Explore what sent hearts a flutter through the centuries in this compilation of erotic cultural and literary history.Dictionary of Erotic LiteratureRepresenting cultures around the world and spanning from ancient times to the twentieth century, this A-to-Z guide explores one of the most universal and enduring themes in literature. Entries range from Ovid's Ars amatoria, second-century Gnosticism, and ninth-century Arabian ...

This wide-ranging reference volume offers an in-depth survey of erotic themes through centuries of literary history.Representing cultures around the world and spanning from ancient times to the twentieth century, this A-to-Z guide explores one of the most universal and enduring themes in literature. Entries range from Ovid's Ars amatoria, second-century Gnosticism, and ninth-century Arabian poets, all the way up to the explicit novels published in Paris in...

The amatory motif is pervasive, timeless, and universal. In some of its phases and manifestations it has presented age-old provocations and, not infrequently, problems that are still unresolved. Among such problems are involved the faculty of physiological potency, the urge to attract amorously, and, conversely, the problem of preventing such attraction in a designated instance, or of diverting it to another objective. That, in brief, is the essence of the material means of effecting such ...

A comprehensive reference guide to all things occult, covering a broad range of magic tradition from Babylonian times to the present day.This authoritative reference text by linguist and occult expert Harry E. Wedeck offers a broad understanding of witchcraft, necromancy, paganism, the occult, and many of magic's other manifestations. With in-depth information on essential concepts, practices, and vocabulary, Dictionary of the Occult also covers many of th...

This delightfully mischievous A-to-Z guide features love potions, powerful herbs, and much more, drawn from global spiritual and esoteric traditions.From absinthe, almond soup, and Albertus Magnus to yarrow, yohimbine, and Emile Zola,this authoritative reference volume covers knowledge of aphrodisiacs spanning centuries, drawn from literature, spirituality, and ancient science. Entries include edible substances believed to enhance sexual performance, gemston...

This A-to-Z reference book comprises astrological techniques and concepts as well as the historical figures who have contributed to the study of astrology.Covering astrological traditions from across the globe, this authoritative guidebook offers an in-depth overview of the complex and fascinating world of astrology. Spiritualist and occult scholar Harry E. Wedeck provides a wealth of information on astrological terminology, ideas, theories, and principles, as well...

The spiritualist and author of Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs presents an in-depth study of love potions and charms through the centuries.Love and sexuality are perhaps some of the most essential, eternal, and universal concerns of humankind. Since before recorded history, societies have sought ways to improve their physiological potency, attract mates amorously, and—in some instances—prevent such attraction or divert it elsewhere. Over time, these means have ...

A comprehensive reference guide to religious cults of the ancient world, with essential information on religious systems, texts, temple sites, and more.Dictionary of Pagan Religions offers a wide-ranging survey of the many religious cults that have flourished around the world from the Stone Age to the present. From Egyptian to Celtic traditions, and Gnosticism to Cabala, coauthors Harry E. Wedeck and Wade Baskin have compiled in-depth information about the rites an...

An encyclopedic survey of esoteric traditions, supernatural phenomena, and spiritualist thinkers from ancient mythmakers to present-day gurus.The concept of the supernatural applies to a variety of occurrences that are beyond the grasp of typical human consciousness. Supernaturalism encompasses the animate and the inanimate; the physical and the metaphysical; Heaven, Hell and all that is between. This reference guide offers an in-depth survey of these phenomena, as...

This A-to-Z reference offers a survey of Renaissance personalities, innovations, and other terminologies with an in-depth introduction about the period.By the fourteenth century, Italian society bore little resemblance to that of the feudal age. Merchants and financiers were establishing a new social order with greater freedom than their counterparts north of the Alps. This meant that cultural transformations would first flourish in Italy and later be carried to th...

This comprehensive reference volume offers in-depth information on one of the world's most fascinating and misunderstood cultures.Throughout history, Gypsies all over the world have been maligned and rejected. Outcasts of the countries in which they live, these nomads have wandered for years over the face of the earth. They have no homeland, no political unity, no recognition among nations. In popular folklore, they are vagrants, thieves, tinkerers, and con artists...

The Fountain of Lifeby Solomon ibn Gabirol, tr. by Harry E. WedeckAn extract from the Jewish writer Solomon ibn Gabirol's philosophical treatise on the First Cause"Solomon ibn Gabirol, also known as Avicebron, was a Spanish-Jewish poet and philosopher of the eleventh century. This is a translation of a key extract from his major philosophical work, the Fons Vitae, or Fountain of Life. In this text, Gabirol uses a Socratic dialog as a framework to discuss his theory o...