Basic Reference Volumes

Dictionary of cults, sects, religions and, the occult, edited by George Mather & Larry Nichols. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1993) Pub Cat 94-71; available at the Information Desk in Room 315. Essays on most of the major and many minor unconventional religious organizations, including occult- and UFO-oriented churches, satanism etc. Attempts to relate these churches to Christian teachings. Extensive bibliography appended.

Dictionary of mysticism and the esoteric traditions, edited by Nevill Drury. (Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 1992) Pub Cat 93-2934; available at the Information Desk. A revised edition of Dictionary of mysticism and the occult, 1985. Brief definitions or descriptions of occult terms, movements, personalities, gods, goddesses, etc. A good quick reference tool.

Encyclopedia of occcultism & parapsychology, 3rd ed., edited by Leslie Shepard (Detroit: Gale Research Co., 1991) 2 vols. *R-YLB 91-9589. Based on two classic works, Encyclopedia of occultism by Lewis Spence and Encyclopedia of occult sciences by Nandor Fodor. Assorted special indexes and additional up-to-date information make this an important reference tool.

Encyclopedia of the paranormal: a complete guide to the unexplained, edited by Lynn Picknett. (London: Macmillan, 1990) JFF-91 766. The editor does not consider anything in this volume as "occult." Coverage includes UFOs, famous personalities, Marian apparitions and more. Indexed.

Encyclopedia of parapsychology & psychical research (New York: Paragon House, 1991) *R-YLB 91-4528. Covers "weird, occult and new age phenomena". The particular strength of this source is its coverage of personalities, current and historical, who have in any way been associated with the supernatural. Includes an extensive bibliography and appendix of schools offering courses in parapsychology.

Frazer, James George, Sir. The Golden bough; a study in magic and religion 1 vol., abridged ed. (New York: Macmillan, 1974 cl950) *R-ZAC 76-6140. This abridged edition is shelved in the Main Reading Room along with a 1951 edition of the original 12-volume classic work which traces the origins of magic, superstition and religion. The abridged edition claims to eliminate and correct errors in the original edition.

Guiley, Rosemary. Encyclopedia of ghosts and spirits. (New York: Facts on File, 1992) JFF 92-4032. In attempting to include all topics relating to ghosts, spirits and other unusual apparitions, Guiley provides a wide range of information. Most entries include a bibliography of further reading. Some illustrations. Indexed.

Harper's encyclopedia of mystical & paranormal experience, edited by Rosemary Guiley. (San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1991) *R-YLB 91-7543. Written for the lay person. Covers a wide range of occult, "alternative" or otherwise unusual phenomena, disciplines, philosophies, traditions and concepts. Most entries are of significant length and include extensive bibliographies. Some coverage of personalities but is much stronger on concepts than people.

Schultz, Ted. The fringes of reason; a whole earth catalog (New York: Harmony Books, 1989) JFF 89-370. Examines unusual groups, such as the "flat earth society."