Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism focuses on "medicine" or sacred ceremonies conducted through shamans in which the power of the Creator is made manifest for all to behold. Historically, Native American peoples believed that life was to be lived in a sacred manner. There were ceremonies for nearly every act of life that formed the very basis of Native American religious life and were a means of invoking good fortune. Entries include the names and results of medicine ceremonies, renowned shamans famous for their powers, techniques used by shamans to acquire and control the power of sacred ceremonies, technical terms used by anthropologists, biographies of anthropologists who research these ceremonies, cross-cultural symbolic motifs, plants and sacred paraphernalia associated with ceremonies, and recurring themes that structure these ceremonies. Scholars, students, and everyone interested in Native American cultures or shamanism will find this work fascinating and informative. Grade 9 Up-A compilation of anthropological research gathered during the past three centuries, this scholarly work tackles the attitudes toward and accomplishments of Native American shamans. Over time, western European prejudices and beliefs have been superimposed on this information. Attempts have been made in this volume to remove doubt or suspicion of shamans and their abilities, and to report the facts without prejudice. The book is "...written from the point of view of the natives themselves, that is, in the belief that shamans can do what they say they can do." The articles are arranged alphabetically, and most of the entry titles are in the Native languages. The extensive index includes both subject and tribal name entries, which should aid students requiring information about specific tribes. This volume focuses on the non-healing applications of shamanism and is meant as a companion to Lyon's Encyclopedia of Native American Healing (ABC-CLIO, 1996). Some terms are only defined in the earlier work, almost forcing a dual purchase. Plant usage, a popular research topic, is not addressed, although a lengthy segment on ethnobotany is included. The black-and-white illustrations do not always coincide with entries, making them more decorative than useful. Overall, an interesting, favorable treatment of magic in Native society for larger collections. Mary B. McCarthy, ACLIN/Colorado State Library Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. A companion to Lyon's previous Encyclopedia of Native American Healing (LJ 3/15/97), this volume continues his study of shamanism with ethnographic research into its various manifestations in North America. The scholarly entries, which range from short cross references to several pages, are alphabetically arranged and survey Native Americans in the United States and Canada. Included are entries on topics from war medicine to ethnologists and their fieldwork. Modern science is just beginning to catch up with the music, visualization, and prayer offerings that Native Americans have used for centuries and documented since the 1600s. This work provides a short synopsis and a bibliography of cited works as well as an ethnobotany bibliography. For public and academic libraries.ALeo Kriz, West Des Moines P.L., IA Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. “For public and academic libraries.” ― Library Journal “…an interesting, favorable treatment of magic in Native society for larger collections.” ― School Library Journal “…this volume provides the most in depth treatment. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries, especially where Encyclopedia of Native American Healing is already part of the collection.” ― Booklist “Essential for anthropology and Native American reference collections.” ― Choice William S. Lyon is professor of anthropology serving on the graduate faculty of the Center for Religious Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, where he specializes in Native American religion. He is the author of several books for ABC-CLIO. Used Book in Good Condition