As a lifelong writer and researcher, I keep a lot of odd reference books on hand, and one of my favorite reference books is Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult by Nevill Drury (linked to its Amazon). As you can see from the photo, my copy is rather worn.
Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult is an essential reference book for anyone interested in exploring the mysterious and otherworldly. This book provides an in-depth look at the various topics related to mysticism and the occult, from ancient spiritual beliefs to modern occult practices.
I often use it to either have a quick look-up of something or I use it as inspiration for an article. For example, if I am looking for a general topic to write about, I will flip open the book and see what intrigues me. The rest of my research will be conducted in my library or online.
Drury’s book is an incredibly comprehensive source of information, covering a wide range of topics from astrology to tarot, from shamanism to alchemy. The book is organized alphabetically, making it easy to find the information you need.
He provides a balanced view of the various topics, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of each. He also includes quotes and anecdotes from various sources, which help to illustrate the points he is making.
Overall, Dictionary of Mysticism and the Occult by Nevill Drury is an excellent reference book for anyone interested in exploring the mysterious and otherworldly. Highly recommended, but it is out of print.
You can find used copies for sale on Amazon and, sometimes, on ThriftBooks.
