superb study of voodoo
932038
The most carefully researched and authentic scholarly book on
Voodoo.  Reads very well--good in-depth coverage.
2548353
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Satan-s-Scourge/dp/1932842276/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Satan's Scourge</a>&nbsp;Lewis Turco's history of family evil thought to be God's will makes me breathless. It doesn't stop for even a coffee break. I don't know what I could say about it other than it is a complete -- over complete -- delightfully readable tracking of a great evil by well meaning people -- Turco's relatives, mostly. It is so well done, so carefully researched, and so accurately presented, that the 17th century comes alive like no other book of witchcraft and the killing of "witches" that I've seen. As barbaric as it is, especially because the judging and killings were done by "god-fearing" people, this book presents activities partly occurring during the lifetime of our greatest writer in English, ol' Bill Shakespeare himself.
455267
The far-reaching influence of the West African voodoo, who still exerts a great influence on the people of this region is covered in this book as well as the creation of art and the rituals of the followers. The author succeeded a very good overview.
3928937
Toop's book Exotica is one of the first serious musicological studies on post WWII Exotica Jazz and the development of a little talked about genre of music that made a huge impact on culture from Tiki Bars, to Bachelor Pad lounges.  Every major contributor to the birth of this genre is examined including: Les Baxter, Martin Denny, Robert Drasnin, and Yma Sumac.  This book has been essential to my doctorate research dissertation that will examine the history of exotica, classification of "sub genres", and the current Exotica renaissance and reinvention of the art form.  I never get tired of re-reading and examining David's book and I think it is a monumental effort. This book however is a bit "outdated" in terms of what is "currently" happening in the world of exotica with many new bands emerging:  Tikiyaki Orchestra, Martini Kings, Ixtahuele, Stolen Idols, Tiki Crew, Don Tiki and pianists like myself reimagining Denny and Baxter arrangements and Impressionist composers contribution to the art form (for example Cyril's Scott's Lotus Land, works of Debussy/Ravel etc.)....  I recommend this book to any Exotica fan or music researcher.

James Spencer - is an exotica performer/musicologist,  recording artist/author..  http://jamesrspencer.com
311964
"Japanese Ghost and Demons" is something I really wish I could have been a part in making.  A college with a fine collection  of supernatural-themed Japanese art, in a variety of mediums, decides to offer an interdisciplinary study class with each group producing papers on a folklore theme, with supporting artwork from the collection.  Brilliant.
Each of the chapters is incredibly insightful, providing a complete education on the topic.  Along with the traditional subjects such as the Oni, Ghosts and Tengu, there are many less-often covered subjects such as Sennin: The Immortals of Taoism and Shoki the Demon Queller.  I was particularly pleased to learn about Shoki, as I was browsing a print shop in Kyoto and was able to recognize the Demon Queller himself in a few prints.
The plates are, of course, beautiful, and cover an incredible range of medium, from the familiar prints to the drawings, paintings and netsuke carvings.  The reproduction quality is high, and the size of the book is "coffee table" size, allowing for nice sized images.  The majority of the plates are in full color.
As someone who has read quite a few books on Japanese supernatural folklore, I recommend "Japanese Ghosts and Demons" as one of the best.  It would be hard to be disappointed by this treasure.
3126982
In this wonderful text, Dr. Fu-Kiau introduces his audience to the fantastically complex Central African philosophy of the Bakongo--the creators of the 13th Century Kongo Empire. The logic of the Bakongo rivals that of East Asia and Ancient Greece.  Their philosophical religion, which was very concerned with not only the world but the universe and its planets and stars and the nature of Kalunga--a concept of energy that is akin to the idea of "the Force" in Star Wars.  It's fantastic. It's intellectual. It's insightful. It's political. It's spiritual. A must have!
3247081
This book is simply wonderful, and an asset to anyone who has been curious or confused by what they've heard of the F(a)eri(e) tradition of witchcraft. Storm does a brilliant job guiding us thru the nuanced history of this intense and enigmatic branch of magic, offering healthy splashes of wisdom, humor, practical advice, and magical insight that can only be developed by years of investment and true mastery of one's craft. He is a brilliant teacher, and he manages to cover a generous amount of material - from lore, to history, to exercises, to ritual - while also emphasizing that depth must be achieved by personal practice and exploration of these themes.

A++! This book is well worth the read. Storm clearly holds the Black Wand for a reason. He is a Master of this tradition and this book is a boon to us all.
4255072
Professor Shanon leaves no stone unturned in his exploration of the Ayahuasca inebriation and the very powerful (in many cases life-altering) ideations so characteristic of this Amazonian brew.  Drawing from the reports of more than 200 informants, and nearly as many direct experiences, the author reaches into the particulars of Ayahuasca visions with the utmost concentration, mapping the unfolding stages of consciousness with great detail....a near daunting task considering the ineffable nature of these visualizations.  Each mode of consciousness examined is bolstered with the authors' very own direct observations, from the inside; the only way to speak with real authority.  Shanon exercises not only a genuine respect for empirical observation, but also the love of wisdom and the intuitive processes therein; virtues essential to any dedicated study of the Mind.
Ayahuasca occasions an experience that runs the gamut of human emotion and wonder, from the mastery of fear and the delicate state of vulnerability, to the empowerment of rebirth and the majesty of existence.... which by all accounts renders this study 'perhaps one of the most crucial pursuits of our time.'
3094977
"Oya: In Praise of an African Goddess" is a well researched  thoughtful and spiritual guide to the angelic force, orisha Oya.  Judith Gleason presents an in depth analysis of Oya's abilities to quickly transform weather, produce tornadoes and violent storms.  The illustrations bring both the scientific  and the emotional aspects of Oya brilliantly to life.  It would seem to be a challenging job to dedicate an entire book to one single orisha but Judith Gleason does it with great passion. "Oya: In Praise of an African Goddess" is highly recommended for students, practitioners and those curious about Ifa.
4109101
I enjoyed this book alot, simply because it is different in the sense that there are not the usual warlocks or demons or other sinister perils that plague the Charmed Ones. It's about voodoo, though, initially, they sort of think voodoo is all a piece of trickery, and did not give it much thought, only when mysterious things happen to them, such as, discordant drumbeats being played in the middle of the night, strange symbols appearing around them, Phoebe's sudden so-called illness, and a visit to the voodoo museum, do the Charmed ones realize that they have underestimated voodoo in general.

The only thing reasonably creepy about this book is whenever the Petro Loa ritual (black magic voodoo) takes place, as Wendy Staub does a good job portraying the evil grotesque scenes which is discriptive enough for one to envision the evil rituals in their head. Very realistically written, you could amonst feel the sisters' apprehension, need to help and determination. But since this is a fantasy story, I suppose it wouldn't be necessary to compare what you read in non-fiction books to creativity and imagination. There are a great number of excellent twists and turns which I never expected, making it all the more enjoyable to read. Fans of Charmed will no doubt enjoy Voodoo moon. Recommended!!
2571452
`Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti' is an incredible visual document chronicling authentic Haitian Voundoun practices as they've never been viewed by the public-at-large before. Filmed between '47 and '51 by the legendary cult filmmaker and author Maya Deren who was an initiate into these religious practices, her involvement made it possible for her to gain access into its most intimate circles and record songs, rituals and festivals long hidden from the eyes of the unbeliever. The documentary is extraordinary in every way and of immense educational value to anyone in the fields of; comparative religions, anthropology, ethnology, musicology or psychology. 'Divine Horsemen' covers almost every conceivable aspect of the Voundoun experience:

1- Foundational beliefs and the background from which they sprang.
2- Clear explanations of the three Voundoun cults; (Rada, Petro and Congo), their origins and the differences in their practices.
3- Voundoun cosmology, the Deities and their hierarchical positioning.
4- Discussion of the various symbols and signets used to express Voudoun concepts and the different engeries to be released the by Gods.
5- A close up and personal viewing of the rituals, festivals and songs utilized by the various cults to call upon the Deities and the process of possession.
6- Explanations of the various roles acted out by the practitioners and their societal standing.

`Divine Horsemen' is only 52 minutes in length but it packs a lot of information into its allotted time. Definitely not geared for an evening with the family, but certainly an undiscovered gem for those chosen few with an open mind and a receptive heart.

One of the essentials to any library dealing with the realm of the mystical. My Rating: -5 Stars-.
2317228
As a longtime fan of Rick Lai's work, including his three previous books published by Altus Press, I was thrilled to finally read his chronology of the published exploits of Clark "Doc" Savage Jr., perhaps secnd only to the Shadow (whose own chronology was the subject of one of the aforementioned books) in the popular consciousness. As with his previous works, Rick has done meticulous research into the dates of the over 100 pulp stories by Lester Dent and others, as well as Dent's radio plays and continuations of the series by Will Murray and Philip Jose Farmer. Even more impressive is his research into the real people, places, and events that inspired some of the stories, and his deft explanations of the "true" stories behind these novels. Combined with fascinating addendums (one listing several pastiches featuring Doc, another a compendium of possible connections between him and the Shadow, a third listing Clark Savage's published works referenced in the stories, and finally a rundown of the dates given for each supersaga in the chronology), this is a must-own for fans of Doc Savage and the pulps in general.
2294717
There are many books on Voodoo available to one interested in the particulars of that path.  However, you would be hard pressed to find a more useful guide than the books of Milo Rigaud. This particular book which can be considered a working manual combined with "Secrets of Voodoo" are not only excellent straight forward introductions to this way but a source of practical information for the user as well.  Perhaps the most important benefit to the reader is the fact that these books are written without the egotistical bent that accompany most books in this field.
4063350
I first encountered the writing of Gregory Mobley in an essay he wrote for a book on interfaith relations and was so delighted by his open, approachable style that I investigated what else he had written. Since I am also very interested in the subject of this book, I bought it and couldn't wait to start reading. Do not be fooled by the witty and at times humorous style; this is a serious study that devotes the opening chapters to a succinct study of the origins of Hebrew and Christian Scripture. This basis then leads to the diverse origins of what we now call "the Devil" or "Satan" and the derivation of those and the other names by which the personification of evil is known. The book concludes with an explanation of why we need the devil and what we would lose if we didn't have him/it. There are copious footnotes at the end with reference to numerous other books on this subject for those who wish to study further and in more depth.
2414322
An insightful work revealing the origin of humanity's divination systems & the necessary spiritual trainning that is the basis for it's mastery. DR. Bijumiro has taken these discourses of his Guru His Imperishable Glory Babmbi Baaba Baabwe an indigeous Ugandan and crafted this precious knowledge system into literary form to take us into the lost & forgotten world of Africa's ancient enlighten culture of the Uganda/Rwanda region. A must have for all students of the occult, spiritual history and African culture.
2529615
Excellent contempory study of evil and suffering in the world.  The author gives a very comprehensive analysis of the various theologians and philosophers who have attempted to reconcile the idea of an all loving all powerful God with the existence of evil in this world.
The author gives a good analysis of Scripture both the Old and New Testaments.  He covers the thinking of the Church Fathers and notable theologians like Aquinas.  He also gives a very comprehensive analysis of the more modern writers such as Moltmann, Elizabeth Johnson, Gustavo Gutierrez, Wesel, and others.
I just completed a graduate level course on "Creation and Providence" at the seminary I attend and this book was an excellent companion to the readings in the course.  I would classify the writer as having a Catholic perspective on this subject matter and to his credit he attempts to give a very unbiased viewpoint on each of the people he discuees.
I recommend  the book highly for anyone who wants to understand suffering  and evil from a Christian perspective
1893976
One of the most important recent publications about mediumship is Talking With the Spirits: Ethnographies From Between the Worlds (Brisbane, Australia: Daily Grail Publishing, 2014), a collection of essays edited by Jack Hunter  and David Luke.  The authors of the chapters discuss mediumship from different parts of the world, among them Africa, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, and Great Britain.

The book is highly recommended, particularly to those who want to obtain a view of mediumistic manifestations from different cultures. In addition to anthropology, the essays have much to offer to students of parapsychology, psychology, and sociology. Furthermore, the authors of the essays say much about the various manifestations of mediumship, illustrating the complexity of the phenomenon. The diversity of mediums discussed may allow, as the editors point in the introduction, for discernment to emerge on what might be universal or near-universal features of mediumship, such as, for example, the role of a control spirit and the use of an altered state of consciousness, respectively.

There is also much to learn from the essays regarding the attitudes the researcher can take to the study of what some see as extraordinary phenomena. This includes belief, skepticism, and various other middle points, not to mention the bracketing of the reality of the paranormal to focus on purely anthropological concerns.

Talking with the Spirits is a welcome and much needed addition to the current literature about mediumship that will help us expand our views of the various manifestations of this fascinating phenomenon.

Carlos S. Alvarado