Reviews (9)

Fair, but faulty, analysis of the Jewish Festivals of the Torah
First, please know that I agree wholeheartedly with the most basic premise of Chumney's book--that the Festivals commanded in the Torah point to Christ--and that it is not my intention to disparage the premise of this book or its basic theology.On the contrary, I agree with it VERY much.
Edward Chumney's version of the seven festivals
This is a gentile perspective of the Jewish perspective. It is too cumbersome to read to the end. The transliterations are not accurate. It is definitely not something that a Jewish person would be able to get through, whether a believer or not a believer in Messiah. It is better to write from your own personal experiences and culture. When you try to enter into someone else's culture, it is not the same. onenewman
This is an excellant book. Eddie Chumney writes very methodically which makes it easy to remember and understand. For anyone interested in their Hebraic Roots this one is the best in regard to understanding the Bibical past, present and future. All your questions will be answered as you read this book.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - General    2. Bible - Study - Old Testament    3. Christianity - Christian Life - General    4. Christianity - Theology - General    5. Holidays (non religious)    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Christian theology    9. Leisure   

Reviews (2)

Halloween: Romantic Art and Customs Of Yesteryear Postcard B
When I first got this book, I flipped through it and thought,"hey,where's the 'wish list' postcards(Winsch,etc.)?". After I started reading it I realised that the postcards shown were perfect in illustrating the subject matter in each chapter. Also, the "reason" for some of the unusual images (cabbage people, etc.) I had seen on Halloween postcards became clear. A fun and informative book.

Romantic Fortunes and Halloween Fun
Halloween in the United States wasn't always a children's trick-or-treat holiday. In the beginning of the 20th century Halloween was a time when young adults peered into the murky haze of things to come and used all manner of methods to try to prophesy their romantic futures. Parties were the rage where bobbing for apples wasn't just a game but a chance to search the omens found in apple seeds and peels. Auguries in candle flames, in pumpkins, seeds, nuts and mirrors all were employed by the curious.This wonderful book uses the illustrations of full-color vintage postcards that were the rage in the early 1900s to show the many delightful and quaint oracles that were consulted.It includes numerous Halloween poems and party ideas from a bygone era, even some super costume ideas that could be used today to stunning effect for a nostalgic Halloween celebration.The text is filled with detailed history about the customs of yesteryear and the abundant appeal of the postcard images, pictures of antique table favors and invitations is sure to delight. Do not miss out on this book if you love Halloween.It contains a forgotten and very charming aspect of Halloween and Americana that I found very enjoyable and I think you will, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Catalogs    3. Folk & Outsider Art    4. Halloween    5. Halloween in art    6. History    7. Holidays (non religious)    8. Postcards    9. Seasonal    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. Customs    13. USA    14. c 1900 - c 1914   

Reviews (2)

Read for Thrills!
This book is filled with wonderful, artistic photos.Galembo's collection thrills anyone interested in costumes and vintage Halloween.

AMAZING!!!
If you have ANY feel for Halloween, BUY this book! It is THAT good! It will remind you of your childhood and the magic that flew through the air on Halloween. HIGHLY reccomended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - General    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Costume    5. Crafts & Hobbies - General    6. Customs & Traditions    7. Halloween    8. Halloween costumes    9. History    10. Holidays (non religious)    11. Juvenile Nonfiction    12. Photoessays & Documentaries    13. Pictorial works    14. Sociology    15. 20th century    16. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal    17. Customs    18. Handicrafts    19. USA   

Reviews (18)

I like Grimassi, no matter what he writes about
Grimassi usually tackles a much broader scope of subject matter and by limiting himself to Beltane he has undertaken a task that might seem outside his usual habits. But he pulls it off with good writing and capable research. By limiting himself to specifics of the Sabbat he is forced to narrow his focus more than is his wont, but what he does write about, he writes about well and thoroughly. To be honest, the entire Llewellyn Sabbat series has seemed kind of light-handed, so I can't call this Grimassi's finest hour, but it's still quite good for the kind of book it is.

about the same as the rest of this lewellyn series
This series on sabbats are written in a way that seems that a child or a adult can pick it up.There is little personnal inclusion and overall the whole series makes out to be a sensationalized pagan history with out to much detail except a little background on the things that are commonly associated with the holidays.Not that I am complaining because the light reading and simple ideas that come with the books are just that and I didn't expect much more.I stress that these books are often very little expansion to what you can likely find in a book containing all of the sabbats. Great for a new comer
I'm not new to loving nature and the earth but am new to paganism and the celebrations that are associated. For me this book is just what I was looking for - it has history, lore, recipes and activities.There's a great section on Greenman and the other spirits of May. And a super chapter called "Fairy Lore" that is a terrific introduction to the world of fairies.It stars with a poem by Lewis Carroll that's terrific!I love the section on flower lore as well - love those dandelions!At the end there are some spells, rituals, with good ideas for creating an alter and doing some blessings. The arts and crafts section is good.My only complaint throughout the book is the drawings - I wish they were more polished/sophisticated.Neat reference overall. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beltane    2. Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Holidays (non religious)    4. Holidays - General    5. Magick Studies    6. May Day    7. New Age    8. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    9. Spirituality - General    10. Witchcraft    11. Witchcraft & Wicca    12. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    13. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    14. Paganism   

Reviews (1)

A highly recommended, core reference title.
Now in an updated and expanded new edition, The American Book Of Days features 850 essays marking important anniversaries and the birthdays of history-making Americans throughout the 366 days of the year (including February 29th). All American holidays and pivotal moments are noted as readers can delve into fascinating and often overlooked accounts connected to otherwise familiar facts of American history from the discovery of American by Europeans down through to today. Cross-reference and an extensive index make information easy to find, while expanded appendices feature historical documents. A highly recommended, core title for school and community library American history and reference collections, The American Book Of Days is enhanced for students and researchers with approximately one hundred photographs and other illustrations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chronology    2. Fasts and feasts    3. Festivals    4. History    5. History: American    6. Holidays    7. Holidays (non religious)    8. Reference    9. Religious holidays    10. Sociology    11. United States    12. United States - General    13. United States History (General)   

Reviews (19)

THE Halloween book to buy!
It doesn't matter if you are a home haunter like me, someone who loves Halloween, orjust like to have THE best Halloween party in town, this is the book! It has so much fun info in it, recipes, costume ideas, decor and invite ideas... EVERYTHING! Buy one for yourself and one for your crazy friend!

MAYBE THE BEST BOOK ON HALLOWEEN!
There's only one thing that keeps "A Halloween How-To" from being the perfect Halloween book and that is that there are no color photographs.That one little drawback aside, this is maybe the best book on Halloween I've ever seen and I've reviewed a LOT of them.Unlike some of the more cutesy-crafty books on the market, this book is more designed for the real Halloween aficionado.This is the person whose more interested in scaring the pants off trick or treaters rather than winning an award from the neighborhood garden committee.
Good reference for a grown-up Halloween celebration
Last fall, I checked this book out of the library looking for ideas for our annual Halloween bash and to decorate our yard.The book not only has a great wealth of ideas and tips, but also historical and sociological information on the holiday. This is one of the few books that I have found more geared towards adults wishing to celebrate the holiday. Most of what is out there leans towards the juvenile side of Halloween festivites. Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating    4. Entertaining    5. Halloween    6. Halloween costumes    7. Halloween decorations    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Holiday decorations    10. Holidays (non religious)    11. Seasonal    12. Customs   

Reviews (1)

The Book of Thanksgiving
This book is terrific. It has recipes for everything from turkey (including those turkey leftovers and vegetarian alternatives to turkey!) to sidedishes. The trivia/facts about the holiday are fascinating, and make great conversation starters. The games are aperfect way to keep kids busy. This book makes a perfect hostess gift or a cookbook for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American - General    2. Cooking    3. Entertaining - General    4. Holiday - General    5. Holidays (non religious)    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Seasonal    8. Thanksgiving Day    9. Thanksgiving cookery   

Subjects:  1. All Souls' Day    2. Altars    3. Art    4. Caribbean & Latin American    5. Customs & Traditions    6. Exhibitions    7. General    8. Holidays (non religious)    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Sociology    11. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction    12. Votive offerings   

Reviews (9)

Phenomenal archive of Macy's parade
When I ordered this book, I thought it was another one, which I'd seen in a Barnes and Noble bookstore some years ago. That one had pictures of a number of the "hosts" of the parade-like Jackie Gleason, etc. It was closer to a coffee table size. However, I was surprised when this one arrived. This has many more pictures than that book, and mainly of the balloons(which is really the best part). Plus it documents the history of the parade and its high points. This is, by far, the best thing I've ever found on the parade, in any form of media, whatsoever. I'll keep my eyes open for the other book, but this is the ONE to definitely get.

A MIRACLE OF A BOOK ABOUT THE MIRACLE ON34th -
This book is a WOW! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is the Miracle on 34th St and this book is a miracle too.That for the first time the glorious history of the Parade is presented in a fantastic mix of photos, ads, and a very enjoyable and readable text. The authors present their history in a conversational manner that encourages you to read the book from front to back and all over again! The images in black and white and color bring the parade to all, and year round too! Great for anyone planning on seeing the parade in person, or whom have seen it in person or watched on TV. A keepsake and collectible that does the Parade proud!
So where's the complete list of the balloons?
I love this book....BUT it has a big lacking...there's no complete listing of which balloons were in each year's parade. I chatted with the author awhile back and he said such a list was forthcoming....but then we lost touch and I don't think it ever appeared. Does anyone have such a list so that I can insert it into the book....and then it will be a 5 STAR book! Thanks! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - U.S.    3. History: American    4. Holidays (non religious)    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Parades    8. Thanksgiving Day    9. United States - State & Local - General    10. United States - State & Local - Middle Atlantic    11. History / United States / General   

Reviews (4)

It's a start...
I just received this book as a gift and I'm a little disappointed.It does have some weird events to visit and I'll be putting most of them on my TO DO list, but I guess the book itself wasn't what I expected and seems somewhat limited.I really like Roadside America just because it has absolutely SO MUCH stuff to see and do.I like this book and I'll use it in my crazy travels, but I'm not as excited about it as I was when I read the other reviews and put it on my wishlist.

A Fun Trip into America the Wacky
This book is getting a little dated - however it is still a great resource for those wacky Americians who will put on a show for a nickle or a dime.I have read it twice and appreciate the author's attempt at covering an ever growing awareness of out wonderful Country - the U.S. OF A. - this book makes me proud to be and Americian.

Not just "Burning Man" but obscure funky happenings...
This takes precendence over "Roadside America"...for ultimate in eccentricity. Includes Texas Aggie Bonfire, (World record on height,'69) as a last minute choice just after the Nov.'99 accident, of which there is a commemorative statement. To add send inquiries to: americabizarro@hotmail.com ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contests    2. Directories    3. Festivals    4. Freak shows    5. Holidays (non religious)    6. Travel    7. Travel - United States    8. United States    9. United States - General   

Subjects:  1. Encyclopedias    2. Holidays    3. Holidays (non religious)    4. Holidays - General    5. Reference    6. Social Science    7. Social life and customs    8. Sociology    9. United States    10. United States - General    11. Customs    12. History / United States / General    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Tis the Season
Touching, inspiring stories, including "The Right Touch" which is from another heartwarming holiday bestseller, A Christmas Dozen: Christmas Stories to Warm the Heart. What a pre-Christmas feast. Best served starting with the Thanksgiving weekend. Why wait for Christmas morning to enjoy these feel-good stories that will put you in the mood for Christmas? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Christmas    3. Holidays (non religious)    4. Holidays - Christmas    5. Inspirational    6. Inspirational - General    7. Self-Help    8. Spiritual    9. Spiritual Healing    10. Virtues    11. Self-Help / General   

Editorial Review

Summer solstice celebrants will find plenty of inspirational rituals, magic spells, and recipes in Anna Franklin's Read more

Reviews (5)

Another fun book!
Lots of great ideas and history on midsummer customs - drawing from ancient times. There's a whole chapter on divination (tarrot, runes etc) - fairy contact too. Crystals and their properties are discussed as is making a wand, and working with herbs to make special oils and teas etc. There are a number of recipes.There's a section on animal totems for midsummer but I've found better books on totems (check out Jamie Sams).Of the differnt Sabbat books, this one seems to have more spells, potions, divination and magic.It a really fun book and I'm glad I bought it - I'll certainly be doing some crafting from it but I'm only giving it 4 stars because I think the whole relationship/connection to mother earth is too light.

Wonderful!
This book is a fully rounded examination of the midsummer festival with history and lore, pagan themes and spiritual inspiration. It contains traditional Wiccan and witchcraft rites, along with Saxon and Druidic celebrations for the festival. I know for a fact that the Wiccan rites are authentic and I have never seen them published before. [I do worry that it may be a case of casting pearls before swine in some instances.] Along with stuff for the more serious Wiccan, the ritual suggestions would help beginners and experienced covens alike. There is a wealth of herb craft here, since midsummer is the traditional time for gathering herbs, which again, may appeal to ex[pereinced and beginner alike. I can't recommend this book too highly- the strongest in the series so far.

An excellent guide to creating a midsummer celebration
Midsummer is one of the Pagan festivals which celebrates a positive seasonal change, and this title covers common midsummer seasonal rituals, from the Rite of the Oak King to Drawing Down the Dawn. Recipes for herbs used in ritual celebrations blend with ritual instructions in this excellent guide to creating a midsummer celebration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Holidays (non religious)    3. Holidays - General    4. Magick Studies    5. Neopaganism    6. New Age    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Rituals    9. Spirituality - Paganism    10. Summer festivals    11. Summer solstice    12. Witchcraft & Wicca    13. Body, Mind & Spirit / Witchcraft & Wicca    14. Wicca   

Reviews (20)

It's a lot of fun.
FESTIVUS: THE HOLIDAY FOR THE REST OF US falls into the realm of the Just Plain Silly. The book has a foreword by Jerry Stiller. Any fan of TV's "Seinfeld" can tell you why that's significant and will instantly recall the "Festivus" episode that introduced the holiday's Festivus Pole, the Feats of Strength and the Airing of Grievances, all of which are covered here.
Festivus...YESSS!
My friends and I always talked about having a Festivus party and thought we were the only ones original and subversive enough to attempt it, but as Allen Salkin thoroughly reveals, we were not.Turns out, people all over the country have been celebrating Festivus since the Seinfeld episode aired, adding their own uniquely hilarious twists on the 3 essential elements of the holiday; the pole, the airing of grievances, and the feats of strength!The book is packed with enough accounts and images of Festivus revelers nationwide to turn even the steeliest reader onto its low-budget charms.I received the book as a Secret Santa gift at work (ironic, no?) and am spreading the gospel to my two brothers, who will both find this tight little tome tucked into their respective stockings this holiday season.
DISAPPOINTING
I don't make a lot of money, so if I shell out fifteen bucks for a book I kind of want it to be good. And this is just okay. The cover looks great with that funny Frank floating head, but after that it's kind of a letdown. The cat was kind of cute, but the stuff about the Romans confused me - who cares? And I guess it's nice people around the country are celebrating it, but I already knew that. Festivus is a joke holiday that comes from a comedy show, so I kind of wanted this to be more entertaining. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Form - Parodies    2. General    3. Holidays    4. Holidays (non religious)    5. Humor    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Satire And Humor    8. Humor / General   

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Fasts and feasts    4. Festivals    5. Holidays (non religious)    6. Mexico    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Social Science    9. Social life and customs    10. Sociology    11. Teotitlâan del Valle    12. Zapotec Indians    13. Customs    14. Pageants, parades, festivals   

Reviews (4)

An Author With An Ax to Grind
In this work, Comrade Bogatyrev purports many times to relate the superstitions of Carpatho-Rusyns, yet most of his identified sources are Gypsies!He even insinuates that two child abusing customs are performed by Rusyns, yet the reference books he gives in the footnotes as sources for these practices reveal that the practices are from "Wedding Rites in Novgorod and Archangelsk," places where Rusyns do not live!He quotes Rusyn words asking God's blessing, and calls it "magic."He thinks that dressing a corpse for burial indicates belief that the deceased will use his clothing in the afterlife.He quotes a Rusyn as saying that nonsensical customs are just games and nonsense, then he claims that the peasant was "just saying that to appear progressive to a stranger."When peasants bring in sheaves of wheat for a Christmas decoration, and explain, "The gentry decorate a tree; we poor bring in wheat," Bogatyrev claims they do so to stimulate the wheat harvest by sympathetic magic.His disgusting portrayal of Rusyns as mindless primitives seems designed to set the stage for the Soviet genocide of the Rusyns in the 1940's, about 20 yrs. after this work first was published.

When Is a Title Not a Title?
I'm going to have to confess that I bought this book because of its title.I like to read and review vampire books, and believe that having some background knowledge can add some interest to a review.So I pulled the book down from the shelf, turned to one of the few pages in the book that actually contained the word vampire, and bought it.It was only when I started to reed it at home that I discovered that its real title is 'Magical Acts, Rites and Beliefs in Subcarpathian Rus.' The current title is an invention of either the translator's or the publisher.So, starting right out, the book loses a star for pretending it is what it is not. Rites and beliefs but NOT vampires
This book was originally published in French in 1929 with a title that translates as: Magical Acts, Rites, and Beliefs in Subcarpathian Rus'. The title Vampires in the Carpathians was added for this 1998 Englishtranslation and is really misleading. The last two chapters: "Funerals" and"Apparitions and Supernatural Beings" do make passing references tovampires, but focus mostly on other spirits. So if you are looking for abook on vampires, look elsewhere. What little is said about vampires willbe only of interest to the serious scholar who needs to know every possiblereference in the literature.The original title, which is the currentsubtitle, is a much more accurate description of what this book is about.However, Bogatyrev spends over 35 pages talking about his researchmethodology which he calls the synchronic method. Unless this is what youreally want to learn about, I advise you skip the Introduction andConclusion.His methodology is that he tells us what the ritual means tothe people performing it at that time. He does not try to draw inferencesback in time or determine origins. He just "tells it like it is" or, inthiscase, as it was back in the 1920's. What results is veryunsatisfying. He tells you a ritual and what it means in village X, thentells you that in village Y they do the same thing, but have no idea why.Then, he relates that in village Z they don't do this at all. He goesthrough the whole religious calendar relating quaint old customs attachedto each religious holiday, then does the same for rituals attached tobirths, weddings and funerals. We owe this author a debt of gratitude fordocumenting this snapshot of Carpathian village life. English-speakingfolklore scholars will be glad to have access to this work and Americans ofRusyn descent may finally understand what crazy rituals and customs drovetheir grandparents to leave this rustic corner of Central Europe for theUSA and Canada. On the plus side, this is an excellent translation and thebiography of Bogatyrev is engaging. Not for any but the most dedicatedreaders. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Eastern Europe - General    2. Festivals    3. Folklore & Mythology    4. General    5. History - General History    6. Holidays (non religious)    7. Rites and ceremonies    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Superstition    11. Ukraine    12. Zakarpats§ka oblast§    13. Anthropology    14. Customs    15. Folklore    16. Hungary   

Reviews (7)

On Giving Thanks
As someone who loves to cook and is fascinated by early american history, I was extremely pleased by the content of this book. It is not merely a cookbook but a history book as well. This book can be enjoyed by children and adults equally.

Giving Thanks. A book to have and a book to give!
Wonderful! Curtin and Oliver put together a unique collection of exquisite and easy to follow recipes. The history behind the national holiday is also explained with interesting details and complements nicely the culinary section. Whether the reader wants to learn more about the tradition or wants to impress friends and family at the dinner table, this is the book to read!
A MUST HAVE!!
A fantastic book to read!The recipes we tried were outstanding-easy to read directions & the history behind each dish was a treat to read.I am looking forward to using these recipes at our Thanksgiving this year. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. History    5. Holiday - General    6. Holidays (non religious)    7. Manners And Customs    8. Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony)    9. Poultry Cookery    10. Regional & Ethnic - American - New England    11. Sociology    12. Thanksgiving Day    13. Wampanoag Indians    14. Cooking / American / New England   

Reviews (2)

Great book for a comprehensive review of event management.
This is a thorough review of the various aspects of event management.It deals with administrative and financial issues, production considerations, marketing issues, and legal and risk management procedures.The use ofexamples and "war stories" are very helpful in illustrating theauthor's points.For anybody interested in getting into the eventmanagement industry, this is a good book to begin with.

Fantastic & so accurate
I first discovered this book at the Mitchel Library in Sydney, and had to have it.It gives practical advice, & a true insight to running a Special Events Business.Grab this great book for a great read ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Holidays (non religious)    5. Management - General    6. Meetings    7. Reference    8. Special events    9. Business communication & presentation    10. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (1)

Good especially for Modern dates & TV stars, etc.
I bought this book this past January and have been reading it daily.I find it makes a good companion to Cyril Leslie Beecham's book "The Dictionary of Dates" which lists moreancient dates.Instead, "On This Date", lists many more "modern" dates, such as those we are more familiar with, like the TV Premier of "ER", or the TV premier of "All in the Family", etc.Unlike some of the other date books, this one lists many more tv stars and movie stars than others, however, if you are looking to see when the Battle of Britain was, you probably won't find it in this book.It also didn't have Isak Dinesen's birthday (4/17/1885) although it did list VE Day.Read more

Subjects:  1. Days    2. General    3. Holidays    4. Holidays (non religious)    5. Manners And Customs    6. Reference    7. Language & Literature    8. Reference / General   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Entertaining    4. Entertaining - Party Planning    5. Holidays (non-religious)    6. Planning    7. Social Science    8. Social Science / Holidays (non-religious)    9. Special events