The Book of Runes, 25th Anniversary Edition (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Spiritual Warrior, The Blank Rune, Unified Self (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Book of Runes is something very special: a part of the ancient past and, perhaps, a part of your future...

Based on a tradition over one thousand years old, the Runes are seen by many as a contemporary Oracle and collectively, have established themselves as a remarkable aid in practical decision making.

A huge success with over 900,000 copies sold, since its original publication in 1983, The Book of Runes has proved to be a modern classic. For this, the 25th anniversary of the work, Ralph H. Blum has expanded and refined the runic system, making the Runes one of the most profoundly useful self-help tools of the new century.

About the Author

Cultural anthropologist, writer, and publisher Ralph H. Blum has been working with and teaching the Viking Runes as a tool for self-counseling since 1977.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; 25th anniversary edition (November 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312536763
• ISBN-13: 978-0312536763
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #319,525 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not traditional runes, but..., December 1, 2008

By	Wildervine "Midnight Reader" (Down South) - See all my reviews

I put off getting The Book of Runes for years because I'd read some reviews that were highly critical of the non-traditional way they were set-up and used by Ralph Blum. But for a birthday gift, my husband let me choose whatever I wanted from our local bookstore and The Book of Runes finally found their way into my shopping basket as one of several items I chose that night. I absolutely do not regret my choice.

I had studied the more traditional use of Runes in the past but had no trouble at all understanding what Ralph Blum has tried to accomplish with his newer take on the Runes. If you are a strict re-constructionist, yes, you may have problems with this set. But if you are like me, you may find that you appreciate someone offering a somewhat new interpretation on an ancient oracle. I found Mr. Blum's presentation a meaningful way to use the Runes- imbued with a gentle spirit of guidance and relevance to the modern Runecaster. I did not find the interpretations shallow; on the contrary, although simply written the meanings assigned to each Rune have resonance and depth. Blum's text is written in a very user-friendly, inviting style that I found highly enjoyable. The readings I've done with The Book of Runes have never failed to offer me some needed enlightenment. Blum also includes some great layouts to get you started in interpreting the Runes, although it would also be very easy to create your own personal uses with this set. Overall, I give The Book of Runes a 5 star rating for the warm, inspiring text, ease of use, and for his obviously loving re-interpretation of an ancient oracle.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Beginner's dream, An Advanced Nighmare, March 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The book of runes (Hardcover)

This is a good beginner's book, but doesn't give the insight necessary to truely read the runes successfully. He tells you brief, mediocre meanings of the runes. I must say though, that he does welcome you to runes. I didn't know how the runes worked, but with his brief not so deep meanings, I was able to start. If you want a book to learn the basics this is the best book, but if you're looking for a book for more advanced people, you better keep scrolling

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book Of Runes (3rd edition) hardcover (very spiritual), October 16, 2006

By	Lark "Lark" (Seattle,WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Runes (Hardcover)

I have used the I Ching for years as my "oracle of choice". Recently a relative introduced me to The Book of Runes (3RD Edition) along with a set of runes made from abalone. I enjoyed reading the book and agreed with Mr. Blum's view of the I Ching. I was interested in what he said about using the I Ching to validate a Rune reading. I tried this and found that he was correct (at least in relation to my own experience). Since I am of Norwegian decent I also appreciated the story of how the runes were discovered (by Odin the Norse god). The story brought back childhood memories of Norwegian relatives.