The Diagram Group Sterling Nonfiction, Folklore/Magic/Reference Themes: Encyclopedias, New Age ****
Description
Humans have always sought to find a way to predict the seemingly unpredictable future. Through the ages, everything from clouds to grains of sand and palms to entrails
were studied as seriously as modern science studies satellite photos or DNA, trying to figure out what the future holds for man and planet. This book covers many methods
of divination, from the popular to obscure.
Review
A fun little reference book, I found it in the discount section for a great price. It keeps its information short and sweet, with plenty of drawings and diagrams to help
explain things. Being a simple reference book, it doesn't delve into methodology origins or different interpretations, which might have been interesting but isn't strictly
relevant in this quick-reference context. (I like to page through little references like this to help spark ideas...)
The Diagram Group Sterling Nonfiction, Folklore/Magic/Reference Themes: Encyclopedias, New Age ****
Description
Astrology, numerology, witches, alchemists, demons, angels, charms, and potions... This little book covers the basics of magic and spells, from stereotypes and ancient
practices to modern Wicca and other practitioners.
Review
This is a handy little reference book with, as implied by the group that created it, a number of visual aids and diagrams. The information isn't particularly in-depth
or even necessarily accurate, but it covers a very broad range of subjects. I also found it for five bucks on the clearance shelf, and considered it quite a bargain.
The Diagram Group Sterling Nonfiction, Folklore/Magic/Reference Themes: Encyclopedias, New Age ****
Description
Humans have amassed a great deal of superstition through the ages, for everything from folk cures and curses to washing. Even today new superstitions are formed about air
travel, automobiles, and other conveniences unknown to the “uneducated” folk who originated our oldest superstitions. This book covers all manner of good and bad omens,
charms, signs, and beliefs.
Review
This is a handy, fun little reference book. My only complaint is that no attempt was made to explain the origins of some of the more bizarre and seemingly groundless
superstitions. Usually, if you dig far enough, there’s a practical (if twisted beyond use) or religious basis for most superstitions. That aside, I enjoyed it, and it, too,
was bargain-priced when I found it.
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