sculpture, music, dance, drama and film. The text is arranged alphabetically, primarily by the name of the deity, person, ritual or symbolic concept or object. It is fully cross-referenced and contains two indices, one by attribute and the other by cultural or spiritual tradition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 382 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304337609
• ISBN-13: 978-0304337606
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,720,998 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure Trove of Queer Esoterica!, July 22, 2007

By	William Courson "William Courson" (Montclair, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Lore (Cassell Sexual Politics Series) (Paperback)

A Treasure Trove of Queer Esoterica!

This book is much more than an exhaustive reference relating to the personalities, events, processes and movements within the realm of gay and lesbian spirituality, it is a pure pleasure to read. The product of meticulous research, this encyclopedia offers detailed yet concise, cross-referenced entries and an index of attributes and traditions as an encouragement to both quick reference and casual browsing. Beyond its obvious usefulness to scholars, this work aims to inspire, entertain and empower, and it is hugely successful in that effort.

It tells a far different story than the exclusively heterosexual roster of saints, sages, demons, demigods and deities that we've all had to live with - and this pantheon is far more fascinating.

The 1,500-odd alphabetic entries ranging from "Aakulujjuusi" to "Zeus" reveal our history, deeply encoded in sacred texts and all-but-forgotten traditions. Just read the entries on the "World Homosexual Movement," the "Order of Chaerona," and the "Han Temple" and you'll realize quickly that we've barely begun to scratch the surface of our old queer race's involvement with the world of the spirit.

A very praiseworthy work!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure Trove of Queer Esoterica!, May 21, 2001

By	William Courson (Montclair, NJ, USA) - See all my reviews

This book is much more than an exhaustive reference relating to the personalities, events, processes and movements within lgbt spirituality, it is a pure pleasure to read (or in my case, browse through). It tells a far different story than the exclusively heterosexual roster of saints, sages, demons, demigods and deities that we've all had to memorize - and this pantheon is far more fascinating. Just read the entries on the "World Homosexual Movement," the "Order of Chaerona," and the "Han Temple" and you'll realize quickly that we've barely begun to scratch the surface of our old queer race's involvement with the world of the spirit.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!, February 16, 2002

By	Thomas W P Slatin "TomSlatin.com" (Schoharie, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is literally an encyclopedia of LBGT stuff! If you ever wanted to know anything about Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, or Transgender subjects, this is the only book you might ever need!