Werewolves, Bird-women, Tiger-men, and Other Human Animals


Book Description

A distinguished scholar offers a comprehensive view of the most compelling metamorphosis stories throughout history. These gripping tales of transformation include accounts from both folklore and occultism.




The Romance of Sorcery


Book Description

An intriguing tour of the dark arts throughout the ages introduces such luminaries as Nostradamus, Dr. John Dee, Cagliostro, and Madame Blavatsky. Engaging and informative history, encompassing astrology, alchemy, witchcraft, and demonology.




Wagner, the Wehr-Wolf


Book Description

The first important fictional treatment of the werewolf theme in English literature, this Victorian thriller traces Wagner's blood-soaked trail through 16th-century Italy in a gothic feast of murder and intrigue.




The Complete Books of Charles Fort


Book Description

The Book of the Damned, Lo!, Wild Talents, New Lands. Greatest compilation of data: flying saucers, strange disappearances, inexplicable data not recognized by science. Painstakingly documented.




The Political History of the Devil


Book Description

Irreverent and ironic, this 1726 satire by the author of Robinson Crusoe examines the evolution of evil and the rise of the historical force known as "the devil." Daniel Defoe's passionate and perceptive survey starts with Satan's origins, chronicling the devil's presence in the Bible and his growing sway over humanity. An overview of satanic influences on eighteenth-century life follows, focusing on monarchs and tyrants as well as common folk. Defoe supports his arguments not only with extensive quotes from scripture but also with citations from other sources, including Milton's Paradise Lost. Written at the dawn of the Enlightenment, this treatise recaptures a moment in time when widespread certainty of the devil's existence was dwindling. Defoe, a firm believer, posits that the devil reacted to the changing times by shifting his influence from the supernatural realm of witches and wizards to the ordinary world of "beaus, beauties, wits, and fools." This intriguing view of politics and society during the 1700s offers a vivid contemporary portrait of a culture torn between theology and reason.




The Lessons of Nature in Mythology


Book Description

This examination of myths from around the world focuses on the role nature plays within mythology. Creation myths from myriad cultures recognized that life arose from natural elements, inextricably connecting human life to the natural world. Nature as portrayed in myth is unpredictable and destructive but also redemptive, providing solace and wisdom. Mythology relates the human life cycle to the seasons, with spring, summer, fall and winter as metaphors for birth, adulthood, old age and death. The author identifies divinities who were direct representations of natural phenomena. The transition of mythic representations from the Paleolithic to Neolithic period is discussed.




Man's Religions


Book Description




A History of the World's Religions


Book Description

A textbook for introductory college courses in the history of religions, published since 1949 as Man's religions. Surveys the origins, development, and divisions of the major religions of India, the Orient, and the Middle East. Each chapter includes a glossary, most with pronunciation indicated.




The Other End of the Leash


Book Description

Learn to communicate with your dog—using their language “Good reading for dog lovers and an immensely useful manual for dog owners.”—The Washington Post An Applied Animal Behaviorist and dog trainer with more than twenty years’ experience, Dr. Patricia McConnell reveals a revolutionary new perspective on our relationship with dogs—sharing insights on how “man’s best friend” might interpret our behavior, as well as essential advice on how to interact with our four-legged friends in ways that bring out the best in them. After all, humans and dogs are two entirely different species, each shaped by its individual evolutionary heritage. Quite simply, humans are primates and dogs are canids (as are wolves, coyotes, and foxes). Since we each speak a different native tongue, a lot gets lost in the translation. This marvelous guide demonstrates how even the slightest changes in our voices and in the ways we stand can help dogs understand what we want. Inside you will discover: • How you can get your dog to come when called by acting less like a primate and more like a dog • Why the advice to “get dominance” over your dog can cause problems • Why “rough and tumble primate play” can lead to trouble—and how to play with your dog in ways that are fun and keep him out of mischief • How dogs and humans share personality types—and why most dogs want to live with benevolent leaders rather than “alpha wanna-bes!” Fascinating, insightful, and compelling, The Other End of the Leash is a book that strives to help you connect with your dog in a completely new way—so as to enrich that most rewarding of relationships.




Man's Religions


Book Description

Aims to bridge the interval between the founding of the religion and their present state. For the university undergraduate.