BOOK REVIEW - Llewellyn's 2008 Magical Almanac

Llewellyn's 2008 Magical Almanac © 2007 Llewellyn Worldwide ISBN
0-7387-0553-5 394 pages Paperback $8.99 (U.S.) $9.95 (Canada)

Llewellyn has once again produced their Magical Almanac, and once again the
wide diversity of the articles is the main draw. As is traditional with
this annual, the articles are broken into four broad categories (on for each
of the traditional elements). Each of these categories is introduced by a
short article explaining the season and its relationships.

These introductions are then followed by an average of 14 articles by a
number of different authors (there are 39 authors represented in this
edition). With that many viewpoints and areas of interest there is sure to
be something here of interest for everyone. Some views are very much
orthodox and mainstream and some caused me to raise an eyebrow and mentally
ask "Huh? Where did that come from?"

I certainly don't agree with everything in this book, but then I never do.
Some things contradict my personal experience; some are far too "white light
and love" for my taste, and occassionally some are simply flat out wrong
(from my understanding); having said that, I still have no hesitation in
recommending this almanac. Regardless how I feel about a particular author'
s take on a subject, I admire the determination it takes to put their
thoughts before the public. It is easy to feel that you know what is true;
it is another matter entirely to put it together coherently and ask others
for their judgment on it.

I look forward to the arrival of this book every year for two reasons. The
first reason is that I know there will be information in here that I need to
know (even if I don't know I need it yet). And the second reason is that
know there will be things that will inspire me to do further reading and
expand my own knowledge.

There is no need to read this almanac straight through, or even in the order
it is presented. Feel free to dip into any section at any time and read an
article or two. With 57 articles (not counting the seasonal introductions)
you are sure to find days, weeks, or even months of interesting reading
between the covers of this book.

The price is certainly bearable (little more than a couple of gallons of
gasoline, or a pack of cigarettes). The reliability is a plus - you know it
is going to be there year after year. The book holds up well (I have
several years worth sitting on my shelves). I really feel that it is a good
value.