Product Description: Watch your back! . . . How to spot and identify demons and other subversive spirits . . . And what to do next.
Demons, fairies, and fallen angels are everywhere. They lurk at crossroads, crouch behind doors, hide in trees, slip into beds, wait in caves, hover at weddings and childbirths, disguise themselves as friends, relatives-even disguise themselves as you. They are powerful; they are protean; they are enchanting. And, to the uninformed, they are often invisible. This illustrated guide-the first of its kind-reveals the remarkable permutations of the demon and fairy species worldwide. Packed with lore about each demon, detailing its origins, the culture surrounding it, and its reputed antics and exploits, A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits is a fascinating exploration of global mythologies. Perfect for the armchair traveler and the intrepid, seasoned demon-spotter alike, this complete guide to subversive spirits offers a behind-the-scenes look at the devilish mishaps, impish irritations, and demonic devastations that punctuate our lives.
Amazon.com Review: The Macks divert our gaze from our contemporary red-faced, cloven-hoofed misrepresentation of demons to remind us of the ancient roles demons were originally assigned to play. From the Tommyknockers of North American mountain mines to the South African Mbulu that waits in the river for lone travelers, A Field Guide to Demons classifies these creatures by their domains--water, mountain, forest--rather than in alphabetical or cultural order, dishing out antique and contemporary lore on these most misunderstood of spirits. A Field Guide to Demons melds folklore and mythology; maintains a surprisingly evenhanded view of demons; and reveals their role as the necessary challenger to established order, the antagonist--without which there could be no hero--and the darkness through which goodness shines brightest. --Brian Patterson
An interesting reference book I bought this as a companion to Gustav Davidson's A Dictionary of Angels. "A Field Guide" makes for an interesting reference book. I, frankly, was expecting a little more on house spirits, but all in all it's not bad and makes for a decent read.
What I found somewhat humorous, though, while reading this was when I reached the end of the Desert section of the book. Where page 155 should be, page 123 abruptly makes an appearance (the beginning of the Forest section), along with every sentence of content thereafter, right to the end of the book. And no, I am not kidding.
After reading over 150 pages of content on mischievous creatures from various places around the world, I had to stop and laugh at this. I'd like to say that this is a print error on the part of the publisher, but it makes for funny review content and is quite ironic considering the subject matter.
Personally, if I'd have had the chance to peruse this in a book store before buying, I'd probably have passed it up, repeated content not withstanding (I'm considering that an ironic coincidence).
Good read Although i was looking forward to reading this book, i was still surprised to how interesting it was. Although the author has a certain view on demons and mythological creatures which you will most likely disagree with, once you get past this you will be reading a very well documented book which gives great information on a wide variety of creatures, some of them with an illustration, but strange enough THE ILLUSTRATIONS SOMETIMES DO NOT MATCH. i would read the description of the creature closely, and when looking at the illustration you would wonder if the illustration was suppose to be used with another creature in the book, or was simply placed there to fill space. All and all, it is worth a read and will keep you turning page after page.
Nothing really exciting This is a very well organized book and that's the reason it is so easy to read. It is more of a story book and definately not for someone that is looking to learn about demons and spirits in depth.
Pleasantly surprised I was pleasantly surprised at the range and number of little nasties in this book. It includes many i would not think to be here, and shows how many are alike. As some other have said, it doesnt go in depth, which would have been nice, but it DOES say how to defeat them, which i can attest work.
just a story book This book is nothing more than a collection of mythology which have very little basis in reality. If your looking to expand your knowledge of demons this is not the book for you. Some entertainment value though!
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