Reviews

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.ÄVivian Reed, Long Beach P.L., CA Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.