BOOK REVIEW - Silver Wheel 2 (Anthology)

[Mike]

Silver Wheel 2 (anthology) © 2010 Lear Books ISBN:
978-1-907614-03-3 Paperback
203 Pages $20.60 (U.S.) www.learbooks.co.uk

The anthology has long been one of my favorite book types, primarily
because I enjoy viewpoints on a particular theme, and the anthology
means I don't have to go out and hunt them down. Also, anthologies
frequently provide more concise writing, which means less verbiage and
more meat of the matter.

Described by the publishers as an “anthology of Paganism, folklore,
ritual, Craft and Druidry”, this volume, unfortunately suffers from
some of the ills common to the genre in today's world – inconsistency
in editing (as many publishers rely more and more on the authors to
self-edit) and uneven differentiation between personal opinion,
commonly accepted “facts”, and consensus.

The topics covered range from relatively simple rituals, to
instructions in basic numerology; from the Wild Hunt to thoughts on
the Eightfold Paths; and from the meaning of the pentagram to
crosswords. There are recipes included for incenses and wines. The
shear breadth of what is covered is one of the most appealing aspects
of this book.

Perhaps the only drawback to it is its lack of a unifying theme. It
might have been more appealing if the articles dealt with a particular
aspect, or culturally distinct range of topics. On the other hand,
the sheer lack of such unifying aspects broadens its appeal in a lot
of ways.

Granted, the orientation of the offerings are highly British- and Euro-
centric and that MAY put off a few American readers, but that is their
loss. It may be worth reminding folks in the U.S. That, for all
practical purposes (with the exception of Native American and African
diaspora religions) the Paganism, Wicca, and Witchcraft we practice in
this country came over from Britain and Europe. It behooves us to pay
attention to what our overseas kin have to offer, both from a
historical perspective and in the realm of speculative development.

Lear Books offers several books by Anna Franklin, as well as several
by Nigel Pennick, both of whom are well-respected authors. Based on
that list, and what I read in this volume, I would have to say that I
need to start paying closer attention to what Lear is offering, as it
is sure to be worth the read. If you are tired of “101” rehashes, and
tepid retellings of the past, make the effort to get this book (and
others by the same publisher) and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

[Sidney Lambe]

Post by Mike
978-1-907614-03-3 Paperback
203 Pages $20.60 (U.S.) www.learbooks.co.uk
The anthology has long been one of my favorite book types,
primarily because I enjoy viewpoints on a particular theme, and
the anthology means I don't have to go out and hunt them down.
Also, anthologies frequently provide more concise writing,
which means less verbiage and more meat of the matter.
Described by the publishers as an =93anthology of Paganism,
folklore, ritual, Craft and Druidry=94, this volume,
unfortunately suffers from some of the ills common to the
genre in today's world =96 inconsistency in editing (as many
publishers rely more and more on the authors to self-edit)
and uneven differentiation between personal opinion, commonly
accepted =93facts=94, and consensus.
The topics covered range from relatively simple rituals,
to instructions in basic numerology; from the Wild Hunt to
thoughts on the Eightfold Paths; and from the meaning of
the pentagram to crosswords. There are recipes included for
incenses and wines. The shear breadth of what is covered is one
of the most appealing aspects of this book.
Perhaps the only drawback to it is its lack of a unifying
theme. It might have been more appealing if the articles dealt
with a particular aspect, or culturally distinct range of
topics. On the other hand, the sheer lack of such unifying
aspects broadens its appeal in a lot of ways.
Granted, the orientation of the offerings are highly British-
and Euro- centric and that MAY put off a few American readers,
but that is their loss. It may be worth reminding folks in the
U.S. That, for all practical purposes (with the exception of
Native American and African diaspora religions) the Paganism,
Wicca, and Witchcraft we practice in this country came over
from Britain and Europe. It behooves us to pay attention to
what our overseas kin have to offer, both from a historical
perspective and in the realm of speculative development.
Lear Books offers several books by Anna Franklin, as well as
several by Nigel Pennick, both of whom are well-respected
authors. Based on that list, and what I read in this volume, I
would have to say that I need to start paying closer attention
to what Lear is offering, as it is sure to be worth the read.
If you are tired of =93101=94 rehashes, and tepid retellings of
the past, make the effort to get this book (and others by the
same publisher) and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

And, as usual, there won't be one sentence in the entire book
useful for anything but playing the role of a magician (by
whatever name) in a stage play or movie. Or for writing a
doctoral dissertation or a fantasy book.

The sad fact is that Harry Potter is as practical as almost
anything supposedly about magick (by whatever name) in print.
Or on the Web.

[Sidney.Lambe]

On May 9, 11:51 am, Sidney Lambe <***@alt.religion.wicca> wrote:


And, as usual, there won't be one sentence in any of my trolls that is
useful for anything but feeding the ego in my lonely universe.

Sidney Lambe / My poop is Evergreen
Solitaire (I tried Go Fish, but nobody would play) Wacco Priest
http:// I Have A tiny url