Author: Elizabeth Pepper Trade Paperback, 97 pages
Publisher: Witches' Almanac Ltd.
Publication date: 2000
List: US$12.95
ISBN: 1881098141 Price & More Info: Click Here
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The late Elizabeth Pepper (editor with John Wilcox of The Witches' Almanac
for many years) has produced a bestiary composed of three classes of
animals - tame, wild, and "fabulous." The entries have been drawn from
articles which have appeared in the Almanac over the year (including this
year's edition).
The tame creatures range from the always popular pets (cats and dogs), to
domesticated fowls (geese, roosters and hawks, among others) to farm animals
(goats and swine among them). The wild creatures range from those capable
of terrifying (bats and snakes and spiders, oh my!) to those which inspire
affection (swans and dolphins jump to mind), while the "fabulous" range from
the basilisk (quite terrifying) to the gentle unicorn.
There are 31 creatures in this hand book (the fabulous ones getting the
short end of the count with only nine entries, which is really too bad in my
opinion). Obviously, it isn't possible to go into great depth on the
traditions and lore associated with any one of these animals, but there is
enough information to, perhaps, pique your interest and inspire further
personal research.
Each entry is accompanied by woodcuts and line drawings, some quite basic
and some quite interesting. This book will serve as a good, basic
introduction to animal symbolism and beliefs. Personally, I would have
appreciated a short bibliography to help newcomers continue their animal
education. But you can't have everything in a single book.
If you have been collecting The Witches' Almanac over the years you will
already have these articles. This book simply assembles them into a single,
convenient source.
I am happy to have this convenient little book in my library, and do not
hesitate to recommend it as a basic component in any Pagan's personal
library.
Reviewed by Mike Gleason
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