Rating: 
Summary: A New Standard
Review: Without doubt, anyone who is involved in occult studies at any level should have this book. It provides comprehensive yet concise explanations of almost every term, concept, and general practice common to the various traditions of Western occultism, as well as some Eastern items that have worked their way into common usage. Brief biographies on major personalities, and for some lesser known yet important individuals, are also included, as are short histories and descriptions of many organizations.The scholarship in this volume is excellent. Greer relies on a number of contributors and reviewers to fill in the gaps and smooth out the rough spots of his own considerable knowledge. About 99.9% of the time, the entries seem to stick to the facts, and they are always dealt with in a serious and respectful manner. There is no pseudo-skepticism in this work because it is the product of someone who actually practices occultism as a way of life. On the same token, it also isn't charaterized by a lack of critical thinking or by the naive hyperbole that so often gushes out of popular works on occultism. Solid scholarship plus practical experience make Greer's occasional analysis and commentary not only valuable, but pleasantly refreshing. Why didn't I give it 5 stars? First, though it has some illustratios, the encyclopedia is obviously lacking in in this respect. Credit is due here for using that space to include more information, but there are a number of places where illustrations would have been very useful. Second, Greer intentionally avoids making entries on persons still in the flesh. There is a lot of wisdom in that practice, but there are a number of very influential authors and leaders still living, ones for which it would be nice to have at least some basic information. Despite its minor shortcomings, this encyclopedia could easily live up to its billing as THE reference text in occult studies for many years to come.
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