Product Description

Uncover the magic and truth behind this compelling topic.In more than 480 entries, "The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft, and Wicca, Third Edition" is an exciting update to one of the landmark references on the subject - by paranormal expert Rosemary Ellen Guiley. This new edition provides unparalleled coverage of witchcraft practices around the world - spanning different time periods and societies - including entries on magic, shamanism, the occult, and wizardry. Now covering Wicca-related material not included in the previous editions, as well as updates of contemporary biographies and Wicca material, this encyclopedia is perfect for casual readers and those fascinated by this spellbinding topic. All material has been expanded considerably, providing updates and new information about the key topics of witchcraft.The new and revised coverage includes: a treatment of the Inquisition; biographies of contemporary Wiccans; "Book of Shadows"; familiars; folklore relating to witchcraft; historical cases of witchcraft trials; magic and Wicca; salem witches; Wicca practices, rituals, beliefs, and traditions; and, witches in entertainment: films, television, stage, and popular fiction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #347806 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 436 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780816071043
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

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

Review
"Highly recommended..." - Choice "Highly recommended..." - Library Journal"

About the Author
Rosemary Ellen Guiley is one of the foremost authorities on the paranormal. A journalist by training, she has worked full time in the paranormal since 1983 as an author, presenter, and investigator. She has written 31 nonfiction books on paranormal topics - translated into 13 languages - as well as hundreds of articles. Guiley's books include The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits, Third Edition; The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy; The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters; and The Encyclopedia of Angels, Second Edition, all for Facts On File and Checkmark Books. She lives in Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Excellent Updated Edition ,a Wealth of Wicca Knowledge
I did not read the first copy of this original edition's pressing.Now,her encyclopedia of witchcraft is expanded upon and up-to-date.My one grievance with this book,is that it's not a practical resource for quickly checking a wiccan topic.Yet,for in-depth reading about the history of witches and the Craft,it has a wealth of occult information.There's many interesting sketches and photos throughout the encyclopedia,currently and through the centuries.This edition also has many current web-sites listed.I have read quite a few books on the history of wicca,and this is another great resource to turn towards also.It's a fact that witchcraft is alive and here to stay.Through the centuries,both christians and communists have tried to eradicate the cunning folks of the good Earth.All efforts have ended in failure.So,if you have already read books like,'Being a Pagan',this book also has excellent information on the elders ,who have crafted the 'Craft'.Fellow occultists will enjoy this book.Satantism is discussed ,yet for what it is.Satanism is the flip-side of Christianity.So,if you are a christian,you're more prone to becoming a Satanist,as well.Earth-based neo-pagan witches have been demonised by the modern media machine.True pagans do not fetter themselves with christain-satanism.For those who are yearning for a foul book on devil-worshipping,would be disappointed with this one.This is another great wiccan reference book ,from the research work of RoseMary Guiley.

Of special note is the updated information about the portrayal of witches in popular entertainments
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.