This exhaustive volume catalogs nearly three thousand demons in the mythologies and lore of virtually every ancient society and most religions. From Aamon, the demon of life and reproduction with the head of a serpent and the body of a wolf in Christian demonology, to Zu, the half-man, half-bird personification of the southern wind and thunder clouds in Sumero-Akkadian mythology, entries offer descriptions of each demon's origins, appearance and cultural significance. Also included are descriptions of the demonic and diabolical members making up the hierarchy of Hell and the numerous species of demons that, according to various folklores, mythologies, and religions, populate the earth and plague mankind. Very thoroughly indexed.
A great reference for those interested in such things. Just yesterday I was reading a novel and came across a name that I was able to look up and get satisfactory information about. There are two things in particular I like about this book -- the straightforward writing and the sources added to each entry. There's also a lengthy bibliography, which I always enjoy. One criticism, however, is that this reads more like a dictionary than an encyclopedia. The author was deliberately brief in order to cover a large number of entries, so each entry is concise and introductory. Still, this will be a useful addition to my reference materials. Just remember, though, that this book is a first stop in research, not the last.
I believe in demons, devils, demi-gods, and other supernatural entities. As a Christian I am well aware of Satan and his demons. They have infiltrated and entrenched themselves all around the world throughout the ages.
I believe nothing good comes from demon-worship no matter how benign they may appear. Mess with the supernatural and you’re dealing with trouble!
“Know your enemy.” is good advice especially when it comes to supernatural sources.
Author Theresa Bane’s Encyclopedia Of Demons In World Religions and Cultures, published by McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, is an excellent reference tool.
Demons and devils have been around as long as mankind. Some religions revere them, most fear them. In this exhaustive volume demons prevalent in religions and mythology are listed in alphabetical order with full descriptions of their powers, history and origins.
Over three thousand listings make this softbound book one of the most comprehensive examinations of demons, devils and fallen angels ever compiled.
Believe and beware!
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." — Proverbs 11:25
Heather Blackwell Title: Bane, T. (2012). Encyclopedia of demons in world religion and cultures. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Publishing. Type of Reference: Encyclopedia Call Number: 133.4 Brief Description: This encyclopedia contains entries on over 3,000 demons and their history, evolution, and relationships between them. Review: Landry, A. (2012, May 15). [Review of the book Encyclopedia of demons in world religion and cultures]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv.... Relevance and Relationship This collection is lacking in the religion section, and there are no books about the darker aspects of religion. This reference source would meet the needs of students who are interested in the more macabre aspects of different religions. It is also relatively cost effective. Purpose This encyclopedia gives facts and details on over 3,000 demons and how they have been portrayed throughout history. Although it is geared toward a an audience a little older than some of the grade levels in the school community, the fact is that is that many of the students are at least eighteen and some are as old as twenty-one, making this resource appropriate for many levels of readers. Validity This reference source has been reviewed by an authoritative source and includes a bibliography for the facts and details included. Also, because it was published very recently, it will remain current for several years. There is only a small chance for bias in the information presented.
Format This is print source that is organized like a dictionary, with each demon having its own entry that includes facts about that demon. There are also articles that show relationships between the demons. Arrangement and Presentation The information in the source is organized alphabetically by demon, but included in the book is a bibliography and an index so information seekers would be able to find what they need quickly and easily. Diversity This book would meet the needs of a diverse variety of students, it would be most beneficial to those interested in the occult but it would also interest any student who may also be interested in werewolves or vampires because of the recent amount of young adult literature about those topics. It would also meet the needs of different reading levels.
APA Citation: Bane, T. (2012). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc.
Call Number: Ref 133.4
Description: This work provides information about 3,000 demons from a variety of cultures and religions.
Relevance and Relationship: This work is a catalog of demons from literature, entertainment, and religions. In addition to information about the demons, the work provides information about the hierarchy of the demons and provides alternative names when applicable. This work is unlike others due to the amount of information in one work.
Purpose: The purpose of this work is to provide information about demons from cultures and religions all over the world. The work seeks to provide just the facts.
Validity: This work refers to folklore, myths, and other types of literature. The author has also written a similar work about vampires.
Format: This encyclopedia begins with a history. The demon entries are written in a dictionary style. Each entry includes information about alternative names, origins, appearances, and powers. Each entry is followed by a brief bibliography as well.
Arrangement and Presentation: This work provides information in alphabetical order and does include a brief Table of Contents and has an index.
Diversity: This work is unlike others in the collection and would add a new spin to the occult collection. This work is very culturally significant since it provides information about demons and their relationship to other demons in other cultures.
Professional Review: Landry, A. (2012). Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures. Booklist, 108(18), 33.