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The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets
Do You Know...
where the legend of a cat's nine lives comes from?
why "mama" is a word understood in nearly all languages?
how the custom of kissing began?
whether there really was a female pope?
why Cinderella's glass slipper was so important to the Prince?
The answers to these and countless other intriguing questions are given in this compulsively readable, feminist encyclopedia. Twenty-five years in preparation, this unique, comprehensive sourcebook focuses on mythology anthropology, religion, and sexuality to uncover precisely what other encyclopedias leave out or misrepresent. The Woman's Encyclopedia presents the fascinating stories behind word origins, legends, superstitions, and customs. A browser's delight and an indispensable resource, it offers 1,350 entries on magic, witchcraft, fairies, elves, giants, goddesses, gods, and psychological anomalies such as demonic possession; the mystical meanings of sun, moon, earth, sea, time, and space; ideas of the soul, reincarnation, creation and doomsday; ancient and modern attitudes toward sex, prostitution, romance, rape, warfare, death and sin, and more.
Tracing these concepts to their prepatriarchal origins, Barbara G. Walker explores a "thousand hidden pockets of history and custom in addition to the valuable material recovered by archaeologists, orientalists, and other scholars."
Not only a compendium of fascinating lore and scholarship, The Woman's Encyclopedia is a revolutionary book that offers a rare opportunity for both women and men to see our cultural heritage in a fresh light, and draw upon the past for a more humane future.
where the legend of a cat's nine lives comes from?
why "mama" is a word understood in nearly all languages?
how the custom of kissing began?
whether there really was a female pope?
why Cinderella's glass slipper was so important to the Prince?
The answers to these and countless other intriguing questions are given in this compulsively readable, feminist encyclopedia. Twenty-five years in preparation, this unique, comprehensive sourcebook focuses on mythology anthropology, religion, and sexuality to uncover precisely what other encyclopedias leave out or misrepresent. The Woman's Encyclopedia presents the fascinating stories behind word origins, legends, superstitions, and customs. A browser's delight and an indispensable resource, it offers 1,350 entries on magic, witchcraft, fairies, elves, giants, goddesses, gods, and psychological anomalies such as demonic possession; the mystical meanings of sun, moon, earth, sea, time, and space; ideas of the soul, reincarnation, creation and doomsday; ancient and modern attitudes toward sex, prostitution, romance, rape, warfare, death and sin, and more.
Tracing these concepts to their prepatriarchal origins, Barbara G. Walker explores a "thousand hidden pockets of history and custom in addition to the valuable material recovered by archaeologists, orientalists, and other scholars."
Not only a compendium of fascinating lore and scholarship, The Woman's Encyclopedia is a revolutionary book that offers a rare opportunity for both women and men to see our cultural heritage in a fresh light, and draw upon the past for a more humane future.
1121 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
67 people are currently reading
5769 people want to read
About the author
Barbara G. Walker
36 books134 followersBarbara Walker studied journalism at the University of Pennsylvania and then took a reporting job at the Washington Star in DC. During her work as a reporter, she became increasingly interested in feminism and women's issues.
Her writing career has been split between knitting instruction books, produced in the late 1960s through the mid-80s; and women's studies and mythology books, produced from the 1980s through the early 21st C.
Her writing career has been split between knitting instruction books, produced in the late 1960s through the mid-80s; and women's studies and mythology books, produced from the 1980s through the early 21st C.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 4, 2008
From my amazon review:
Barbara Walker has an obvious bias against all things male and/or Christian. She rewrites myth and history to make everything female-supreme, Goddess centric, anti-male, and full of sexual womyn power.
Now, before someone dismisses me as 'obviously anti-female and deluded by patriarchy' or some such, I should state that I am a female neo-pagan with no love for the Church and/or the views it supports towards women. That said - I don't like made up or revisionist history, even if it does stroke the ego a bit. She bases everything on the supposed Pre-historical Matriarchy - which has little to no archeological evidence to truly support in the grand scale she portrays it.
But besides that, her Encyclopedia and Dictionary are a mish-mash of cultural hodge-podge! She acts as if gods and goddesses from varying cultures are generally interchangeable, offering nothing for the cultural differences which give birth to their own representations of deity. She has butchered myths, made up "alternate versions" which have no founding anywhere except her own imagination, ignored important details of myths which don't mesh with her agenda, and basically perverted the symbols she pretends to represent.
Bad scholarship is bad enough... but her fabrications and invented history and myths are just a disgrace to the pagan community, and, in my opinion, an insult to women and to the goddess and gods which exist without the clap-trap found in this book. It does not present women as strong and/or empowered to rely on revisiont psuedo-history, no matter how good it may sound.
There are many strong female figures out there... many strong goddesses of all ilks. This book does not do them justice.
Barbara Walker has an obvious bias against all things male and/or Christian. She rewrites myth and history to make everything female-supreme, Goddess centric, anti-male, and full of sexual womyn power.
Now, before someone dismisses me as 'obviously anti-female and deluded by patriarchy' or some such, I should state that I am a female neo-pagan with no love for the Church and/or the views it supports towards women. That said - I don't like made up or revisionist history, even if it does stroke the ego a bit. She bases everything on the supposed Pre-historical Matriarchy - which has little to no archeological evidence to truly support in the grand scale she portrays it.
But besides that, her Encyclopedia and Dictionary are a mish-mash of cultural hodge-podge! She acts as if gods and goddesses from varying cultures are generally interchangeable, offering nothing for the cultural differences which give birth to their own representations of deity. She has butchered myths, made up "alternate versions" which have no founding anywhere except her own imagination, ignored important details of myths which don't mesh with her agenda, and basically perverted the symbols she pretends to represent.
Bad scholarship is bad enough... but her fabrications and invented history and myths are just a disgrace to the pagan community, and, in my opinion, an insult to women and to the goddess and gods which exist without the clap-trap found in this book. It does not present women as strong and/or empowered to rely on revisiont psuedo-history, no matter how good it may sound.
There are many strong female figures out there... many strong goddesses of all ilks. This book does not do them justice.
January 27, 2009
A must read for anyone who would like to view a different view on 'history'
One of the things that I remember from this book intro(I think) was that throughout history anything to do with mens history is noted normally as history or fact. Alot of things with women's history is unknown, especially to women. Its a mans world, has been for a long time. Im not wanting to cause some big discussion on male vs female, thats not the intent of that statement.
The idea behind this book is kind of an A - Z of things to do with women from 'Allah' and its possible female beginnings, to the word c*nt and its original old english origins (not as the curse/derogatory word it is today) to God/Satan, the cannonization (spelling) of saints, paganism, gods/goddesses, castration (men and women), midwivery, the origins of language & agriculture, etc. Its impossible to explain just how wide the scope is. Everything you could possibly imagine and many more you wouldnt even dream of.. looked at from the history of a woman.
The book is called 'myths and secrets' because alot of times thats how we get information given to us (if at all) its a myth, or a secret, or something not to be talked about.
This book is an amazing read for any feminist, woman and man. I dont know if I believe all of it. Read it with a grain of salt as I would hope you do anything. However it was refreshing to be offered a different view of many many many things throughout women's time on this planet.
The first time I read it, as a young woman (around 18) I was angry at how much had been taken/hidden from me. Years later I reread it and was just amazed at how rich our history is. Made me feel better about a lot of things. Its just an incredible book.
One of the things that I remember from this book intro(I think) was that throughout history anything to do with mens history is noted normally as history or fact. Alot of things with women's history is unknown, especially to women. Its a mans world, has been for a long time. Im not wanting to cause some big discussion on male vs female, thats not the intent of that statement.
The idea behind this book is kind of an A - Z of things to do with women from 'Allah' and its possible female beginnings, to the word c*nt and its original old english origins (not as the curse/derogatory word it is today) to God/Satan, the cannonization (spelling) of saints, paganism, gods/goddesses, castration (men and women), midwivery, the origins of language & agriculture, etc. Its impossible to explain just how wide the scope is. Everything you could possibly imagine and many more you wouldnt even dream of.. looked at from the history of a woman.
The book is called 'myths and secrets' because alot of times thats how we get information given to us (if at all) its a myth, or a secret, or something not to be talked about.
This book is an amazing read for any feminist, woman and man. I dont know if I believe all of it. Read it with a grain of salt as I would hope you do anything. However it was refreshing to be offered a different view of many many many things throughout women's time on this planet.
The first time I read it, as a young woman (around 18) I was angry at how much had been taken/hidden from me. Years later I reread it and was just amazed at how rich our history is. Made me feel better about a lot of things. Its just an incredible book.
October 14, 2017
This book is complete bullshit. The author blatantly makes shit up, has done barely any research, and what research she has done is of the worst quality.
For example, in the entry on Hathor, Walker claims that "in the earliest dynasties, her name was a component of all royal Egyptian names, indicating the archaic matrilineal queenship based on successive incarnations of her spirit."
Let's unpack this a bit, shall we? First off, her name wasn't included in early royal names. Djer, Djet, Narmer. None of those contain her name. None. Look up literally any king list of the Early Dynastic period, and see for yourself. Also, even if it was true that her name was included in royal names, making the leap to an 'archaic matrilineal queenship' is a huge fucking leap! At most, we could say she was an important goddess. We wouldn't know why!
The icing on the cake of awful, is that she quotes Budge. Budge was a shoddy scholar when he was first published, over a hundred years ago. The only reason his work is widely available is that it's in the public domain, and people are too lazy to find anything better. Very seriously, if you see anything that claims to have accurate information about Egypt, and it quotes Budge as a serious historical source without anything else backing them up, laugh and then run for the hills.
This book is a disgrace to history, to feminism, and to scholarship.
For example, in the entry on Hathor, Walker claims that "in the earliest dynasties, her name was a component of all royal Egyptian names, indicating the archaic matrilineal queenship based on successive incarnations of her spirit."
Let's unpack this a bit, shall we? First off, her name wasn't included in early royal names. Djer, Djet, Narmer. None of those contain her name. None. Look up literally any king list of the Early Dynastic period, and see for yourself. Also, even if it was true that her name was included in royal names, making the leap to an 'archaic matrilineal queenship' is a huge fucking leap! At most, we could say she was an important goddess. We wouldn't know why!
The icing on the cake of awful, is that she quotes Budge. Budge was a shoddy scholar when he was first published, over a hundred years ago. The only reason his work is widely available is that it's in the public domain, and people are too lazy to find anything better. Very seriously, if you see anything that claims to have accurate information about Egypt, and it quotes Budge as a serious historical source without anything else backing them up, laugh and then run for the hills.
This book is a disgrace to history, to feminism, and to scholarship.
November 28, 2012
When I read this, I wasn't in a very skeptical place, so I took a lot of it at face value. After reading some of the other reviews on Goodreads, I think perhaps that wasn't the right thing to do. However, it's been years since I read this book and I don't remember many of the myths or secrets covered in the book. What I do remember is feeling a sort of enchantment reading the pages--feeling as if another world was out there that I had not before encountered. And, if for no other reason, I think this is an important book.
Perhaps Walker's facts aren't quite right. I don't have the expertise to know one way or the other. What I do know, is that this is a fantastic book for young women looking for examples (mythological or not) of strong women, immanent power, and the healing, life-affirming, worldly pagan principles. And since, for many pagans, myths and other stories we tell are important for their meaning--with less concern for literal truth or factual accuracy--I'm relatively untroubled by the controversial nature of Walker's book.
Perhaps Walker's facts aren't quite right. I don't have the expertise to know one way or the other. What I do know, is that this is a fantastic book for young women looking for examples (mythological or not) of strong women, immanent power, and the healing, life-affirming, worldly pagan principles. And since, for many pagans, myths and other stories we tell are important for their meaning--with less concern for literal truth or factual accuracy--I'm relatively untroubled by the controversial nature of Walker's book.
March 8, 2021
It's a huge, random collection of all things related to women's traditions, but there's jems on most anything you care to investigate
April 12, 2009
Holy cow. What a treasure trove of information. Absolutely indispensable for the know-it-all uppity woman.
January 21, 2012
Read it at age 18. Changed my life--best way to 'come of age'!
August 28, 2013
An excellent resource of information for anyone looking into female history, culture, sub-culture and anything goddess-related. A useful mind expanding tool. More affordable, inspiring and healthier than any drug. Go and blow your mind!
March 30, 2013
Invaluable for the student of mythology!
January 9, 2021
One of the most fascinating collections of cultural details I've ever seen, with each one offering a window into women's lives and visions at points throughout history.
June 25, 2019
This book is a fantastic compilation of interesting stories and symbols. It's a bit like a dictionary with extended entries that you can dip in and out of.
Walker is a very perceptive writer- her style is very likeable, since it steers a course which avoids the worst of new-age hyperbole and she has a genuine interest in prehistory and mythology. It's definitely a varied mix of historical research and curious speculation, so if you are a researcher it would be best as a jumping-off point, not an end in itself.
However, she is also empathetic to their human significance, so it's a nice combination of integrity and fluid storytelling that is far more engaging than the dry retelling of many mythographers. It's very much a sense of work as a living myth. That's not to say every reference is necessarily totally accurate, but it's written with genuine integrity and has a nice prose style. You are very likely to find something new and interesting and to enjoy reading it. It's perhaps a good book to get an intriguing perspective or genuinely fresh idea, rather than an exhaustive research compilation. Because of this I feel it is especially valuable to people in the creative spheres who like to bounce ideas and who empathise with the creative function of myth.
I personally disagree with the prevalence of matrilineal societies Walker asserts, simply because there isn't enough evidence for such things (that I am aware of). I think her interpretations of history are debatable in some areas, and reflect the opinions of the writer and their politics, but this doesn't for me diminish the value of the book as a whole.
An extra note: I would say this is probably a book designed for and to benefit women. Male readers and some women may find some sections frustrating to read as it has a feminist-centric view of mythology, symbolism and history which in many cases criticicises the historical suppression of the female perspective. (This is to me entirely reasonable, but you may like to be aware of this if you're considering reading it).
It also allies Christianity with misogyny, which Christian women may find difficult to reconcile (I write this as a non-Christian) and is perhaps unneccesarily reductive in places. Perhaps religion falls outside of the remit of a book primarily about world mythology, but it would have been nice to have had a few more of the early Christian mystic women covered has space permitted.
However if you are male/Christian and interested I still think you might find a lot to read (the fantastic writer Russell Hoban praises its influence on his work, for example). Most of the symbols are universally meaningful and may provide an amazing inspiration to guys who feel an alternate viewpoint might vitalize and transform their imagination and creativity, especially with regard to the 'feminine' side which all humans share.
Walker is a very perceptive writer- her style is very likeable, since it steers a course which avoids the worst of new-age hyperbole and she has a genuine interest in prehistory and mythology. It's definitely a varied mix of historical research and curious speculation, so if you are a researcher it would be best as a jumping-off point, not an end in itself.
However, she is also empathetic to their human significance, so it's a nice combination of integrity and fluid storytelling that is far more engaging than the dry retelling of many mythographers. It's very much a sense of work as a living myth. That's not to say every reference is necessarily totally accurate, but it's written with genuine integrity and has a nice prose style. You are very likely to find something new and interesting and to enjoy reading it. It's perhaps a good book to get an intriguing perspective or genuinely fresh idea, rather than an exhaustive research compilation. Because of this I feel it is especially valuable to people in the creative spheres who like to bounce ideas and who empathise with the creative function of myth.
I personally disagree with the prevalence of matrilineal societies Walker asserts, simply because there isn't enough evidence for such things (that I am aware of). I think her interpretations of history are debatable in some areas, and reflect the opinions of the writer and their politics, but this doesn't for me diminish the value of the book as a whole.
An extra note: I would say this is probably a book designed for and to benefit women. Male readers and some women may find some sections frustrating to read as it has a feminist-centric view of mythology, symbolism and history which in many cases criticicises the historical suppression of the female perspective. (This is to me entirely reasonable, but you may like to be aware of this if you're considering reading it).
It also allies Christianity with misogyny, which Christian women may find difficult to reconcile (I write this as a non-Christian) and is perhaps unneccesarily reductive in places. Perhaps religion falls outside of the remit of a book primarily about world mythology, but it would have been nice to have had a few more of the early Christian mystic women covered has space permitted.
However if you are male/Christian and interested I still think you might find a lot to read (the fantastic writer Russell Hoban praises its influence on his work, for example). Most of the symbols are universally meaningful and may provide an amazing inspiration to guys who feel an alternate viewpoint might vitalize and transform their imagination and creativity, especially with regard to the 'feminine' side which all humans share.
July 6, 2008
[Review written by my younger self]
Despite the title, Barbara G. Walker's incredibly thorough handling of female connections and allusions in different cultures, ethnicities, histories, etc. is highly useful and engaging for anyone interested in myth, history, or society in general. In fact, the synopsis includes a highly praising quote from Russell Hoban, the author of _Riddley Walker_. The _Encyclopedia_ covers a huge number of interesting topics that is told in a style of writing that is not "monotone" as most normal encyclopedias are.
Among other things, it covers the significance of Cinderella's glass slipper, the various mythologies and beliefs surrounding the moon, and the symbolic qualities of things like pomegranates and hair. It answers questions like, "Who was Adam's first wife?" "Why is breaking a mirror considered to be bad luck?" and "Was there ever a female pope or a real Easter bunny?" I have gained so much knowledge from this book, which is best-read by flipping through it and stopping at different points of interest or curiosity. Aside from her entries, Walker includes interesting trivia on the margins and begins each section with various images of historic statues, sculptures, paintings, and photographs.
Walker is really worthy of much praise here. Over 1100 pages and over 20 years of research has resulted in an amazing fusion of myth, history, legend, culture, religion, and so many countless other disciplines. The detail is simply unbelievable. I found myself so enthralled in this book, much like I would be caught up in a good suspense novel. It is easy to get completely caught up in this book. So many topics are covered, and once I came up with one at random and found Walker's coverage and research on it, my mind popped up with yet another possibility to discover.
Despite the title, Barbara G. Walker's incredibly thorough handling of female connections and allusions in different cultures, ethnicities, histories, etc. is highly useful and engaging for anyone interested in myth, history, or society in general. In fact, the synopsis includes a highly praising quote from Russell Hoban, the author of _Riddley Walker_. The _Encyclopedia_ covers a huge number of interesting topics that is told in a style of writing that is not "monotone" as most normal encyclopedias are.
Among other things, it covers the significance of Cinderella's glass slipper, the various mythologies and beliefs surrounding the moon, and the symbolic qualities of things like pomegranates and hair. It answers questions like, "Who was Adam's first wife?" "Why is breaking a mirror considered to be bad luck?" and "Was there ever a female pope or a real Easter bunny?" I have gained so much knowledge from this book, which is best-read by flipping through it and stopping at different points of interest or curiosity. Aside from her entries, Walker includes interesting trivia on the margins and begins each section with various images of historic statues, sculptures, paintings, and photographs.
Walker is really worthy of much praise here. Over 1100 pages and over 20 years of research has resulted in an amazing fusion of myth, history, legend, culture, religion, and so many countless other disciplines. The detail is simply unbelievable. I found myself so enthralled in this book, much like I would be caught up in a good suspense novel. It is easy to get completely caught up in this book. So many topics are covered, and once I came up with one at random and found Walker's coverage and research on it, my mind popped up with yet another possibility to discover.
November 11, 2012
I have owned this book since 1986 and have used it so often, it doesn't look so good anymore. An indispensible work of reference. Some might say there is a bias. True. It is called "The Woman's Enc...." after all. Even today, with Wikipedia and so many other sources available on the internet, I find myself looking things up first in this one. A must for everyone interested in myths.
April 6, 2008
A wonderful reference book for anyone. Uncovers the roots and origins of many myths. Very well researched. For those who love history, the occult, and are willing to understand how much women have contributed to all cultures.
April 5, 2008
This is really fascinating...and I love reading about some of the more unusual elements of different mythologies from a feminist standpoint.
November 4, 2008
This is the must have reference book for anyone who is interested in information from outside the box. Open any page, and learn something new.
December 14, 2010
This is an excellent book that I have used for many. many years as a REFERENCE BOOK. The Wisdom and Knowledge contained therein cannot be beat! I APPRECIATE Barbara G. Walker! THANK YOU..
September 11, 2011
Very interesting and fun reference book. All you need to know about religion, philosophy, etc. It would go on the desert island with me. If I could only take 20, 30, 40, 50 books...
Read
June 21, 2009I learned and will never forget that most of the biblical tales originated in India: Moses in the bullrushes, the concept of the trinity. Also the hidden stories behind my name and that of my son Apollonio.
June 7, 2012
Filled with fascinating entries on everything from "left hand" to "prostitution". I would not take anything in there as reliable without researching it elsewhere as well, but she has pulled on all sorts of sources and traditions for her entries- so it's a good jumping-off place. Some of her sources are shaky and she puts them forth as solid, others of her sources are solid and she may make leaps from them.
Some of what she says is as solid as it comes- you just have to sift it. Either way it's a fascinating look through history, politics, women's history, religion, spiritual beliefs, and societal reactions to them.
Some of what she says is as solid as it comes- you just have to sift it. Either way it's a fascinating look through history, politics, women's history, religion, spiritual beliefs, and societal reactions to them.
March 21, 2013
Didn't mind the bias so much--you should really expect a pro-feminist slant to a book of this stripe, that is if you didn't already get it from the title.
The reason I can not in good conscience give this book more stars is because every single time I've heard about or read about a new goddess or (in)famous witch-type and run to this book to look it up it is NOT to be found. Encyclopedias are no good if they don't provide the information you seek.
I gave this book two stars because it is necessary to give such a huge tome dedicated to WOMEN at least two.
The reason I can not in good conscience give this book more stars is because every single time I've heard about or read about a new goddess or (in)famous witch-type and run to this book to look it up it is NOT to be found. Encyclopedias are no good if they don't provide the information you seek.
I gave this book two stars because it is necessary to give such a huge tome dedicated to WOMEN at least two.
June 30, 2010
This is one of my favorite books and I think everyone should have. I have used this book so many times, that I had to buy two copies as the first one fell apart. It is an interesting read and an awesome reference book. It explains the origins on Fairy tales, Gods, Goddesses, Biblical characters, mystical creatures, etc. The book has so much information that is it nearly impossible to list them all.
Read
January 23, 2010The prolific Barbara G. Walker-- what would we do without her? I refer to this epic endeavor of hers quite often. It is a wealth of information, idiosyncratically presented in such a way that it reminds me of Johnson's first dictionary-- a willful presentation of a myriad silenced histories with no pretense of being objective about it.
May 24, 2021
I dont normally leave reviews but reading "the Māori stated explicitly that human souls are made of menstrual blood" when we never have has irked me.
Her source? An English/Frenchman who moved to New Zealand in the 1880s... you know the same time lies were spread about us barbaric savages to justify the theft of our land and the absolute suppression of our langauge and culture.
Her source? An English/Frenchman who moved to New Zealand in the 1880s... you know the same time lies were spread about us barbaric savages to justify the theft of our land and the absolute suppression of our langauge and culture.
November 28, 2007
full of fun lore and info. of course i had to read a few things out loud to my husband....who of course had something snotty to say about whether or not the facts were stretched to suit the female persprective but it was all in good fun. fun!
May 22, 2009
Again this is more a reference book than a book that you sit down and read cover to cover but it's definitely one worth having. She covers everything, there is no bias here and I learned so much reading it that I often just flip through from time to time and find new things I missed each time.
Read
November 25, 2009This is super neat and the kind of thing every writer needs on the shelf. It doesn't just answer the question- what is this? but the questions- what was it originally, how was it changed and for what political reasons, and what is it connected to?
March 23, 2014
Another excellent Women;s must haves in a book.
Please buy this book for the myths & secrets it has inside,
waiting for you to say, "I didn't know this!"
It also makes a great gift for our friends who may not have this book.
Please buy this book for the myths & secrets it has inside,
waiting for you to say, "I didn't know this!"
It also makes a great gift for our friends who may not have this book.
May 26, 2007
Title in German:
Das geheime Wissen der Frauen
Das geheime Wissen der Frauen
February 28, 2008
Educate yourself to hidden herstory. Totally fascinating!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews