Rating: 
Summary: By and large a well-researched book
Review: For a scholarly and historical approach to the history of European paganism (as opposed to the cr*p and nonsense offered by several Pagan and/or New Age authors), this book is extremely readable and well-researched. It's not perfect; I have a few doubts about some of its claims, like that the Vikings had a "trinity" of Freya, Odin and Thor, that maypoles are Pagan remnants in the British Isles or why a picture of a sheila-na-gig was included when nothing was said about sheila-na-gigs (and which, contrary to popular modern-day Pagan opinion, are *not* remnants of ancient Paganism), but the book also does not go off into fanciful and nonsensical flights about unbroken lines back to the Neolithic, ancient matriarchies, worldwide ancient "Great Goddess" worship or alleged "peaceful" cultures with no implements of war. One of the consultants on this book was Dr. Ronald Hutton, a historian at the University of Bristol, whose opinion I trust a lot, although the authors mention in the introduction that he 'refrained' from commenting on their interpretations (I can see where he was probably biting his tongue since a few things they claimed were in contradiction with what he's claimed in his own books). I found the book hard to put down and was particularly interested in their honest summation of modern-day Paganism at the end and its more modern origins (some Pagans would like to think otherwise). (ObDisclaimer: I am a Pagan myself). For them's that wants historical accuracy rather than candy-coated New Age feminist revisionist histories, this book, in my opinion, is hard to beat.
Rating:
Summary: By and large a well-researched book
Review: For a scholarly and historical approach to the history of European paganism (as opposed to the cr*p and nonsense offered by several Pagan and/or New Age authors), this book is extremely readable and well-researched. It's not perfect; I have a few doubts about some of its claims, like that the Vikings had a "trinity" of Freya, Odin and Thor, that maypoles are Pagan remnants in the British Isles or why a picture of a sheila-na-gig was included when nothing was said about sheila-na-gigs (and which, contrary to popular modern-day Pagan opinion, are *not* remnants of ancient Paganism), but the book also does not go off into fanciful and nonsensical flights about unbroken lines back to the Neolithic, ancient matriarchies, worldwide ancient "Great Goddess" worship or alleged "peaceful" cultures with no implements of war. One of the consultants on this book was Dr. Ronald Hutton, a historian at the University of Bristol, whose opinion I trust a lot, although the authors mention in the introduction that he 'refrained' from commenting on their interpretations (I can see where he was probably biting his tongue since a few things they claimed were in contradiction with what he's claimed in his own books). I found the book hard to put down and was particularly interested in their honest summation of modern-day Paganism at the end and its more modern origins (some Pagans would like to think otherwise). (ObDisclaimer: I am a Pagan myself). For them's that wants historical accuracy rather than candy-coated New Age feminist revisionist histories, this book, in my opinion, is hard to beat.
Rating: 
Summary: Serious Reservations about their presentation of the Balts
Review: I have serious reservations about the book, considering that their section on Lithuania has some glaring mistakes, one of which is where they claim that a Duke Sventaragis chose the site of Vilnius. Sventaragis was never a person, but a sacred site. Two, in the legends it is Gediminas, one of the major Grand Dukes who is credited with the founding of the capital city.The rest of the text is worth a read, but they should have done further research into the Balts.
Rating: 
Summary: Christians & Pagans Should Read This
Review: I knew nothing of the authors' bias when I picked up this book and knew no more when I put it down. Given the nature of the subject matter that says much about the authors. I have no reason to doubt the overall accuracy of the material. Given the span of time and geography, there must be some details that are incorrect, but if the reader is looking for a dispassionate history and evolution of paganism in the West, this book is a must. That is high praise in this day of revisionism where a good end justifies a lie. Christians should read this book for many reasons. Evangelical Christians must deal Wicca and other modern manifestations of the pagan religion and creditable sources are difficult to find. All Christians should be aware of the syncretic background of their religious practices Pagans should read this because it sets the record straight on the origins of their religion and its historical development. It is amply footnoted and the authors, as I have just learned, are Pagan themselves. I defer to Nicole Chardenet's earlier review for a better review from the Pagan view. For those whom it matters, I am a Sabbath observant Fundamentalist Evangelical Christian.
Rating:
Summary: Christians & Pagans Should Read This
Review: I knew nothing of the authors' bias when I picked up this book and knew no more when I put it down. Given the nature of the subject matter that says much about the authors. I have no reason to doubt the overall accuracy of the material. Given the span of time and geography, there must be some details that are incorrect, but if the reader is looking for a dispassionate history and evolution of paganism in the West, this book is a must. That is high praise in this day of revisionism where a good end justifies a lie. Christians should read this book for many reasons. Evangelical Christians must deal Wicca and other modern manifestations of the pagan religion and creditable sources are difficult to find. All Christians should be aware of the syncretic background of their religious practices Pagans should read this because it sets the record straight on the origins of their religion and its historical development. It is amply footnoted and the authors, as I have just learned, are Pagan themselves. I defer to Nicole Chardenet's earlier review for a better review from the Pagan view. For those whom it matters, I am a Sabbath observant Fundamentalist Evangelical Christian.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting read
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book,because it covered parts of europe I have not yet read about. It taught me many new things and I am very glad I read it.
Rating:
Summary: dense and invigorating
Review: I was afraid this book would be dogmatic and slanted towards New Age Paganism and Mother Goddess mumbo jumbo, but it turned out to be a solid, scholarly book. At points, it is difficult to follow the scores of references to different times and places, but working through the details is worth the effort. If you're interested in pre-Christian European history, this is an excellent piece of research. A good historiographic source, too.
Rating:
Summary: A bright spot in the sky of dark and bad history
Review: It seems as if we've made it through the poppy fields and munchkins are singing that we're out of the woods and it's time to step into the light. This book, with a handful of others provides REAL history and evidence to back it up that contrasts starkly with the words of other, more imaginative "historians."
"Pagan" Europe was pretty ugly and boring, but this book is NOT.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent research and a treasure trove of information
Review: This is a must-have for any modern pagan. It is very inspiring to get an idea of the pagan past and see its influence on the pagan present.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive and a great read.
Review: This is a well-written, complete, and unbiased history. This is about your ancestors what they really believed and how some of their ideas survived. It is like comming home for the first time.
|
