Rating: 
Summary: Cool Wicca book
Review: This was a cool book on Wicca. Most of the information was solid, but I was disappointed because there wasn't much on the fae. I was given this book for Yule, and when I told my girlfriend, she gave me Sirona Knight's book "Faery Magick" which was way way cool! I would recommend Cunningham's book for those who really are totally into Wicca, and I would suggest Knight's book for those of you, like myself, who honor and practice magic with the fae.
Rating: 
Summary: Useful instructions, but could use more...
Review: I liked the way this book was laid out, and the instructions were clear and useful. The author did a good job of listing off tools, etc. and explaining how to cast the circle without insisting that his way was the only good way. On the other hand, as a beginner I would have wanted more historical background and more in-depth info about how magic works, not just instructions for getting the right tools, because this is not really what matters. There was a lot of white space on the pages that could have been devoted to this. I know there are those who would rather just make a shopping list that says "athame, wand, salt, pentacle, 7 candles in assorted colors, etc." but for those beginners who bought the book in hopes of finding a little more philosophical insight, this is not recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A gentle yet solid introduction
Review: A friend recommended this to me back when I was testing Wicca's waters, and I was grateful for the suggestion. Cunningham's book is everything a beginner could ask for. It's comprehensive -- about 250 pages long -- but it also manages to give you the essentials w/o overwhelming you with unnecessary info or sidetracks. Especially helpful for the Wicca novice are the well-organized index and glossary. Many introductory books aren't as well organized as this, making it difficult to hunt around and find the info you need, or review a tidbit you might have forgotten. The basic rituals and magickal techniques are well laid out and presented in a how-to manner, making them less remote for someone starting out in the absence of a large group to help give examples. There are basic recipes and lots of detailed, useful information on where to go for all your Wiccan basics. Cunningham's book is a little heavy on the shaman's-practices side, and I had some trouble with portions of the book for pretty mundane reasons. (I don't get too many chances to spend a full week out in the woods.) But A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner is still general enough to provide the foundations for whatever your specialty may be. A nice springboard.
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Summary: A Must for those starting your path!!
Review: This book is awesome! It was the first one in my library, and I still turn to it today for reference. Cunningham is excellant at breaking down things in simple terms. I cant recommend it enough!
Rating:
Summary: yay! an intelligent book
Review: This is the only how-to book of (wiccan) spells and magic I've read that I'd unreservedly recommend to people. Cunningham is lucid, clear, and-- most importantly-- down to earth. He acknowledges that true magic comes from within, and that in the end no book can teach you *real magic.* I'm not even that into spell-casting, and I still like this book. Good for everyone. One annoying thing: he can at times be a little too superstitious for my taste, but not in an obtrusive way.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best Wicca beginner books!
Review: Scott Cunningham does a good job of explaining the ins and outs of Wicca to beginning solitary practitioners. He gives an example of a book of shadows, recipes, circle-casting information, a list of gods and goddesses, and a good listing of places to find pagan news and supplies. He discusses names, the importance of ethics, and the basics of magick. I highly recommend this book to any beginner seeking good information on Wicca, as it really is very low on "fluff" and high in substance.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have!!!
Review: Every witch MUST have this book on their magickal shelves. This is basically a beginner's book, but every witch should brush up on the basics here and there. It explains tools, the deities, holidays, spells, etc. Cunningham writes in a simple, yet effective manner and is easy to understand. If you are interested in Wicca or want to review the simple stuff, check this book out!
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Summary: An Asnwer to MIKE8111 of Austin Texas
Review: I read MIKE811's review with great interest, and touch of dismay. His crititicisms are well-meant no doubt, but a touch misplaced, in my opinion. I'm glad that he is so well read, but he seems a touch uninformed. He makes reference to "our ancestors" yet does not name who those ancestors might be. The assumption is that we have survived the "burning times," but names no heroes or heroines of that time to whom we should be beholden. Then he criticizes Cunningham along the lines of not giving spells that harm, before going into a tirade of Mr. Cunningham for not giving enough print for concepts of Karma. I would suggest that Mike has not learned enough of the effects of Karma to read into Mr Cunningham's writings, and especially Cunningham's abjuration to adhere to the Witches's Rede: AND IT HARM NONE, DO AS YE WILL. You see, all witches CAN harm. Most witches choose not to, Mike, under the rede spoken above. Scott Cunningham introduced many to the craft, and in such a way that Healing, rather than harming, was the introduction. I know many newcomers to the craft who find Scott Cunningham too soft, too easy, too gentle. It is for that very reason that I recommend my students read his works. And if they find him too soft, too "silly", I often find they are bad students, and lack the discipline of self control necessary for the true craft. But I'm only pushing my **** escape from the stake. So what would I know. This is an opinion. And like noses, everyone has one.
Rating:
Summary: a must for beginers
Review: This is the first book on wicca/paganism I ever read, and it is what started me on my path. It is easy to read and simplifies the craft, yet doesn't "dummy" anything down. It covers just about everything that someone just starting out should know, but leaves room to figure the important things on your own.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book, from the heart
Review: Cunningham does an excellent job of explaining the heart and soul of Wicca without getting bogged down in controversy. Straight-forward and from the heart.
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