The Witch Book: The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca and Neo-Paganism

Rating:
Summary: A nice book
Review: Although this book is clearly not as complete nor as thorough as other encyclopedias on Witchcraft and Wicca, it is still an enjoyable book in its own right. Buckland's book is a good light reading for beginners that are currently unfamiliar with the topics he includes. The advantage for beginners is that Buckland does not go into much depth (which allows for easier reading) and greatly limits the amount of topics on the subject of Witchcraft/Wicca (which serves not to overwhelm the beginning reader).

Rating:
Summary: Dr. Ray Buckland does it again!
Review: Another great book from Dr. Ray Buckland. This is one of the best references. Well researched and sheds new light on very old subjects as well as new subjects. Includes a great listing of Witches in movies. What more would you expect from the father of the Seax Tradition of Wica? I do not know but I hope we have Mr. Buckland for many years to shed more light these subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Dr. Ray Buckland does it again!
Review: Another great book from Dr. Ray Buckland. This is one of the best references. Well researched and sheds new light on very old subjects as well as new subjects. Includes a great listing of Witches in movies. What more would you expect from the father of the Seax Tradition of Wica? I do not know but I hope we have Mr. Buckland for many years to shed more light these subjects.

Rating:
Summary: Another Pagan Masterpiece from Ray Buckland
Review: Dr. Buckland has done it again! Over 600 pages crammed packed with exciting and important information concerning all aspects of Wicca, witchcraft, and paganism. This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in Wicca and paganism in general, regardless of their level of expertice. Once again, Dr. Buckland has given the pagan community a masterpiece of quality literature. In an industry which is seriously lacking in quality information in the Occult genre, Ray has delivered a much needed service! We all owe him much respect! THANKS RAY!

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT book~! A must have for your personal library~!
Review: Having just completed *The Witch Book*--I HIGHLY recommend the book to anyone interested in Witchcraft--This is a book that one MUST have in their personal library--IF one's library is to be complete -- A GREAT book to own---Bravo---on this one--!!!...

Rating:
Summary: Half-Hearted at Best
Review: I am impressed with all the large bodies of work that have been taken on by the authors in the pagan community as of late. There have been a few who have tried to collect in one place all the information regarding the birthing and growth of the pagan community.

Each of them has its own flavor, which is what makes them different from each other. They contain various bits of information that the author found to be of significance to the pagan community.

Raymond Buckland has now placed his collection of facts and fiction before the pagan community with his encyclopedia. This has the "Buckland" flavor throughout and is the Pagan world as he sees it.

The entries are comprised of biographies, descriptions of tools and words, short synopsis of movies and television programs, traditions, history and much more. Many entries are accompanied by his sources, which also includes Raymond Buckland.

So, presented here, for the reader, is the world according to many different authors, with diverse opinions on many of the topics. This can give varied opinions on the many topics covered here, but it also gives us the insights and opinions of Mr. Buckland as well. In some instances there are direct contradictions, but if you check the source, you will find it is because Mr. Buckland has presented the viewpoint of two different persons, which gives this book a contrast not seen in other works of this kind.

The material is cross referenced in the index which allows for quick access to the material within, as well as it being alphabetically referenced.

There are also photos and illustrations of different aspects, symbols and persons including some from the Fortean Picture Library, which is Raymond Buckland's own collection.

I found this to be an interesting collection of material. From movies to magic, Mr. Buckland included it all in one very nicely presented volume which would enhance any coffee table or library. And while I would really have liked to have seen Mr. Buckland's reviews of more movies than the few he did review, for the most part it is an eclectic collection of references, persons, events and things that comprise our way of life. boudica

Rating:
Summary: The Witch Book: Encyclopedia of Witchcraft, Wicca and Neo-Pa
Review: Mr. Buckland has certainly done extensive research to put this book together. The encyclopedia includes terms associated with modern Wicca, the mythological witch, movies, and books. It is an all-around thorough book. So, if your curious about the use of mandrake root or you've seen a strange silent film called Hexan or your curious about Aradia the goddess of the witches, this book is probably a good choice for you.

Rating:
Summary: SHORT, DRY, YET GREAT COVERAGE
Review: Never has the question been answered: is Raymond Buckley a Witch, or not. You'll find no such disclosure here. What you will find though, is what it purports to be: an encylopedic definition of Modern Witchcraft. He includes details (such as the Witch's Council of Beliefs 1973), that provides something of a slightly muddy roadmap of where we are today. Though he sure mentions the difference of opinions between the traditions, his treatment thereof is glossy. None-the-less, Mr. Buckley has assembled the finest encylopedia per American Witchcraft. His rich knowlegde is atcually intimidating. Compare to Ly de Angeles.

Rating:
Summary: MY RATING 4 ½ STARS
Review: The Witch Book by Raymond Buckland is truly awesome. I enjoyed all the entries on its subject matter. This book is better than a basic dictionary of the occult. I especially enjoyed reading the biographies of some of the well known wiccan authors and leaders in this country. Buckland's books are among my favorties. A MUST have encyclopedia to add to your library.

Rating:
Summary: An Interesting Read
Review: This is a decent book from the Grandfather of the Gardnerian Craft in the US (and father of Seax-Wicca). Mr. Buckland provides no great revelations in this book, nor does he flesh out some of the more arcane issues that those of us interested in Craft history would like to see documented (a detailed discussion of the NY Witch Wars of the 1970s and their effects on the Craft movement would really be interesting for posterity). Still and all, it is a good book. And he does give a slight nod of the head acknowledging the place of gays in the Craft (which makes the homophobic Mr. Ventimiglia's 5 star rating all the more puzzling). But Raymond really should refrain from reviewing his books in the third person (Manxpilot). The book stands on its own merits and there's no need for that.