A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits

Amazon.com

The Macks divert our gaze from our contemporary red-faced, cloven-hoofed misrepresentation of demons to remind us of the ancient roles demons were originally assigned to play. From the Tommyknockers of North American mountain mines to the South African Mbulu that waits in the river for lone travelers, A Field Guide to Demons classifies these creatures by their domains--water, mountain, forest--rather than in alphabetical or cultural order, dishing out antique and contemporary lore on these most misunderstood of spirits. A Field Guide to Demons melds folklore and mythology; maintains a surprisingly evenhanded view of demons; and reveals their role as the necessary challenger to established order, the antagonist--without which there could be no hero--and the darkness through which goodness shines brightest. --Brian Patterson

Book Description

Watch your back! . . . How to spot and identify demons and other subversive spirits . . . And what to do next.Demons, fairies, and fallen angels are everywhere. They lurk at crossroads, crouch behind doors, hide in trees, slip into beds, wait in caves, hover at weddings and childbirths, disguise themselves as friends, relatives-even disguise themselves as you. They are powerful; they are protean; they are enchanting. And, to the uninformed, they are often invisible. This illustrated guide-the first of its kind-reveals the remarkable permutations of the demon and fairy species worldwide. Packed with lore about each demon, detailing its origins, the culture surrounding it, and its reputed antics and exploits, A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits is a fascinating exploration of global mythologies. Perfect for the armchair traveler and the intrepid, seasoned demon-spotter alike, this complete guide to subversive spirits offers a behind-the-scenes look at the devilish mishaps, impish irritations, and demonic devastations that punctuate our lives.

Customer Reviews:

Folklore, Nothing More.......2007-02-14

I must admit that I bought this book at a stage in my life when I believed in the supernatural. I don't anymore. At the time, it seemed like interesting reading and perhaps even a manual of some sort that could be used in case I ever came into contact with supernatural beings. This book is like a little encyclopedia on such beings as they have been described in folklore worldwide. In here, you will find descriptions and legends behind creatures like the Islamic Djinn, Japanese Oni and Jewish Asmodeus. Some of the ancient (and current) gods worshipped by men are also included. Unfortunately, while this makes for fascinating reading, you can't really get into it unless you actually believe in these things. The style of writing almost seems like that should be a prerequisite. The book itself is lovely; printed on soft paper with illustrations that are good but could have been better. Many of them look like they could have been drawn by just about anyone. The cover will certainly tempt you to pick it up, though. The book index is also quite excellent as it includes even related entries that are not really 'topics' per se. Perhaps this makes the index look meatier than it otherwise would be. Even so, if you are looking for a critical or even remotely scientific analysis of the subject matter, this book is not for you. On the other hand, if you are steeped in these beliefs, it would probably be one of your more cherished possessions. I don't know much about the authors, Carol and Dinah Mack, but I would imagine they are something right out of the series, "Charmed".

Folklore, Myths, Legends & Beasts..........2007-01-17

Anywhere you go, stories are told. Sometimes, passed down from Elder to Child, tales at bed-time, or simply in fun or even in warning - superstition.

Figures that lurk in the darkness of night, swimming in the depths of lakes, the vastness of desert, or in the cover of dense forests - many types of Fairy, ( Fae ), Monsters, or Creatures is referenced in this book. Each with their own description, ( sometimes illustrated ), and some even with added tidbits, such as how they are featured in Lore, Locations, and how to disarm, conjure, or dispel.

For those interested in Folklore, Beings, Hybrid Creatures, Demonic and others, this book is a great beginning, or an addition to any collection. Great for references, or even as simple entertainment!

Each are placed in their own category, be it Mountain, Domicile, and even Psyche to name a few. How to use the Guide, Identify, Approach, and the Origin of the Species helps the reader along. For those beginning in Folklore, Creatures, etc., a handle as to how they are thought of, portrayed, Feared, and Adored.

Okay.......2007-01-10

This book was okay. I have read better. It was very interesting. Not factual but interesting...

Pleasant read........2006-07-18

The book had many demons and the small stories that go with them. I think the only thing I would have liked more in the book is for the writer to post more pictures of some of the demons the writer was trying to describe. Evnen though this was a very well made book and it is simple enough for the average reader to understand yet complex, the writer used words that I had to look up in the dictionary. So I would recomend this book to a person who is curious about demons, but not thoose who are very serious about the subject.

A Fascinating, Frightening and Sometimes Amusing Look at Malicious Spirits Worldwide.......2006-05-27

Well, as the title says, this book is a "field guide" to Demons, faeries and other malicious spirits. The book opens with a couple discussions on the nature of demons, evil, and so forth, before splitting into a field guide style approach that breaks it down into sections like "mountain", "ocean", "desert" and so forth. Within in each section are given several different demons or types of demon, along with a write up of their habits, myths and lore, how to defeat them and the like.

The first section, "Oceans", covers several well known sea monsters and water faeries such as mermaids, the Japanese kappa, the Australian bunyip, the Russian rusalka and the Scottish kelpie, amongst others (like the Mbulu, a water person from Zulu folklore). In the "Mountains" section we get a wide variety of demons, ranging from Huwawa (from the Epic of Gilgamesh) to the tiny Abatwa of Zulu belief and the "little people" of Cherokee folklore. The "Forest" chapter includes a number of wild monsters like the flesh-eating Windigo of Native American belief, Japanese fox-spirits and the Rakshasa of Hinduism. A section on "the Desert" covers things like the djinn and ghuls of Islamic belief, the Mimi of Australian Aboriginal lore and Set, the Egyptian god of darkness. "The Domicile" introduces spirits of the household and domestic spheres, like the Jewish Lilith, the Changing Bear Woman of the Navajo, and the Changelings of British folkelore. The last chapter, "The Psyche", introduces highly abstract demons that play with the concept of the self, like the werewolf, Mr. Hyde, the Id and the Jewish dybbuk.

None of the entries are overly long, nor is this book a comprehensive list of demons, but it does provide a wonderful glimpse at the countless devils, evil spirits and other things that have haunted mankind's beliefs for centuries. The authors never seem to commit themselves to any one stance on the existance of demons, for the record, and I've known very religious people who have read this book. Whether or not you believe in the spirits presented here, it is a fascinating cross-cultural study of malicious spirits. Particularly if you know very little about mythology, folklore and religion to begin with. Things like faeries, werewolves and mermaids may well be common place in our vocabulary, but lesser known myths like the Patupairehe, Isitwalangcengce, Eloko and the gruesome Nuckelavee are equally frightening. All in all, a well thought out and executed book.

Energetic Alchemy, Dao Yin Therapy and Qi Deviations (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 2)

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Energetic Alchemy, Dao Yin Therapy and Qi Deviations (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 2)

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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1885246293

Product Description

The information contained withinthe Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text hascurrently been tripled and reformatted into five exciting new textbooks.The five new Medical Qigong textbooks are composed of both modern andancient knowledge, graphics, and expanded techniques, guaranteed tofascinate and intrigue the reader. Never before in the history ofChinese Medicine has a textbook series been made available to thepublic that includes such comprehensive and thorough understandings onancient Chinese energetic healing techniques. Written by an internationally recognized Grand Master ofMartial, Medical, and Spiritual Qigong training, this five textbookseries (often referred to as the "Medical Qigong Encyclopedia")provides the first complete explanation of ancient Chinese esoterictheory that has for centuries eluded and confounded the West. This second textbook includes a thorough understanding of ancient Chinese esoteric alchemy, metaphysical theories of projecting the Soul, Spirit, and Qi, Daoist Sorcery, Psychic Attacks, and Demonic or Spirit Oppression/Possession, as well as the practical Medical Qigong applications used to treat such conditions. The featured highlights of this clinical textbook include:-Chinese Alchemy and the Three Powers-The Treasures of Heaven: Sun, Moon, and Stars-The Treasures of Earth: Soil, Water, and Wind-The Treasures of Man: Jing, Qi, and Shen-Soul, Spirit, and Energy Projection-Soul Retrieval and Medical Qigong Therapy-Medical Qigong Dao Yin Training-Medical Qigong Postural Dao Yin Training-Medical Qigong Respiratory Dao Yin Training-Medical Qigong Mental Dao Yin Training-Understanding Qi Deviations-Disorders of the Soul and Spirit-Introduction to Chinese Spiritual Dimensions-Clinical Interactions with the Spirit World-Sorcery and Psychic Attacks-Encounters With Ghosts and Spirit Entities-Demonic and Spirit Oppression and Possession-Exorcism

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Demons of Inner World
Alfred Ribi
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0877735794
Release Date: 1990-10-17

Powers of Evil: A Biblical Study of Satan and Demons

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Superstition is not dead: POWERS OF EVIL proves it
Theological research how it should be.....
ack. what IS this?!
Excellent Writing on Satan and Other Evil Spirits
powers of satan

Powers of Evil: A Biblical Study of Satan and Demons
Sydney H. T. Page
Manufacturer: Baker Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801071372
Release Date: 1994-08-01

Book Description

With wisdom and a keen ability to apply biblical truth to everyday problems, Chip Ingram reveals God's true nature and desire to care for his people in a way the no earthly person can. Whether struggling with day-to-day problems or overwhelming hardship, readers will find the strength and encouragement they need.

Customer Reviews:

Superstition is not dead: POWERS OF EVIL proves it.......2004-07-14

Sydney H. T. Page, professor of New Testament and academic dean at Edmonton Baptist Seminary, suggests that demons actually exist and are the cause of evil in the world. On page 269, he states, "The reality of the devil and his underlings is supported by the authority of Scripture and of Christ himself. Those who regard the Bible as divine revelation and who believe that Jesus was infallible cannot simply disregard what they both teach with regards to evil spirits....The belief that the devil ultimately stands behind evil provides a powerful incentive for combating it....The Christian who takes the demonological teaching of the Bible seriously can confront temptation with confidence." Professor Page would have better served his readers if he had recognized the wisdom of the ironic statement he offers on page 270: "There is the danger of accepting beliefs and practices that are superstitious."
I purchased this book in the hopes of getting a scholarly commentary on demonology in the NT. My hopes were in vain. I got a book filled with a superstitious man's views on demons and the devil.

Theological research how it should be............2002-05-14

This was a very interesting and informative read. The author had clearly done his homework. Instead of propping up his personal and/or denominational agenda, he gave equal play to various interpretations. At the same time, he would explain why a particular interpretation was strained or altogether wrong.

I have yet to find a better Biblical exploration of the subject of demonology. Far to often such books are full of paranoia, speculation, and extra-biblical quotations. This was a well-grounded and scholarly approach to one of the tougher subjects in Christian theology. Favorable consideration should be given "Powers of Evil."

ack. what IS this?!.......2001-10-26

no no no. for one thing this book doesnt even deserve ONE star. for another, although i have nothing against Christians, i'm a Demonic Hunter(and witch), i track and consort demons often in other words. the author of this book doesnt seem to know a lot about Demons. i found it a rather pathetic attempt to make you feel safer and happier with God. ...and i never will be but this book was just ridiculous.

Excellent Writing on Satan and Other Evil Spirits.......2001-05-22

Page's "Powers of Evil" is an excellent study on Satan, fallen angels, demons, and evil spirits from a Christian perspective. The book is such a fine approach to the topic that a motivated person reads straight through the whole book. It seems the author's motivation for writing this book derives from today's confusion about Satan and evil spirits. People "are confronted by a bewildering array of conflicting ideas and claims" about these supernatural beings. The author is convinced that "the [Christian] Bible's authority is primary" for understanding the nature and actions of Satan and his angels. Moreover, it is wise to read the Holy Scripture for getting a true picture of these celestial beings and being able to distinguish between a meaningful statement and nonsense about Satan and evil spirits. He writes: "One cannot expect to be able to assess contemporary phenomena with discernment without having a solid grasp of what the Bible actually teaches". Dr. Page uses the Christian Bible very carefully as the main authority for his research and conclusion. Furthermore, he takes into consideration many commentaries and other writings about the topic. Page's book is very well developed and outlined. First, he writes about Satan, fallen angels, demons, and evil spirits in the Old Testament. Afterwards, he is focused on Satan and Jesus in conflict as well as Jesus' mastery of the demons (New Testament). Finally, Dr. Page writes about the apostolic teaching concerning Satan and the powers of evil (New Testament). Page's discussion of every explicit reference to Satan and other evil spirits in the Christian Bible and the brief excursus on exorcism in the modern world are very insightful and supportive. Analyzing such a difficult topic and referring to modern forms of appearances through God's Word, extensive research and a clear mind make this book an excellent academic and valuable writing. Page's book can certainly assist people to understand the "world" of Satan and evil spirits as well as the mastery of all these evil spirits through Christ Jesus.

powers of satan.......2000-11-09

well lets see it is a good book and it talks about the powers of satan. it is a well described book on the powers. it talks about satan and what he is able to do. and it talks about the demons. i like this book very much it is like my bible. i think that other people should read this book if they like demons adn if they are into that kinda thing. this book is really really cool. what i liked about the book was that it told some of the research that they did on it and what they thought about the different powers. it has a lot of usefull information if you are doing a report or something like that on demons and satan or if you are into that kind of stuff.

The Demon Spirit (The DemonWars Trilogy, Book 2)

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Ugh
Very Good Continuance to the Demon Wars
demon awakens
A Great, Fast Paced Continuation of an Intrgiuing Series
Powerful Gemstones

The Demon Spirit (The DemonWars Trilogy, Book 2)
R.A. Salvatore
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345391527
Release Date: 1999-01-30

Amazon.com

The Demon trilogy by R.A. Salvatore began with The Demon Awakens and continues with The Demon Spirit. Corona is a fantasy world regularly menaced by the "demon dactyl" who organizes the usual suspects--goblins, dwarfs, giants--in hope of wiping out humanity. Having been comprehensively blown up in book one, the now bodiless demon resorts to corrupting the soul of the abbot who is Corona's chief religious leader. It's an easy task, since despite a few good monks the church is already a murderous, hypocritical outfit.

On the other side, Elbryan the elf-trained warrior and his magic-wielding lady are busy cleaning up the increasingly disorganized remnants of the demon's armies, with skilled assistance from elf and thief companions. The magic comes from stones and jewels with various interesting powers, liberated from the church by a renegade monk in book one. This annoys the Abbot no end, and his "Brother Justice" assassins are hot on the stones' trail, bumping off rival clerics and innocent bystanders en route.

There's plenty of slick incidental adventure and skirmishing, and even an exciting raid on the torture chambers of the biggest and best-defended abbey. Meanwhile the battle lines are being rearranged: the fight is no longer against the demon but the now demon-influenced church, with the final clash scheduled for the concluding volume The Demon Apostle. Fast-moving commercial fantasy that delivers action rather than misty enchantment. --David Langford, Amazon.co.uk

Book Description

Elbryan and Pony--soul mates from childhood who grew even closer over time--fervently hope that the tide of darkness is at last receding from the land of Corona. Yet if evil is on the retreat, why are hordes of goblins and bloody-capped powries slashing their way ever-deeper into civilized lands?

A sinister threat now looms over Corona, for the power of the demon dactyl was not entirely vanquished by the sacrifice of the monk Avelyn Desbris. Instead, its darkness has infiltrated the most sacred of places--as a once-admired spiritual leader rededicates his life to the most vicious, most insidious revenge against the forces of good. There may be no stopping the spread of the malignant evil . . .

Download Description

A sinister threat now looms over Corona, for the power of the demon dactyl was not entirely vanquished by the sacrifice of the monk Avelyn Desbris. Instead, its darkness has infiltrated the most sacred of places -- as a once-admired spiritual leader rededicates his life to the most vicious, most insidious revenge against the forces of good. There may be no stopping the spread of the malignant evil.

"[The] potent mixture of detailed historical context, well-rounded characters, brisk pacing, and exciting battle scenes make for a consuming read."
   PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Customer Reviews:

Ugh.......2006-03-03

I never really liked the Demon Awakening and yet always find myself being driven by wanting to see "what happens next", so I figured I'd give the second book a whirl. I think a large problem I find with books like this is that the main character come off more annoying than heroic. You know your not enjoying a fantasy novel when you would like nothing better than to see the main protaganist meet a grisly fate (like squished under the foot of a "fomorian" giant). Avelyn was cool but his encore is very dissapointing. Oh, and I really don't give a damn at what angle Nightbird blocked a goblin sword or how many triple sow-cows he does to escape a cumbersome giant axe. yawn.

Very Good Continuance to the Demon Wars.......2005-11-11

This is a very good sequel to the Demon Wars. It doesn't have the flare and the style of the first book, nor the emotion of the third book but it still stands on its own as a great book. IMO, it is the least significant book of the Demon Wars saga.

demon awakens.......2005-09-30

Another great book by Salvatore. He never seems to miss. He has great detail, storytelling, and imagination. A definate must on any fantasy lovers list.

A Great, Fast Paced Continuation of an Intrgiuing Series.......2004-03-13

While not as great as I expected, this was a very entertaining and fast paced continuation of an exploration into the world of Corona. Salvatore, as always, kept my attention and focus and I truly enjoyed turning the pages. My only complaint is that after the victory over Dactyl (maybe/maybe not?) the story begins to focus more and more on the Abellican monks. At times I found this boring and lacking of slow. Once the goblins and powries left the stage the story began to grind to a slower pace. Although I did eventually get into the new direction of the story, it did take some getting used to.

Overall I'd recommend you pursue the continuation of the First Demon War Saga and pick up this novel. I look forward to reading the Demon Apostle.

Powerful Gemstones.......2003-10-25

I enjoyed the book The Demon Spirit by R.A. Salvatore because it was very discriptive about the battles. I liked the swords. The sword I liked the most was Elebryan's. The reason I liked his sword the most was because It could cut through anything! Another thing I liked was the jemstones ability to fight with magic. I think that R.A. Salvatore is one of the better fantasy authors.

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Classic volume on demon possession and Christianity

Demon Possession and Allied Themes
John L. Nevius , and F. F. Ellinwood
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans

ASIN: 0766148548

Book Description

1897. Being an inductive study of phenomena of our own times. Some of the readers of these pages will in all probability be disappointed in finding the characters and doings of spirits much less interesting and creditable than they are as represented in the familiar writings of Dante and Milton. It must be borne in mind that this is not a work of the imagination, and that the author is not responsible for the characters he introduces. His object is to present a truthful statement of facts, confident that from such a course, nothing but good can come to the cause either of science or religion.

Customer Reviews:

Classic volume on demon possession and Christianity.......2000-11-21

John Livingston Nevius worked as a missionary in China from 1854 to 1893. It is from this work that the majority of the content of this book is taken from. As Nevius tells it, the spread of Christianity in China entailed the clashing of it with age old spirit worship. It was because of this that demon manifestations occured. Though Nevius was never himself a witness to the possessed (and there was a cultural reason for that), each story he collected was from Chinese Christian converts who took on the burdon of ministry in their own towns.

Real stories of demon possession, however, are not the whole of Nevius' work. He also addresses other possible explanations for these same manifestations, whether psychological, pathological or from evolutionary theory. He even addresses the Spiritualist's perspective. Of course, having no bias against supernaturalism, Nevius' conclusion on the subject was in favor of where testimony evidenced, namely towards the existence of intelligent, evil beings capable of controlling a human body.

"As to the character of these events they are wonderful as giving evidence of the presence of unseen opposing powers, and the sovereignty of our Lord..."

That last part, "and the sovereignty of our Lord" also denotes a unique aspect of the cases Nevius mentions. Unlike the "real stories" of possession in works such as Hostage to the Devil by Malachi Martin and Possessed - the true story of an excorcism by Thomas B. Allen (who both, incidently, refer to Catholic excorcisms), demon activity was subject to the power of God by the name of Jesus Christ and through prayer in these Protestant accounts.

Whether you believe in demons and possession or not, Nevius' book offers a unique insight into the history of demon possession (however you interpret that) as it relates to China and Christian ministry, specifically in the Protestant Churches. I therefore highly recommend it.

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Awesome

Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons, and Ghouls

Great for fan

Perfectly written

Everything you wanted to know about things that go bump in the night
The "Supernatural" Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons, and Ghouls
Alex Irvine
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 1

Supernatural: Nevermore (Supernatural)

Supernatural - The Complete Second Season

Supernatural: Witch's Canyon (Supernatural)

Supernatural: The Official Companion Season 2

ASIN: 0061367036
Release Date: 2007-09-04

Book Description

Twenty-three years ago, Sam and Dean Winchester lost their mother to a demonic supernatural force. Following the tragedy, their father, John, set out to teach his boys everything about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America . . . and how to kill it.

Fans of the blockbuster television phenomenon can rejoice! A one-of-a-kind compilation of all of Sam and Dean's demon-busting knowledge, The Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons, and Ghouls contains illustrations and detailed descriptions that catalogue the more than two dozen otherworldly enemies that most people believe exist only in folklore, superstition, and nightmares:vampires, ghosts, revenants, reapers, and even bloody clowns. You'll find within these pages Sam and Dean's notes, observations, and memories interwoven with sections of John Winchester's invaluable journal, making this book the perfect companion to every thrilling episode—and an essential weapon in the secret war against the hidden creatures of the darkness!

Customer Reviews:

Awesome.......2007-10-09

I love this book and it is really cool the way it is written. I have so enjoyed reading it.

Supernatural Book of Monsters, Spirits, Demons, and Ghouls.......2007-10-06

I love the show "Supernatural" and anything to do with it. This book was semi-interesting, mainly because it was written from the point of view of Dean and Sam Winchester and because it touched on the entities the boys have faced on the show.

Great for fan.......2007-10-06

SOme of the stuff in there is real folklore, it is a bible for the supernatural fan... the show or the real thing!

Perfectly written.......2007-10-06

Definately a must have book for all Supernatural fans. It explains all the myths that were the bases of the episodes in season one. Also, it is written in the Brothers point of view making it interesting to read. Highly Recommended

Everything you wanted to know about things that go bump in the night.......2007-09-30

This book is not just for those who are fans of the CW show Supernatural. Eric Kripke, creator of the show, prides himself on the validity of the legends and myths he uses in his show. This book gives background information about things encounted by the Winchesters with a few new critters added in. The text uses Sam and Dean's voices for each section and fans of the show can easily pick out which Winchester is speaking each time. This book is a must for those who want to learn more about urban legends and things that roam the night.

Good Spirits: A New Look at Ol' Demon Alcohol

Average customer rating:

Twelve pack of wine coolers
If you love bourbon and farming

Good Spirits: A New Look at Ol' Demon Alcohol
Gene Logsdon
Manufacturer: Chelsea Green Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1890132438

Book Description

Here we go. Gene "The Contrary Farmer" Logsdon has taken on some controversial subjects in his time, but this time he has bitten off ("sipped on" doesn't sound right) a topic bound to raise strong feelings on both sides of society's moral boundary lines. His subject is alcohol and its traditional role on the family homestead. Not surprisingly, Gene speaks the bare-naked truth, and finds a lot more good than bad to say about booze. Alcohol has historically played a significant role in agricultural life. In colonial times it was the most "liquid" alternative to hard currency as a means of exchange. Alcohol was the most reliable, safest, and most convenient way to store the grain harvest, and was an integral commodity on nearly every farmstead. Because it was so valued--does this surprise us?--the government muscled in, looking for its own piece of the action. George Washington was the first of many politicians to regulate alcohol as a means to generate revenues and gain political control. Good Spirits is a rare and brave revisionist view of history. Logsdon is a master at exposing the absurdity of the commonplace. Does it really make sense that the government can make it illegal for us to combine common substances (grain, water, and yeast) on our own property? Can it be true that every war effort in the nation's history has been fueled literally and figuratively by alcohol and the tax revenues it produces? Why must the farmer fund the government that oppresses him? In between good-natured tirades, Logsdon makes sure the reader learns some valuable lessons. He tells us how to make beer; he teaches the rudiments of distilling; he interviews Booker Noe (patron of America's First Family of bourbon) to tell us how to sip and tell; and he adds lively tales from alcohol's quasi-legitimate past. This is vintage Contrary Farmer: 100-proof, single-barrel select. Good Spirits is outrageous, entertaining, enlightening, and an eye-poppingly interesting, natural and holistic look at the role of alcohol. You will savor this book like a snifter of Calvados, the double-distilled apple brandy of Normandy that evaporates on the tongue like a heavenly ambrosia. Heady stuff, but delicious when consumed in moderation.

Customer Reviews:

Twelve pack of wine coolers.......2000-06-07

Good Spirits by Gene Logsdon is a light, easy read, suitable for reading on rainy summer days while swinging on the front porch swing. Best served with cold wine coolers, inexpensive California Chablis, home-made beer and/or gin-&-lemonade.

Gene Logsdon writes, "On the subject of alcohol, hypocrisy is the standard-bearer of public opinion in America.....More evil is done in the name of good than in any other fashion, because the goal of persuading people to act morally invites the idea that the end justifies the means." Lest there be any doubt, Gene Logsdon is strongly against the stigma attached to the (moderate) consumption and production of alcohol.

Logsdon is a good story teller. The first chapter is an unsanitized version of American history that illustrates the origins of our schizophrenic policy on alcohol. The remaining 11 chapters are a mix of three fictionalized "true-life" stories and eight how-to manuals.

Finally, this is not a hard core how-to book. Reading this book will not prepare you to run Seagram's out of business. However, it might give you the gumption to sneak a few jugs of cider into the garage when your wife isn't looking....for scientific experimentation, that is.

If you love bourbon and farming.......2000-01-29

I found this a fascinating read. If you love a. bourbon and b. farming, like me, this is right up your alley. Great for a winter day before the fireplace.

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Save your $$$
An Utter Mess
A Sophomoric treatment of an Interesting subject
Fascinating but hard to follow
Ignorant, frivolous treatment of a fascinating subject

The Complete Book of Devils and Demons
Leonard R.N. Ashley
Manufacturer: Barricade Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569800774

Book Description

Here is the story of how evil has been conceived embraced, and combatted over time, including the rise and fall of black magicians, astrology, spiritualism and more.

Customer Reviews:

Save your $$$.......2002-10-12

First off let me state that this book should have been named
"The anything BUT complete book of Devils and Demons".
Actually it has very little to do with Devils, Demons or anything of the like, this is just another one of those books that handles this fascinating subject in the uptight biased wore out judeo/christian manner that i for one am quite tired of, the author if we dare to call him that obviously wrote this book for a fast buck, i havnt read any of his other books and since reading this one i have no intention on doing so. His style is enough to give A person of even the strongest constitution a vein bulging headache. Like the title says, do your self a favor and save your $$$ for something more accurate and fulfilling.

An Utter Mess.......2000-11-13

From its misleading title--this volume is rather slender given its claim for being "complete"--to its lack of bibliographic notes and historical and factual unreliability, Ashley's tome is an utter mess. Poorly written and organized, with only a three-page index, this is a book that cannot be taken seriously. "Devils and Demons," in fact, seems like a haphazard collection of the author's notes on interesting trivia he happened to bounce on, without bothering to reexamine his sources or concern himself with the formalities of English grammar. For example, in his brief discussion of C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters," Ashley describes Lewis's book as "a delightful collection of business communications between a minor devil called Screwtape and his boss," evidently forgetting that Screwtape was a "major" devil corresponding to his underling nephew, Wormwood, as anyone even slightly familiar with the literature of fictional demonology knows. Such sloppy errors that are sprinkled through Ashley's work brings the subject down to the level of tabloid journalism, and with the same level of reliability. The reader would best be served by searching for other, more scholarly books which are abundant in this peculiar area of study, such as the "Compendium Maleficarum" or Robbins' "Encyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology." But "The Complete Book of Devils and Demons" is a complete waste of dead trees.

A Sophomoric treatment of an Interesting subject.......2000-11-10

Leonard Ashley's pathetic excuse of designing this book for the "sound bite" and "limited attention span" generation is an insult and affront to his readers.

The book is nothing but a mish-mash and mosaic of information culled from the Internet that the author has so carelessly put together.

For beginners and the uninitiated- this might briefly prove interesting- but in general- this book is a sleeping pill in disguise.

Fascinating but hard to follow.......2000-08-20

The book is a good reference point for those looking into this subject for the first time. While the author provides a lot of information, her style in presenting it leaves something to be desired. The book format is put together in such a way that it makes it difficult for the reader to follow. There are also a lot of errors in grammar like misspelled words and run-on sentences. It seems the author would have noticed this, but I guess he was in a hurry. If you can live with the format then you may want to check it out. However, you may want to try "Encyclopedia of Hell" by Miriam Van Scott.

Ignorant, frivolous treatment of a fascinating subject.......2000-08-05

What a shame Leonard Ashley (who has no doubt spent some time looking into his subject) is unable to string an intelligent sentence together. This ridiculously pedestrian book demeans the fascinating subject of demonology through a nauseous trail of sloppy ideas, puerile humour and incongruous, misplaced anecdotes. A work of zero interest to even the most unsophisticated of students.

Picture Book of Devils, Demons and Witchcraft

Average customer rating:

Devilishly Delightful Illustrated Reference Work
Not What I was looking for but....
Not exactly what I expected but useful
Not exactly what I expected but useful
Great Idea -- Disappointing Execution

Picture Book of Devils, Demons and Witchcraft
Ernst Lehner , and Johanna Lehner
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486227510

Book Description

244 representations, symbols, and manuscript pages of devils and death from Ancient Egypt to 1913. Fascinating graphics depict demons, witches and warlocks, the Danse Macabre, Hell and Damnation, the Art of Dying, more. Works by Dürer, Cranach, Holbein, Rembrandt, others.

Customer Reviews:

Devilishly Delightful Illustrated Reference Work.......2005-04-14

This book is not meant to be an introduction to Wicca or a history of witchcraft and demonology. It's intended purpose is simply to provide an illustrated reference work primarily for historians, teachers, artists, craftsman, and authors working in the area of witchcraft and demonology.

That being said, the book is divided into twelve chapters, each dealing with various aspects of witchcraft, death, demons, and the occult and providing a plentiful cornucopia of illustrations, woodcuts, copperplates, and artwork representative of the subject at hand. The works of Durer, Dore, and others appear together with illustrations from such famous demonological works such as Colin De Plancy's "Dictionnarie Infernal" and Francesco Maria Guazzo's "Compendium Maleficarum" as well as countless others from ancient to modern times.

This is a first class illustrated reference book and will be useful to any number of those interested in the history of illustration of the Dark Arts.

Not What I was looking for but...........2003-07-07

Its great to see history about witchcraft and deamons and so on. Some of the pictures are somewhat disturbing and yet understandable where and how the ignorance of the 16th century began. Please remember, that this book barely has words; its just pictures and nothing else, so, buy it if your a history buff in witchcraft and the occult.

Not exactly what I expected but useful.......2001-11-09

I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting but when I got the book and viewed the pictures I only found a little more than a dozen that were useful or interesting for my purpose. However, if you are an art student or just interested in the occult or demonology then this book will provide some unique and intriguing pictures.

Not exactly what I expected but useful.......2001-11-09

Great Idea -- Disappointing Execution.......2001-02-13

This review has nothing to do with how the book treats Wicca or witchcraft. The only question I want to answer here is how good a collection of illustrations on this historical/mythological subject it is, and the answer is: not very good at all. The quality of the illustrations is terrible for the most part. While there are some decent reproductions, most look like someone put a sheet of onion-skin paper up to a wall in some medieval church and hastily traced the picture underneath, all the while looking over his shoulder to make sure the caretaker wasn't approaching. And if you are looking for some good explanatory text, don't hold your breath. Aside from captions below each illustration identifying artist and source, there are no more than two or three introductory sentences PER CHAPTER. Better quality reproductions and some good research and interpretive text could have made this a scholarly tome. As it stands, it seems more like an attempt to make money off a collection of old tracings that were lying around in someone's grandmother's attic.

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