Contemporary Paganism - 2nd Edition by Graham Harvey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An introduction to modern Paganism and its roots and history

The Pagan tradition celebrates the physical nature of life on earth, blending science with spiritual folklore. Considering the everyday world of food, health, sex, work, and leisure to be sacred, Pagans oppose that which threatens life such as deforestation, overdevelopment, and nuclear power and invoke ancient deities in this struggle for the well-being of the earth and its inhabitants.

Contemporary Paganism presents a broad-based introduction to the main trends of contemporary Paganism, revealing the origins and practical aspects of Druidry, Witchcraft, Goddess Spirituality and Magic, Shamanism, and Geomancy, among others. Making use of both traditional history and the movement's more imaginative sources, Harvey reveals how Paganism and its central focus on individual and social lives is evolving and how this "new religion" perceives and relates to more traditional ones.

This updated and expanded new edition addresses recent developments among Pagans and includes a new chapter assessing continuing scholarly research about the religion.

Review Quotes

"As much as is humanly possible to do so, Harvey has managed to fit Paganism between two covers. . . . This exquisitely detailed book takes an in-depth look at many branches of modern Paganism, related customs and issues, beliefs, and history. It rivals classics like Drawing Down the Moon for coverage and clarity."-- "Hypatia's Hoard"

"Contemporary Paganismby Graham Harvey will give you a broad-based and balanced introduction to the subject."-- "Truth Magazine"

"Graham Harvey has written the best book yet published upon an important complex of contemporary religions, of which most people know only through hearsay and sensational journalism. His account is exciting, revealing, objective and just; the whole kaleidoscope of Paganism is here in all its vivid colours: witches, Druids, Odinists, eco-mystics and many others."--Ronald Hutton, University of Bristol