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The Historical Dictionary of Hume's Philosophy is the only Hume dictionary in existence. The book provides a substantial account of David Hume's life and the times in which he lived, and it provides an overview of his philosophical doctrines. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over a hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries covering key terms, as well as brief discussions of Hume's major works and of some of his most important predecessors, contemporaries, and successors. ... Read more

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The Historical Dictionary of Bertrand Russell's Philosophy is the only dictionary to date of Bertrand Russell's ideas. It is a guide to the many elements of Russell's philosophy. A glimpse at Russell's work shows instantly why such a text is needed. Taking his books alone, Russell is author of almost 100. Many are classics, several require technical expertise, and together they address dozens of separate disciplines and domains. ... Read more

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This reference provides a complete overview of ethics through a detailed chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 200 cross-referenced dictionary entries, including bioethics, business ethics, Aristotle, Hobbes, autonomy, confidentiality, Confucius, and psychology. ... Read more

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Although 60 years have now passed since the establishment of Israel, many of the political and religious factions that made up the Zionist movement in the pre-state era remain active. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Zionism_through its chronology, maps, introductory essay, bibliography, and over two hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on crucial persons, organizations, and events_is a valuable contribution to the appreciation for both the diversity and consensus that characterize the Zionist experience. ... Read more

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The "Historical Dictionary of Judaism" doesn't just present "religious" beliefs in a traditional sense, but investigates the complex intermingling of religion, devotion, lifestyle and culture, as it is found in diverse Jewish populations around the world and as it has evolved over the course of recent human history. Judaism, like many other cultural institutions, has rarely remained static--instead, continually investigating and questioning itself, metamorphosing in relation to the world. There are numerous useful, unique features that make this "Dictionary" user-friendly. Hebrew words are often included to further texture the entries, though each is fully explained in English. Historical charts focus on special issues such as Jewish theology, philosophy, and religious law. The bibliography includes an eclectic collection of reference, bibliographical, and primary source works, as well as many recent works accessible to the general reader. Additional, dedicated bibliographies are included for topics of particular interest such as Jewish Religious Texts, Women in Judaism, Christian-Jewish Relations, and Judaism and the Environment. ... Read more

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The Historical Dictionary of the Shakers relates the history of this fascinating group through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over two hundred cross-referenced dictionary entries on Shaker communities, industries, individual families, and important people. Every definition, biography, and point of history was submitted to the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake for their review before it was included for publication. As such, the voice of the contemporary Shakers is found in the dictionary, and they have given it their unequivocal endorsement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Useful and Insightful
I have used this book in my Shaker seminars, recommended it to students, and found that they use it well. It has concise, yet informative and helpful insights. It brings basic Shaker history up-to-date while carrying forward important historical data.I particularly appreciate the list of those who served in the Gospel Ministry and the latest Rules for living the Shaker life--a very nice touch.

Dr. Magda Gabor-Hotchkiss Endorses This Book
Stephen J. Paterwic's long awaited and lucid, interesting, insightful, useful and at times arresting Historical Dictionary of the Shakers makes for a wonderful reading! I've spent quite a bit of time with it, and found it moving, illuminating, and thought-provoking.
The organization of the volume is straight forward and effective. The Preface is not only to the point, but deeply moving, explaining the history of the author's involvement with the Shakers. Placing the Chronology of the Shakerism in the front and not at the end of the volume was an excellent decision. The selection of events, the dates of establishment and closings of the Shaker communities, the inclusion of Shaker publications, and the running tally of membership numbers as years were marching on, are very helpful in anchoring and grounding the Shaker story.
The introductory part of the Introduction is both, powerful in its economy and full of insights; the same is true of the History part. The explanation of the evolution of the organizational structure and names of the families was particularly helpful.
The "Dictionary's" many biographies are interesting and crammed with information. Some are absolutely fascinating, like that of Daniel Offord, Richard McNemar, or Ernest Pick, for example! Most illuminating are the entries regarding the often confused notions about the Center Family, Center of Union, and Central Ministry, and/or those about the evolution of various other Families. No matter what subjects were tackled, be they relating to specific Shaker Families, or general concepts, like Christlife, or Jesus of Nazareth, Order, etc., the entries are compellingly "authoritative," so packed they are with important facts, deep knowledge, and insights. This is true of the equally interesting entries on various industries.
The added informative Appendices are useful and interesting, further broadening the scope of this valuable volume. The Bibliography is truly most impressive, because of its unconventional organization, containing a special table of contents and an introduction, followed by a long and informative listing of pertinent contributions.
In summary, I sincerely believe that this volume of substance, clarity, and authority will provide an important service to the reader, be s/he an uninitiated novice, a Shaker aficionado, a general historian, or a Shaker- specialized scholar, for at least a generation to come.

Dr. Magda Gabor-Hotchkiss, editor of the 2nd and Annotated Edition of
The Shaker Image, 1994

Brilliant Contribution to Shaker Scholarship!
Long-time Shaker scholar Steve Paterwic has compiled an invaluable volume, packed with valuable information, based on decades of painstaking and exacting research in Shaker primary source manuscripts.The latest title in a long-running series of "Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements," edited by Jon Woronoff, this volume significantly expands upon, corrects, and updates an earlier contribution to the same series.

A substantial introductory essay provides the most careful and balanced summary overview of Shaker history, expansion, organization, and practice to be found in a recent publication.Appendices include a range of information, from a historical chronology of the Gospel Ministry to a current Covenant, contemporary iteration of the longstanding Millennial Laws (reflecting modern deletions so as to allow the reader to better understand the historical progression of this vital document), and summary accounts of contemporary Shaker daily life and worship.Paterwic's Bibliography alone is worth the price of the book.Instead of a single listing, Paterwic creates helpful bibliographic categories and includes an essay that skillfully contextualizes the various subfields of Shaker literature, providing an excellent overview of both the rich diversity of Shaker studies and of the directions in which Shaker studies has yet to evolve fully.

But the centerpiece of this book is the "Dictionary" itself.Paterwic has compiled over 250 pages of alphabetized entries, and these cover a truly impressive range of people, places, concepts, and events reflecting well over two centuries of the Shaker experience.The majority consists of compact yet substantial essays, and the thorough cross-referencing allows the reader to flow seamlessly through the volume, developing a more thorough understanding of virtually any aspect of Shakerism.

Overall, no reader can possibly go wrong with this fine volume.The Shaker "buff" will be greatly enlightened and stimulated for even a higher appreciation of things Shaker.The serious Shaker scholar will find a ready reference aid for tracking down facts and concepts that would otherwise be obscured in the vast and widely dispersed primary sources.And all readers will be touched by Paterwic's tender introduction, in which he reminds readers of the continued relevance of the Shaker message and the capacity of any person to be touched spiritually by this remarkable American tradition.

Indispensable Resource
At last here is a book which is an excellent reference and research tool for anyone wishing to have factual information about the United Society of Shakers (The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing). Stephen J. Paterwic has been a presenter and speaker atShaker seminars and forums for many years, beginning his research in the mid 1970's. He is highly respected as a Shaker Scholar, with a reputation for exacting and honest work. This dictionary represents his research into the Shaker Society from both an historical and contemporary perspective. Itis not written for anyone with only a casualinterest in the Shakers, although they would find it filled with useful information, but for the scholar and student seekingcorrect facts and information on all the Shaker Societies and their members.It truly is a dictionary of information, where one may find the answers to many questions. I enthusiastically recommend this book to students of Shakerism in all its forms.

Elaine L. Disch
Past President, The Friends of the Shakers

Finally, the facts are made clear and true
The Historical Dictionary of the Shakers is an extremely valuable reference for several reasons: It states the truth about a variety of subjects germaine to The United Society (called Shakers), it states them clearly and succinctly, and it presents them in an easy-to-find format.
Author Stephen Paterwic does not shy away from controversy--but deals with it in a direct, dispassionate, and honest manner.
Not everyone will like this book--certainly not those who would like to perpetuate such myths/lies as "the Shaker covenant was/is closed" and the like. I believe that time will prove that untruths and half truths must ultimately be subjected to the clear light of day. This is the true value of The Historical Dictionary of the Shakers and I celebrate its appearance; among those of us who strive, each in his own way, to bring forth the truth about the Shakers--past and present--this is great news.
M. Stephen Miller, author of "From Shaker Lands and Shaker Hands." ... Read more

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"This Second Edition is an essential resource for librarians, scholars, and students. This succinct handbook includes more than 1,000 entries covering the persons, organizations, campaigns and court cases, goals and achievements, and current and future directions of the feminist movement, 75 percent of which are new and revised from the first edition. An expanded chronology and a thoroughly revised and updated bibliography round out this comprehensive reference." ... Read more

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With a history spanning more than two and a half millenia and over 300 million adherents worldwide, Buddhism is one of humankind's most interesting and populous religions . This book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding Buddhism as a historically compelling religion. Because the study of Buddhism is a difficult task, including so many varied cultures, this volume seeks to assist the reader by providing a carefully designed pronunciation guide to Buddhist canonical languages, an overview of the Buddhist scriptures preserved in Pali, Chinese, and Tibetan, a chronology of Buddhist history, a map of the Buddhist world, an extensive introduction to the history, doctrine, and community life of the religion, and an extremely comprehensive bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent Cozy Hardbound Buddhism Reference
From Abhayagiri to Zendo, a great way to find dictionary-style definitions and explanations of Buddhist terms quickly and easily. Charles S. Prebish is a good compiler and author. Very complete bibliography. Suitable quick reference tool for academics. The hardcover edition is a sturdy way to enjoy this handy reference.

There are other far more inclusive dictionaries out there, but for a handy nice hardcover volume to keep by the reading chair this is worth the money for Buddhism students and practitioners, especially for a beginning reader of the sutras and issues of Buddhism. You will find that more than one dictionary is typically needed anyway. For a more inclusive buddhist dictionary, you might also consider Christmas Humpries Popular Dictionary of Buddhism or the Oxford Dictionary of Buddhism (roughly titled). ... Read more

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This is a dictionary of Descartes and Cartesian philosophy, primarily covering philosophy in the 17th century, with a chronology and biography of Descartes's life and times and a bibliography of primary and secondary works related to Descartes and to Cartesians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Superficial and outrageously expensive
This book is extremely expensive and is surprisingly thin given its price. I wouldnt buy this even if it cost a fraction of its actual price. It is not worth having.

from Scarecrow Press
Anglicanism arguably originated in 1534 when Parliament passed the Act of Supremacy, which transferred papal power over the Church of England to the king. Today, approximately 550 dioceses are located around the world, not only in England, but also everywhere that the British Empire's area of influence extended. With an estimated total membership of about 75 million, Anglicanism is one of the largest and most varied Christian denominations. With such a long history and widespread flock, it is not easy to keep track of the variations of a religious community that has not ceased adapting since its inception. Hundreds of entries on significant persons and events, concepts and institutions, rituals and liturgy, and national communities, make this an invaluable reference for religious historians, theologians, and researchers. Also included are an introduction, a chronology that traces the church's evolution over time, and a bibliography. ... Read more

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This reference work provides a needed ready reference to the essential information on and analytical discussion of basic ideas, notions, concepts, doctrines, ideologies, leaders, intellectuals, thinkers, ideologues, groups, and movements of Islamic fundamentalism or Islamism in the Arab world, Iran and Turkey. In one volume, Moussalli provides information about not only the origins and actions of Islamic fundamentalists, but the ideas and principles on which they are based. An invaluable source for both the broad pictures of Islamic fundamentalism and the specific details. ... Read more

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Slavery's origins lie far back in the mists of prehistoric times and have spanned the globe, two facts that most history texts fail to address. This comprehensive volume provides a historical overview of slavery through the ages, from prehistoric times to the modern day, while detailing the different forms, the various sources, and the circumstances existing in different countries and regions. As a broad reference source, it provides a complete look at slavery by discussing the causes and cures, as well as the plight of those who fought for and against it. ... Read more

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Both traditions recognize and draw theological and historical lessons from some of the same narrative sources, but this is the first comparative resource to provide interdisciplinary coverage of the history and textual sources associated with prophets and prophecy. This thorough treatment of a difficult and increasingly controversial subject area will encourage and cultivate knowledge and understanding. ... Read more

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This book covers all major world religions and beliefs. Exceptionally broad scope giving insight into beliefs and practices of all major religions and ideologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

true the spirit
I bought this book several years ago and it to the most useful for learning and refreshing one memory when i think of certain fact etc. I have torn 4 books by excessive use and I have 3 other books lost due toforgetfulness.This includes the book which was gifted to me. I have so many books-literally 100's and I find this book to be the best of the lot.I had lost and I had to make a great deal of effort to get it. I hope to get it.If not I am going to somehow find the address of Ms rosemary Goring and ask her to help me ... Read more

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This dictionary is a glossary of terms and a reference work whose entries cover the complex phenomenon of contemporary Paganism. A valuable addition to the available academic literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Useful concept, but limited.
I bought this item as a reference to be used in writing my MA thesis. Although it was frequently useful for terms such as "athame" as a glossary with more academic "clout" than those in the back of popular books on paganism, I found myself glad of my own background in Witchcraft as something to check the definitions against. I can't speak regarding terms specific to other forms of paganism such as Asatru, but I found the definitions concerning Witchcraft to be limited and often biased towards traditional Wicca and systems that emulate it. In many cases the interpretations of words provided in popular books on Witchcraft, such as Cunningham's Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner differed from those in this book, and this was never mentioned or addressed. This is a significant omission, as many many people who consider themselves as pracitioners of Witchcraft or "Wicca", and other Pagans, gain their understanding and use of these terms from popular books and the common understandings that have been influenced by these.

Examples of this bias towards Wicca include "first/second/third degree", "casting a circle", "invocation" and so on. "First Degree" is introduced as "The first of three levels of initiation in Wicca...", despite the many other pagan traditions that hold degree systems. With "invocation", Pearson gives a definition of and description of "drawing down the moon" similar to what may be found in descriptions of Wicca (eg A Witches' Bible by the Farrars) where an invoker kneels before a priest/ess and "uses the words of invocation" to bring Deity into the empty vessel that is the priest/ess. However, the term is used in a much broader sense within popular Witchcraft, and may refer to a myraid of techniques used to align oneself with a deity (where one may not necessarily have another person ready to help), or even simply to the calling of energies into a magical circle. If this book were sold as "A popular dictionary of Wicca", then it would have been acceptable to leave it as this. As a popular dictionary of Paganism, the existence of other interpretations should have been acknowledged, or at the very least this specific description presented as a method of invocation and not simply as "what invocation is".

I would therefore not recommend this book to anyone who is not already familiar with Paganism, and would certainly suggest that the inquirer look to other sources as well as this book, whether they are defining terms for academic writing or simply wanting to reach a personal understanding. Because of its limited nature, I certainly do not believe this book is worth the hardcover price!

Because of Pearson's academic background, I had also hoped for more disucssion of contested terms, such as "Wicca" - who uses this to refer only to traditional Wicca, where the use of it to describe general Witchcraft stems from, etc. This degree of discussion was not found in this book, although to be fair no claim was made that it would, and it is not found in general dictionaries either. I write this to prevent others from making this mistake, and not to point out a flaw in the book. ... Read more

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The ideas and writing of the controversial German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche have provided ground for contentious debate over numerous aspects of philosophy and cultural theory that remain relevant even a century after Nietzsche's own death. However, a more sympathetic and nuanced consideration of Nietzsche's writings is gaining in popularity, making an introduction to the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche more needed and valuable now than ever before. The "Historical Dictionary of Nietzscheanism" provides this introduction not only by including important dictionary-style entries about his major ideas, lucidly and quickly explaining their important aspects, but also the details of his life, career, and his social and cultural relations. This context assists in understanding the origin, and eventual evolution, of his philosophical ideas. The reader will find discussions of earlier thinkers who influenced Nietzsche, contemporaries who agreed and disagreed with him, and those who perpetuated or distorted his thoughts after his death at the turn of the century. The work also includes a general introduction, a brief glossary of helpful terms, and a curriculum vitae and bibliography for Nietzsche, designed to help readers expand the horizon of their knowledge on this influential thinker. ... Read more