Guiley has written many books within the context of folklore, myths, and religion and is considered one of the leading authorities on the paranormal. Her web site (www.visionaryliving.com) provides a wide variety of information on the topics explored in her books. The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft and Wicca (2008) and The Encyclopedia of Angels (2004), both published by Facts On File, represent some of her more traditional writing. Moving into the paranormal, this encyclopedia delineates beliefs about demons and demonology. The text emerges from an exploration of the darker aspects of folklore, myths, culture, and religion, covering major issues, people, and events in a historical and phenomenological perspective. Its over 400 A-to-Z entries cover topics such as demons in different cultures and religious traditions, possession, exorcism, and demon types. With cross-references, brief bibliographies at the end of a major treatment of a topic, a general bibliography, a general index, and 80 black-and-white images, the work strives to be seen as scholarly, and much research has been done to bring it to life. Still, the inclusion of specific indexes-a name index, a chronological index of events, and an index listing demons alphabetically-as well as a glossary would have boosted its reference value. BOTTOM LINE Clear, concise, and balanced, this will attract a range of nonscholarly audiences, especially those interested in the occult, paranormal, folklore, myths, and religion. A solid addition to public libraries.-Marianne E. Giltrud, Catholic Univ. of America Libs., Washington, DC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

With more than 400 entries and 80 black-and-white photos, this resource explores what many believe are the sources of evil demons or devils. Demons, as defined here, are lower agents of evil, having many guises and operating under many names with many purposes. The book does a fine job of walking the reader through all the mythology; if readers are looking for a strictly Christian interpretation of demonology, it's not here. Key topics include the types of demons and history of demonology, possession and historical cases, today's demonologists and exorcists, forms and means of confronting demons, and demons in popular culture, different cultures, and many religious traditions. Entries are organized A-Z, and most conclude with a short title list of further reading. Additionally, a concise, unannotated bibliography is included at the end of the work. Guiley is a leading authority and author on numerous paranormal topics and has appeared on TV and radio shows. She feels everyone needs to be informed about demons, and with this title, she wants to open further avenues of inquiry on the subject of the dark side. The work is a thorough reference on an arcane subject and is valuable for its many historical accounts of demons or devils and their arts. Guiley is sometimes criticized for her lack of skepticism, but she has produced a helpful resource for readers who need an overview. It will be used in public and academic libraries by patrons who are interested in demonology.--Awe, Susan Copyright 2010 Booklist