From Booklist
Shamanism is, arguably, the oldest form of religious experience, and the least understood. Almost every religious tradition has shamans, although they may be called prophets, healers, mystics, or miracle workers. The broad definition of shamanism used for this encyclopedia is "a religious belief system in which the shaman is a specialist in the knowledge required to make a connection to the world of the spirits in order to bring about benefits for the other members of the community."Volume 1 contains 55 A-Z entries on "General Themes in World Shamanism." These include Demonic possession and exorcism, Fire and hearth, Initiation, Music in world shamanism, and Offerings and sacrifice in shamanism, among others. Following the general entries, volume 1 has sections on North America, Central and South America, and Europe. Volume 2 looks at Eurasia, Korea and Japan, China, South Asia and Tibet, Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania, and Africa. Within each of these sections, an introduction is followed by between 6 (for Australia and Oceania) and 27 (for Eurasia) articles on various aspects of shamanism among the cultures of the region. Every article is signed and has a bibliography as well as see also references. The articles vary in size from less than a page to several pages. There are many black-and-white photographs (one of Zora Neale Hurston as a Voudou dancer) and drawings. The last volume has a complete and extensive bibliography, which includes numerous titles in languages other than English; a list of contributors and their credentials; and an index. The index is key to finding information in the regional sections. Unfortunately, the index is only in the second volume and does not indicate which volume a particular page number is in, which will be inconvenient.The fascinating text debates the validity of older theories of shamanism as they relate to newer and more inclusive theories. It investigates the practice from prehistoric times to the present. It is a fascinating, scholarly work, rather than one written for a popular audience. Academic libraries in institutions with religious curricula will want at least one copy. Larger public libraries will need this, too. Robin Hoelle
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Shamanism: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices, and Culture FROM THE PUBLISHER
A guide to worldwide shamanism and shamanistic practices, emphasizing historical and current cultural adaptations.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This two-volume set offers a comprehensive cross-cultural overview of shamanism, defined by editors Walter (Bucknell Univ.) and Fridman (Brown Univ.) as a "religious belief system in which the shaman is the specialist in knowledge." The shaman serves the community by providing a connection of the soul to the spirit world, often through an altered state. The first volume consists of short essays on general themes, such as animal symbolism, divination, healing, music, and trance. The essays point both general readers and scholars to further resources while providing basic information on all things shamanistic. The second volume comprises nearly 200 entries organized into ten geographical sections. Written by some 180 contributors, these entries focus on the cultural groups and practices found in each region, both historically and presently. The introduction to the work provides a historical perspective on the subject, including differing approaches to the topic. It also addresses difficulties with shamanism, especially the debate over whether to classify it as a religion. Bottom Line More than a reference tool, this is a useful compendium on a topic that has been fairly inaccessible, especially to nonscholars. While it features some illustrations, it could have been improved upon by the addition of many more. Recommended for academic libraries and public libraries where there is interest in the topic.-Nancy Almand, Weld Lib. Dist., Greeley, CO Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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