A well-researched, practical handbook on Wiccan rites and community.
A veteran Wiccan provides insights into the history and modern practice of witchcraft.
Under the guidance of Gerald Gardner (known as the father of modern Wicca), the ancient practice of witchcraft saw a public resurgence in the 1950s. The surging interest in Wicca also saw a splintering within the movement, beginning with Gardner’s acolyte Doreen Valiente breaking away from his coven in 1957. However, dwelling on this “War of the Witches,” according to Blunden, obscures the inherent “joy” that comes with being a witch. While recognizing the varied nature and practices of witchcraft in the Western world, the book emphasizes that “the practice of magic requires the right environmental atmosphere, and that is only possible with forethought and right organizing.” Indeed, the author asserts that the ideal coven experience “should be socially and intellectually rewarding,” forging an organized community that shares major life events by celebrating and grieving together. This second volume in a planned three-book series on the history and practice of witchcraft centers on organized communal life and rituals, asserting that “Witchcraft in the company of like-minded friends is the dream of almost every Witch.” Chapters delve into specific details regarding topics that range from ritual baths and oils to spellcraft. With its emphasis on practicality, the book also offers advice on proper table arrangement and food preparation for coven “feasts and shindigs.” As a lifelong witch for more than half a century, Blunden draws on his intimate familiarity with witchcraft, having been both a solitary witch and as a member of various covens. This expertise is supplemented by solid research that is reflected in the book’s ample footnotes and 12-page bibliography. The book works well as a pragmatic guidebook, and its accessible writing style is accompanied by a host of diagrams, images, textbox asides, and other visual elements. Although the history of witchcraft falls under the purview of Blunden’s first book, this volume includes an impressive 14-page timeline of significant events.
A well-researched, practical handbook on Wiccan rites and community.Pub Date: Dec. 20, 2022
ISBN: 9781525587474
Page Count: 372
Publisher: FriesenPress
Review Posted Online: Feb. 22, 2023
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A powerful reiteration of principles—and some fresh ideas—from the longest-serving independent in congressional history.
Another chapter in a long fight against inequality.
Building on his Fighting Oligarchy tour, which this year drew 280,000 people to rallies in red and blue states, Sanders amplifies his enduring campaign for economic fairness. The Vermont senator offers well-timed advice for combating corruption and issues a robust plea for national soul-searching. His argument rests on alarming data on the widening wealth gap’s impact on democracy. Bolstered by a 2010 Supreme Court decision that removed campaign finance limits, “100 billionaire families spent $2.6 billion” on 2024 elections. Sanders focuses on the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, describing their enactment of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” with its $1 trillion in tax breaks for the richest Americans and big social safety net cuts, as the “largest transfer of wealth” in living memory. But as is his custom, he spreads the blame, dinging Democrats for courting wealthy donors while ignoring the “needs and suffering” of the working class. “Trump filled the political vacuum that the Democrats created,” he writes, a resonant diagnosis. Urging readers not to surrender to despair, Sanders offers numerous legislative proposals. These would empower labor unions, cut the workweek to 32 hours, regulate campaign spending, reduce gerrymandering, and automatically register 18-year-olds to vote. Grassroots supporters can help by running for local office, volunteering with a campaign, and asking educators how to help support public schools. Meanwhile, Sanders asks us “to question the fundamental moral values that underlie” a system that enables “the top 1 percent” to “own more wealth than the bottom 93 percent.” Though his prose sometimes reads like a transcribed speech with built-in applause lines, Sanders’ ideas are specific, clear, and commonsensical. And because it echoes previous statements, his call for collective introspection lands as genuine.
A powerful reiteration of principles—and some fresh ideas—from the longest-serving independent in congressional history.Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2025
ISBN: 9798217089161
Page Count: 160
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2025
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BOOK REVIEW
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