Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical & Paranormal Experience

A great and fun reference. You can look up Sufism, poltergeists, and anything in between. It never dissapoints.

Where was this reference when libraries first needed it 20 years ago? Guiley ( The Ency clopedia of Witches and Witchcraft , Facts on File, 1990) provides 500 cross-referenced entries which emphasize major personalities, mystical techniques and traditions, locations of interest, and mystical and paranormal phenomena. While the coverage is not inclusive, Guiley manages to detail most areas and personalities particularly well--albeit with a slight New Age bias. Her organization, which features bibliographic information following each entry, is sensible. Along with other recent publications in the field (e.g., The Encyclopedia of Parapsychology and Psychical Research , LJ 12/90, and The New Age Encyclopedia , LJ 8/1/90), this reference show more should prove useful to both serious researchers and curious browsers. (amazon) show less