The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft (Paperback)

by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Don't look for the Blair Witch in these pages; this new edition retains the balanced tone and thorough scholarship of the first. Guiley, author of the previous edition and many other books on occult and New Age topics (e.g., Dreamwork for the Soul; Encyclopedia of Angels), covers both historical witchcraft (particularly the witch trials of Reformation Europe and Colonial America) and contemporary witchcraft and Wiccan and pagan practice in over 500 detailed, clearly written, alphabetically arranged entries of various lengths. The second edition incorporates new historical research on the origins of witchcraft and updates and expands coverage of the modern revival, its most influential leaders, the organizations, and their practices. The bibliography includes many new titles, and most entries list books for further reading. Revised See references and cross references improve access to information, and more than 100 black-and-white illustrations augment the text. General topics or ones tangential to witchcraft such as "Trees" and "Astrology" have been omitted, but entries related to mythology, folk magic, and the occult still appear, giving this book a broader perspective than the more arcane resources on this popular subject. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.AVivian Reed, Long Beach P.L., CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A'must' for the serious collector." -- The Book Report

The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft is an authoritative, indispensable resource for readers with a desire to learn more about the true nature and history of witchcraft. -- Reviewers Bookwatch, December 1999

This title will appeal to readers who have a casual interest in this subject and to readers who wish to do extensive research. . . . Recommended. -- The Book Report

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Product Details

• Paperback: 417 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File, Inc.; 2nd edition (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081603849X
• ISBN-13: 978-0816038497
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,955 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but not for the Wiccan Faint of Heart., January 25, 2003

By	El Brujo "Brujo Hechisero" (Lowell, Ma) - See all my reviews

This has to be one of the most impressive books on Witches and Witchcraft I have ever Purchased. One because it is not exclusively about Wicca, but of Witchcraft. ( Let the world understand that not all Witches, are Wiccans. First of all the book is huge, and has entries on Demons, the Devil, "Which really did have a big part in the history of Witchcraft." What impressed me the most of this Huge Book was that it was not just only about European Witchcraft, but also has entries on Witchcraft from around the world.

The Book is one of those books that if you have a question on Witchcraft, just alphabetically look it up and it will be there, both the black and white aspects of witchcraft are included. There are entries on Grimoires, Black Magic, Voodoo, Santeria, Quimbanda, Stregarism, A few entries on popular Wiccan Authors, Curses, Spells, Brujeria, Curanderismo, Salem Witch trials, Sorcery, Evil Spirits, Shamanism,The Orishas, the Loa, Morgan La Fey, Merlin, Voodoo Queens, and the list goes on and on. Yep and it is al in one impresive volume, that should be in every Witches, or Brujos Library. This is a good book to have, but not really meant for the Wiccan Faint of Heart.

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Source of Information, December 29, 1999

By	"[e-mail]" (U.S) - See all my reviews

This book is an encyclopedia of anything relevant to modern and historic witchcraft. It covers key names, places, people, concepts, times and events that are tied to the craft or are mistakenly construed as tied to Wicca (i.e. Satanism). It doesn't try to gloss over dark periods in our history and comes across as extremely objective about the material. The book is outstanding in its clear and concise prose - it really gets to the heart of any entry. The entries themselves are easy to look up and find. It is truly a definitive source of reference information and I would recommend it to anyone that is evaluating this path or is interested in history.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Which craft?, November 8, 2003

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This comprehensive encyclopedia contains hundreds of entries (from Abracadabra to the Zagarramurdi Witches) and over a hundred illustrations. Explaining its nature as a holistic religion that emphasizes the sanctity of life and the unity of all things, it provides a survey of witchcraft from its early pagan roots to the present, including the periods of persecution like the Inquisition and the Salem witch trials. Included are biographical profiles of leading modern witches, many with interviews. Some prominent personalities include Patrcia Crowther, Laurie Cabot and Margaret Adler and there is also an interesting piece on Carl Weschke, the magician and founder of Llewellyn Publications.