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The title of the original edition, Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult (1985), was more accurate: the emphasis is mainly on the popular occult topics, such as tarot, astrology, and witchcraft, with token mentions of the mystical traditions in the major religions, and a smattering of mythology. Well cross- referenced. The bibliography is slender and general, rather than specific to the articles. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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CHOICE Review

This new edition of Drury's Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult (CH, Oct'85) is not an improvement over the earlier volume. It contains nearly 3,000 entries for the symbols, language, and personalities associated with the occult, fantasy, and mysticism. Its primary source is Lewis Spence's Encyclopedia of Occultism (1920). A few line drawings and photographs have been added, as has a one-page bibliography. Some entries have been updated, especially those with biographical information, but the definitions are still short, without documentation, and much too general to be helpful. Either Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology (2nd ed., ed. by L. A. Shepard, Ch, Jul'86), which is also based on Spence, or John Ferguson's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and Mystery Religion (CH, Feb'78) is to be preferred. Not recommended for academic libraries. E. Peterson; Montana State University

Booklist Review

Drury is an internationally known authority on mysticism and the paranormal. He has written several books, including Vision Quest and The Gods of Rebirth. This volume is a revision of his 1985 Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult. It has been thoroughly revised, and a bibliography and black-and-white illustrations have been added. Nearly 3,000 entries appear here, ranging from one sentence to one-half page. Information is matter-of-fact and to the point. The book's scope is wide, including information on symbols, herbs, mythology, religious terms, movements, legends, astrology, and more. There is very little coverage of Christian mysticism, and what there is tends to be of people like Rasputin, rather than of important Christian mystics such as St. Teresa of Avila. The identification of people, particularly contemporary mystics, psychics, occultists, and researchers, is a strength of the book. Illustrations include historical drawings and contemporary paintings and photographs. The one-page selected bibliography of 44 titles is a good starting point for people who wish to pursue further information. However, it does not include similar books such as Gale's Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology [RBB S 1 91], which is much larger and more expensive, or Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experiences [RBB O 1 91], which is similar in size and price. The Dictionary of Mysticism and the Esoteric Traditions will be useful in reference departments of academic and public libraries that need additional sources on this topic. It will be particularly helpful for ready reference or telephone reference. (Reviewed Dec. 15, 1992)