Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

On the grape Vine's, 28 Aug 2003
This book is very good for helping to understand the deeper meaning of words in the Christian Greek scriptures but personally I found the Strong's I bought at the same time even better. If you're looking for something to really help you with the flavour of the words in context get an amplified bible - it was great. If you can afford them get all 3!

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

On the grape Vine's, 28 Aug 2003
This book is very good for helping to understand the deeper meaning of words in the Christian Greek scriptures but personally I found the Strong's I bought at the same time even better. If you're looking for something to really help you with the flavour of the words in context get an amplified bible - it was great. If you can afford them get all 3!

closer to the Goddess, 26 Jul 2006
my literature teacher recommended me this, knowing my inquisitiveness toward anything pagan, pro feminist and historical. i found that this book has helped me on the path of Goddess worship and has left a bitter taste in my mouth toward the Roman Church. i recommend this for ALL woman of any religion because this encyclopedia brings to light the truths that were never included in his-story and that which should be included in her-story! I simply cannot express how essential this book is for anybody who is interested in the Goddess or is already on the path of worship.

the best book I have ever bought, 29 Apr 2005
Given that I am the daughter of a librarian (and hence love books and buy far too many) my title may communicate the love I feel for this book. I also work as a tour guide in Rome and so have read countless books on paganism, christianity and both ancient and Renaissance history, but none have touched me in the way that this book has.

Whatever mood I am in, however much time I have to spare, I dip into this book and always come away feeling changed by the experience. Although some reviews suggest that it is pro-women and a feminist text I would disagree - I think that it expresses also how men too have suffered in terms of identity over the past 2000 years. If anything I would say that it is anti the Roman church - something which anyone who knows a lot about this history of the church would have to agree with.

It really is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in history, religion, mythology, feminism and symbolism. If I became enormously rich I would make sure that a copy of THIS BOOK were in every hotel room around the world! I believe that the secrets which this book tells should be taught in schools and brought to the attention of everyone.

I know this seems overly emphatic but I just cannot express eloquently enough the importance and enormity of this wonderful book.

An absolute requirement, 29 Aug 2004
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets and I still frequently take it down from my bookshelf. Unapologetically female-biased, it's a must -read for feminists, mythologists and lovers of history. You could say it's an absolute requirement for all women.

This big book holds an incredible amount of information about myths, symbols, womens' role in ancient cultures, origins of common words and customs, fairy tales, gods, goddesses, beliefs and religious motifs. It is, after all, an encyclopedia

The goddess in you, 15 Aug 2003
It is very interesting to read if you treat it as a fiction of the past, but it is a very rich and useful reference to have for understanding the goddess in you!! It is not about the Ultimate feminist view and power, it is about being who you are and how to perceive that for yourself through the different aspects of the 'Goddess' in the different cultures, if you choose to(which I do!). The myths are fascinating, the secrets make a kind of sense that you maybe suprised by how accurate it is applicable for day to day lives nowadays!! It is about understanding the feminine self that is inside you - this is a book that I recommend to both male and female readers, if they are interested!
P.S. It goes really well with the encyclopaedia about Sacred objects and symbols, too.

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

On the grape Vine's, 28 Aug 2003
This book is very good for helping to understand the deeper meaning of words in the Christian Greek scriptures but personally I found the Strong's I bought at the same time even better. If you're looking for something to really help you with the flavour of the words in context get an amplified bible - it was great. If you can afford them get all 3!

closer to the Goddess, 26 Jul 2006
my literature teacher recommended me this, knowing my inquisitiveness toward anything pagan, pro feminist and historical. i found that this book has helped me on the path of Goddess worship and has left a bitter taste in my mouth toward the Roman Church. i recommend this for ALL woman of any religion because this encyclopedia brings to light the truths that were never included in his-story and that which should be included in her-story! I simply cannot express how essential this book is for anybody who is interested in the Goddess or is already on the path of worship.

the best book I have ever bought, 29 Apr 2005
Given that I am the daughter of a librarian (and hence love books and buy far too many) my title may communicate the love I feel for this book. I also work as a tour guide in Rome and so have read countless books on paganism, christianity and both ancient and Renaissance history, but none have touched me in the way that this book has.

Whatever mood I am in, however much time I have to spare, I dip into this book and always come away feeling changed by the experience. Although some reviews suggest that it is pro-women and a feminist text I would disagree - I think that it expresses also how men too have suffered in terms of identity over the past 2000 years. If anything I would say that it is anti the Roman church - something which anyone who knows a lot about this history of the church would have to agree with.

It really is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in history, religion, mythology, feminism and symbolism. If I became enormously rich I would make sure that a copy of THIS BOOK were in every hotel room around the world! I believe that the secrets which this book tells should be taught in schools and brought to the attention of everyone.

I know this seems overly emphatic but I just cannot express eloquently enough the importance and enormity of this wonderful book.

An absolute requirement, 29 Aug 2004
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets and I still frequently take it down from my bookshelf. Unapologetically female-biased, it's a must -read for feminists, mythologists and lovers of history. You could say it's an absolute requirement for all women.

This big book holds an incredible amount of information about myths, symbols, womens' role in ancient cultures, origins of common words and customs, fairy tales, gods, goddesses, beliefs and religious motifs. It is, after all, an encyclopedia

The goddess in you, 15 Aug 2003
It is very interesting to read if you treat it as a fiction of the past, but it is a very rich and useful reference to have for understanding the goddess in you!! It is not about the Ultimate feminist view and power, it is about being who you are and how to perceive that for yourself through the different aspects of the 'Goddess' in the different cultures, if you choose to(which I do!). The myths are fascinating, the secrets make a kind of sense that you maybe suprised by how accurate it is applicable for day to day lives nowadays!! It is about understanding the feminine self that is inside you - this is a book that I recommend to both male and female readers, if they are interested!
P.S. It goes really well with the encyclopaedia about Sacred objects and symbols, too.

An uplifting book of real-life angel experiences, 02 Jan 2002
Glennyce S. Eckersley's An Angel At My Shoulder is the sort of book that gives you goosebumps, yet warms the cockles of your heart at the same time. It's full of lots of real-life modern day Angel experiences, both personal to the author and from people all around the world. It makes for fascinating reading. This book is ideal for those who believe in angels and those who simply want to know what the fuss is all about. I thoroughly recommend it.

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

On the grape Vine's, 28 Aug 2003
This book is very good for helping to understand the deeper meaning of words in the Christian Greek scriptures but personally I found the Strong's I bought at the same time even better. If you're looking for something to really help you with the flavour of the words in context get an amplified bible - it was great. If you can afford them get all 3!

closer to the Goddess, 26 Jul 2006
my literature teacher recommended me this, knowing my inquisitiveness toward anything pagan, pro feminist and historical. i found that this book has helped me on the path of Goddess worship and has left a bitter taste in my mouth toward the Roman Church. i recommend this for ALL woman of any religion because this encyclopedia brings to light the truths that were never included in his-story and that which should be included in her-story! I simply cannot express how essential this book is for anybody who is interested in the Goddess or is already on the path of worship.

the best book I have ever bought, 29 Apr 2005
Given that I am the daughter of a librarian (and hence love books and buy far too many) my title may communicate the love I feel for this book. I also work as a tour guide in Rome and so have read countless books on paganism, christianity and both ancient and Renaissance history, but none have touched me in the way that this book has.

Whatever mood I am in, however much time I have to spare, I dip into this book and always come away feeling changed by the experience. Although some reviews suggest that it is pro-women and a feminist text I would disagree - I think that it expresses also how men too have suffered in terms of identity over the past 2000 years. If anything I would say that it is anti the Roman church - something which anyone who knows a lot about this history of the church would have to agree with.

It really is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in history, religion, mythology, feminism and symbolism. If I became enormously rich I would make sure that a copy of THIS BOOK were in every hotel room around the world! I believe that the secrets which this book tells should be taught in schools and brought to the attention of everyone.

I know this seems overly emphatic but I just cannot express eloquently enough the importance and enormity of this wonderful book.

An absolute requirement, 29 Aug 2004
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets and I still frequently take it down from my bookshelf. Unapologetically female-biased, it's a must -read for feminists, mythologists and lovers of history. You could say it's an absolute requirement for all women.

This big book holds an incredible amount of information about myths, symbols, womens' role in ancient cultures, origins of common words and customs, fairy tales, gods, goddesses, beliefs and religious motifs. It is, after all, an encyclopedia

The goddess in you, 15 Aug 2003
It is very interesting to read if you treat it as a fiction of the past, but it is a very rich and useful reference to have for understanding the goddess in you!! It is not about the Ultimate feminist view and power, it is about being who you are and how to perceive that for yourself through the different aspects of the 'Goddess' in the different cultures, if you choose to(which I do!). The myths are fascinating, the secrets make a kind of sense that you maybe suprised by how accurate it is applicable for day to day lives nowadays!! It is about understanding the feminine self that is inside you - this is a book that I recommend to both male and female readers, if they are interested!
P.S. It goes really well with the encyclopaedia about Sacred objects and symbols, too.

An uplifting book of real-life angel experiences, 02 Jan 2002
Glennyce S. Eckersley's An Angel At My Shoulder is the sort of book that gives you goosebumps, yet warms the cockles of your heart at the same time. It's full of lots of real-life modern day Angel experiences, both personal to the author and from people all around the world. It makes for fascinating reading. This book is ideal for those who believe in angels and those who simply want to know what the fuss is all about. I thoroughly recommend it.

Frightening...., 14 Aug 2007

I'm as open-minded as the next person and have always had an interest in things that go 'bump' in the night, thought to be honest i've never actually believed they really existed.

After reading this excellent book I can confirm that I still don't believe in ghosts, vampires, ghouls, zombies, werewolves or other night-crawlers but thats exactly what I enjoyed about this book: It never tries to convince you that these creatures do exist.

The book simply tells you the history surrounding these ancient evils and where the legends, stories and tales originate from and how they were shaped into the familiar monsters we know and love today such as the dread vampire Dracula. The author is always very careful to look at the information he has objectively and staunchly sits on the fence...which I think is very important in order to maintain credibility.

The book isn't layed out as an 'encyclopedia' in the strictest sense. Its more of a collection of stories and ancient anecdotes created by a deeply religious and Superstitious population hundreds of years ago (as well as a few more recent tales) you get the impression that it was mostly fear that created these tales rather than the actual 'truth'. Even the so-called 'confessions' of the unfortunate people accused of being werewolves were always extracted after prolonged and brutal torture. I would think after which, you'd happily confess to anything just to end the pain.

All in all a very interesting and entertaining book which I would recommend to anyone with an interest in learning more about the myths and truths surrounding the undead and their origins, some of which are very surprising...

The only way I would improve the book would be to add more pictures and make them colour rather than black and white

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.


Magical!, 17 Oct 2006
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.

Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.

And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!

fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!!, 25 Feb 2006
Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched and well presented - a must for any interested in myths, legends and cryptology!

A Definitive Work., 09 Jun 2007
Brilliant! a fantastic, comprehensive work of reference for anyone interested in the order of the Knights Templar. Karen Ralls is well known for balanced historical writing, including both orthodox and speculative angles, generated by unrelenting scholarship. Here she has put together a book that will be valued for years to come, everything you wanted to know about the Templars and much more.

Includes a chronology etc, and photos. Highly recomended!


Very detailed account of classical mythology, 03 Feb 2001
A very good all rounder. It gives lots of details about East and West mythology even though it is not specialised towards either of these areas

On the grape Vine's, 28 Aug 2003
This book is very good for helping to understand the deeper meaning of words in the Christian Greek scriptures but personally I found the Strong's I bought at the same time even better. If you're looking for something to really help you with the flavour of the words in context get an amplified bible - it was great. If you can afford them get all 3!

closer to the Goddess, 26 Jul 2006
my literature teacher recommended me this, knowing my inquisitiveness toward anything pagan, pro feminist and historical. i found that this book has helped me on the path of Goddess worship and has left a bitter taste in my mouth toward the Roman Church. i recommend this for ALL woman of any religion because this encyclopedia brings to light the truths that were never included in his-story and that which should be included in her-story! I simply cannot express how essential this book is for anybody who is interested in the Goddess or is already on the path of worship.

the best book I have ever bought, 29 Apr 2005
Given that I am the daughter of a librarian (and hence love books and buy far too many) my title may communicate the love I feel for this book. I also work as a tour guide in Rome and so have read countless books on paganism, christianity and both ancient and Renaissance history, but none have touched me in the way that this book has.

Whatever mood I am in, however much time I have to spare, I dip into this book and always come away feeling changed by the experience. Although some reviews suggest that it is pro-women and a feminist text I would disagree - I think that it expresses also how men too have suffered in terms of identity over the past 2000 years. If anything I would say that it is anti the Roman church - something which anyone who knows a lot about this history of the church would have to agree with.

It really is the perfect book for anyone with an interest in history, religion, mythology, feminism and symbolism. If I became enormously rich I would make sure that a copy of THIS BOOK were in every hotel room around the world! I believe that the secrets which this book tells should be taught in schools and brought to the attention of everyone.

I know this seems overly emphatic but I just cannot express eloquently enough the importance and enormity of this wonderful book.

An absolute requirement, 29 Aug 2004
It's been almost 20 years since I first read Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets and I still frequently take it down from my bookshelf. Unapologetically female-biased, it's a must -read for feminists, mythologists and lovers of history. You could say it's an absolute requirement for all women.

This big book holds an incredible amount of information about myths, symbols, womens' role in ancient cultures, origins of common words and customs, fairy tales, gods, goddesses, beliefs and religious motifs. It is, after all, an encyclopedia

The goddess in you, 15 Aug 2003
It is very interesting to read if you treat it as a fiction of the past, but it is a very rich and useful reference to have for understanding the goddess in you!! It is not about the Ultimate feminist view and power, it is about being who you are and how to perceive that for yourself through the different aspects of the 'Goddess' in the different cultures, if you choose to(which I do!). The myths are fascinating, the secrets make a kind of sense that you maybe suprised by how accurate it is applicable for day to day lives nowadays!! It is about understanding the feminine self that is inside you - this is a book that I recommend to both male and female readers, if they are interested!
P.S. It goes really well with the encyclopaedia about Sacred objects and symbols, too.

An uplifting book of real-life angel experiences, 02 Jan 2002
Glennyce S. Eckersley's An Angel At My Shoulder is the sort of book that gives you goosebumps, yet warms the cockles of your heart at the same time. It's full of lots of real-life modern day Angel experiences, both personal to the author and from people all around the world. It makes for fascinating reading. This book is ideal for those who believe in angels and those who simply want to know what the fuss is all about. I thoroughly recommend it.

Frightening...., 14 Aug 2007

I'm as open-minded as the next person and have always had an interest in things that go 'bump' in the night, thought to be honest i've never actually believed they really existed.

After reading this excellent book I can confirm that I still don't believe in ghosts, vampires, ghouls, zombies, werewolves or other night-crawlers but thats exactly what I enjoyed about this book: It never tries to convince you that these creatures do exist.

The book simply tells you the history surrounding these ancient evils and where the legends, stories and tales originate from and how they were shaped into the familiar monsters we know and love today such as the dread vampire Dracula. The author is always very careful to look at the information he has objectively and staunchly sits on the fence...which I think is very important in order to maintain credibility.

The book isn't layed out as an 'encyclopedia' in the strictest sense. Its more of a collection of stories and ancient anecdotes created by a deeply religious and Superstitious population hundreds of years ago (as well as a few more recent tales) you get the impression that it was mostly fear that created these tales rather than the actual 'truth'. Even the so-called 'confessions' of the unfortunate people accused of being werewolves were always extracted after prolonged and brutal torture. I would think after which, you'd happily confess to anything just to end the pain.

All in all a very interesting and entertaining book which I would recommend to anyone with an interest in learning more about the myths and truths surrounding the undead and their origins, some of which are very surprising...

The only way I would improve the book would be to add more pictures and make them colour rather than black and white

A bit disappointing, 24 Feb 2008
Although the price is low I did expect more from this Dictionary because it is an Oxford, it seems to be lacking in depth.

Comprehensive And Detailed Information, 17 Oct 2005
This slim volume details not only characters from the Bible but a background to the theology and customs of the cultures of the Biblical lands. It provides clear Biblical references and is useful as it gives a clear background to the contexts in which the books of the Old and New Testaments were written.
Whilst not being comprehensive; it has no reference to 'The Nephilim', for example; it is a good value and highly useful resource for those who wish to explore the background to The Bible in any depth.

Einstein the man, 09 Aug 2008
Here we see glimpses of Einstein the man, not the scientist. As science moved further away from the ideal that it was supposed to benefit mankind in a positive way, Einstein believed the mission of science was to work for mankind's well-being. He will be sadly missed, a great man that thought with his heart as well as his head.

Oh Albert!, 28 Jun 2008
Albert Einstein was a whacky, comical genius. He was often seen wearing ''borat-esq man-kini's'' strutting around town trying to seduce the homeless. A rollercoaster comedy story which will have you reaching for that box of kleenex not only to whipe the tears of laughter away from your eyes, the minx.

Enjoyable and well thought through book, 05 Feb 2003
The book gives you some idea of what Einstein thought about the world in his lifetime. The book touches on philosophy, politics and the Jew's in Europe which, in my opinion gives a melancholy twist to the text. The book is also a bit of a historical source - its interesting to read the corresponding letters between Einstein and the various scientific organisations in the early 1930's

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein, 09 Apr 1999
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it.

More than just a scientific genius..., 17 Dec 1998
Albert Einstein will always be remembered as one of the great minds of our time. But not too many people think of him as a great societal thinker as well. Albert delves into many touchy subjects in this book (having grown up during the most devastating era mankind has ever known).

The one downside to this book is that there are a few (only a few) passages where you really don't know who he is talking to, and little reference is given on these to help you, the reader, figure them out.

I was thoroughly impressed that this genius, mental marvel of the 20th century could convey his message so clearly in most of the essays and writings. He talks about religion, minorities, war, and other issues facing humaity today that are highly debated in all circles.

A good buy, a great mind.

Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming, 12 Sep 2008
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.



Great Coffee Table Book, 01 Jan 2008
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical, 13 Jun 2007
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from m