From Publishers Weekly
Four hundred entries arranged A-to-Z flesh out our beliefs about all that haunts. Illustrations. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
This encyclopedia is about as fair as one can expect about a subject that many people think doesn't exist. The author ( Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience , LJ 8/91) has tried to read much of the skeptical literature and at least to report what it says. Yes, the believers get much more coverage, but there is an attempt to present both sides. The accuracy of the book is also fairly high. A number of errors do occur, which, surprisingly, seem not to have been copied from other sources but to have resulted from misremembering. These small errors do not significantly affect the utility of the book. A useful addition to the reference collection of any academic or public library.- Gordon Stein, Univ. of Rhode Island, KingstonCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Arranged alphabetically, this compilation of facts pertaining to actual investigations and theories as well as the history of ghosts and hauntings greatly expands the first edition. Entries vary between a few sentences (Afrit , an Arabian demon) and to nearly two pages (Hyslop, James Hervey [1854-1920], who conducted physical research). Many entries are followed by references for further reading, including Web sites. A few illustrations and photos are provided, and see references are frequent. The writing style is very readable, and browsers may find themselves reading the entire work.The only really comparable publication is the British publication Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits by John and Anne Spencer (Headline, 1993), which came out a year after Guiley's first edition. It needs updating and is not nearly as comprehensive as Guiley's new edition. If the first edition was well used, buy reference and circulating copies of the second at this reasonable price. Recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


From Book News, Inc.
Some 400 alphabetically arranged entries, varying in length from a couple of paragraphs to several pages, with references and cross- references, describe a wide range of beliefs, folklore, and strange phenomena. Credibly written--avoiding sensationalism, yet sustaining the fun. Includes an index. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Four hundred entries arranged A-to-Z flesh out our beliefs about all that haunts. Illustrations. (Oct.)

VOYA

Entries on people, terms, and phenomena relating to ghosts and spirits are arranged alphabetically with see references and are indexed in the back. From apparitions to La Llorona, phantom nuns, and the Winchester Mystery House, Guiley seems to give an even-handed treatment to these phenomena, indicating where something is "according to legend" or "disputed," but otherwise describing events as they were reported. Entries range from a single paragraph to several pages, although most are at least several paragraphs long and include references for further reading. Black-and-white photographs and archival reproductions illustrate many pages. This second edition is approximately fifty pages longer than the 1992 version. Some entries have been updated with corresponding new references for further reading. Others are entirely new, such as the "Scole Experimental Group," which became active after the publication of the first edition in 1992. There are many new entries relating to Japanese folklore, indicating Guiley's ongoing intent to present an international range of subjects. Some entries have been removed, although whether for space or relevancy it is not made clear. Two new forewords are included in this edition, some peculiarities of alphabetization have been corrected, and the layout of the index is greatly improved by using three columns rather than five. Most libraries will want to replace their first edition with this one. Libraries that do not own the first will likely find demand for this single-volume resource that has both breadth and adequate depth in its subject and it is interesting enough to browse but will also be used to answer specific questions. Libraries that own J. GordonMelton's two-volume Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, 4th edition, (Gale, 1996) might find some overlap in the entries, but Guiley's text is much more readable and will be especially attractive to a young audience. Index. Illus. Photos. Further Reading. 2000, Checkmark Books/Facts on File, 430p. PLB Ages 12 to Adult. Reviewer: Nina Lindsay SOURCE: VOYA, June 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 2)

Library Journal

This encyclopedia is about as fair as one can expect about a subject that many people think doesn't exist. The author ( Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience , LJ 8/91) has tried to read much of the skeptical literature and at least to report what it says. Yes, the believers get much more coverage, but there is an attempt to present both sides. The accuracy of the book is also fairly high. A number of errors do occur, which, surprisingly, seem not to have been copied from other sources but to have resulted from misremembering. These small errors do not significantly affect the utility of the book. A useful addition to the reference collection of any academic or public library.-- Gordon Stein, Univ. of Rhode Island, Kingston

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