This is a reference book which will appeal to a large number of people.
First, it is written by a recognized authority in the field (Ray Buckland
was one of the first visible Witches in the U.S.). Next, there isn't a
whole lot of text - most of the book is composed of hand-drawn symbols (just
like the ones most of us draw). Finally, it is nicely organized.
If you are interested in using time-honored symbols, this is a very
convenient book to have on your shelf.
Although I was familiar with many of these symbols, and in fact have several
other reference of a similar nature in my personal library, this book is
notable for being concise and well-organized. I must admit that there were,
in my opinion, a few things that would have made it a better work. It would
have benefited, I feel, from a bit more cross-referencing. Some symbols
appear in more than one section and, although a short statement is made that
it appears in other contexts, the symbol is not illustrated in the other
sections. If you happen to be looking for, in one case, the swastika in its
Buddhist context, you won't find it, although you will find it in other
areas.
Obviously, in a small book such as this, notes and explanations must be kept
to a minimum. Perhaps the author would consider a large volume in the
future with more details and an even wider range of symbols included.
The Bibliography is long on current (or recently published) books, and short
on out-of-print, hard-to-find volumes. While I can easily think of a few
more books I would have included, I most certainly can't quibble with the
choices selected.
Is this a definitive work on Signs, Symbols and Omens? By no stretch of the
imagination. Is it a good, introductory overview of these topics? Yes.
Would I add to my library? At $14.95 (U.S.), without hesitation. There are
more extensive books on the market, but few as well written and organized as
this book.
Mike Gleason |
