var data = {"title":"Gary R. Varner's Bookshop for Folklore & Mythology","url":"http:\/\/stores.lulu.com\/gary_varner","items":[{"title":"Ancient Footprints","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/ancient-footprints\/7983289","description":"When we think of the \u201cFirst Americans\u201d we generally tend to think of the American Indian. After all, there is no doubt that the Indian has lived in North America for thousands of years, descended from those original explorers who trekked across the Bering land bridge. At least this is what we are taught in school. But is this entirely correct? Were there others that came perhaps before and during the original population of North and South America by those that would later be called \u201cNative Americans\u201d? Were there others that embarked on expeditions to the mysterious lands to the west (or east) that brought not only trade goods but knowledge and ideas of other religions, cultures and oral traditions?","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_67\/7983000\/7983289\/5\/preview\/promo_7983289.jpg","date":"Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:04:06"},{"title":"Charles G. Leland - The Man & the Myth","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/charles-g-leland---the-man-the-myth\/8236198","description":"Charles Godfrey Leland was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 15, 1824. Immediately after his birth his nurse took the baby to the attic and performed a ritual, laying a Bible, a key, and knife on his breast, lighted candles, money and salt at his head. The nurse performed her ritual to ensure the child had a long life as a \"scholar and a wizard.\" Her ritual was more successful than anyone would have guessed. If nothing, Charles Leland was a product of his time. An adventurer, warrior, journalist and one who took delight in the arts. He lived to pursue the occult and, at times, he embellished his work to suit his concepts of what the world should be in his mind. This is the story of a man who fought in the 1848 French Revolution, the American Civil War, who was the creator of the Industrial Arts programs in America's schools, a humorist and the author of Aradia: Gospel of the Witches. \r\n\r\nThis second edition includes additional new materials.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_67\/8236000\/8236198\/2\/preview\/promo_8236198.jpg","date":"Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:30:27"},{"title":"The Owens Valley Paiute - A Cultural History","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-owens-valley-paiute---a-cultural-history\/3083958","description":"Living as long as five thousand years in the arid Great Basin, the Owens Valley Paiute and other Native groups survived to create a rich oral and ceremonial tradition, subsisting on what the earth provided. A peaceable and social culture they were overwhelmed by the ever advancing flow of American settlers, explorers and profit seekers. This is the story of the Paiute Nation, their social structure, mythology, religion, art, folklore and enduring spirit. It is also the story of their great leaders Sarah Winnemucca and Wovoka and the creation of the Ghost Dance religion which ultimately resulted in the massacre of the powerful Sioux at Wounded Knee.\r\n\r\nIllustrated with 28 pages of photographs.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_66\/3083000\/3083958\/4\/preview\/promo_3083958.jpg","date":"Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:49:18"},{"title":"Maria Lionza: An Indigenous Goddess of Venezuela","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/maria-lionza-an-indigenous-goddess-of-venezuela\/1329353","description":"Mar\u00eda Lionza is at once a native girl, born in the 16th century to an Indian chief in the Venezuelan region of Yaracuy, and a goddess of nature, peace and harmony to over eight million Venezuelans in the 21st century. Her name means \u201cMary of the boar,\u201d taken from her full name \u201cSanta Mar\u00eda de la Onza Talavera del Prato de Nivar\u201d\u2014a title given by the Catholic Church in the attempt to Christianize her cult.\r\n\r\nThis book is Mar\u00eda\u2019s story, as much as can be told. Other than a few scholarly articles, the existence of Mar\u00eda Lionza and her following is unknown in Western literature. Gabriel Ernesto Andrade of La Universidad del Zulia in Maracaibo, Venezuela wrote \u201cIf I would have to find one word to describe the Mar\u00eda Lionza religion, it would be \u2018mysterious\u2019.\u201d And so Mar\u00eda, as well as her origins and how she became regarded as the goddess of the people of Venezuela, remains a mystery in many ways. And that is as it should be.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_65\/1329000\/1329353\/6\/preview\/promo_1329353.jpg","date":"Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:14:29"},{"title":"Rock Art of California 2010","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/legacy-lulustudio-calendar\/rock-art-of-california-2010\/7234939","description":"A 2010 full color, 18 month calendar of prehistoric rock art of California, including the Owens Valley Paiute, the Luiseno and Diegueno of Southern California and the Northern California Maidu and Miwok.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_65\/7234000\/7234939\/1\/preview\/promo_7234939.jpg","date":"Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:18:42"},{"title":"The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-history-use-of-amulets-charms-and-talismans\/1897766","description":"Amulets and charms have been used since mankind evolved from its distant origins millions of years ago. They have been used to protect and to harm, and in both the practice and avoidance of witchcraft and sorcery. They are made of wood and stone, clay, metal, plants and dead animals. They are carved into crude shapes and in the most exquisite forms. They may also be composed entirely of words, which are believed to have great power and magical properties.\r\n\r\nUsed by pagans, Christians, Jews and followers of every faith and tradition known across the world, they are considered direct links to the gods and local spirits. All are links to the supernatural.\r\n\r\nRegardless if they are called amulets, charms or talismans, these objects are credited with providing cures, causing evil, and bringing health and prosperity. This book, using ethnographic studies, ancient records and folklore, will explore the history and use of amulets and will show that they continue to be an important part of our modern culture.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_64\/1897000\/1897766\/9\/preview\/promo_1897766.jpg","date":"Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:57:01"},{"title":"The History & Use of Amulets, Charms and Talismans","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/hardcover-book\/the-history-use-of-amulets-charms-and-talismans\/4061590","description":"Amulets and charms have been used since mankind evolved from its distant origins millions of years ago. They have been used to protect and to harm, and in both the practice and avoidance of witchcraft and sorcery. They are made of wood and stone, clay, metal, plants and dead animals. They are carved into crude shapes and in the most exquisite forms. They may also be composed entirely of words, which are believed to have great power and magical properties.\r\n\r\nUsed by pagans, Christians, Jews and followers of every faith and tradition known across the world, they are considered direct links to the gods and local spirits. All are links to the supernatural.\r\n\r\nRegardless if they are called amulets, charms or talismans, these objects are credited with providing cures, causing evil, and bringing health and prosperity. This book, using ethnographic studies, ancient records and folklore, will explore the history and use of amulets and will show that they continue to be an important part of our modern culture.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_64\/4061000\/4061590\/4\/preview\/promo_4061590.jpg","date":"Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:54:00"},{"title":"Strangely Wrought Creatures of Life & Death: Ancient Symbolism in European and American Architecture","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/strangely-wrought-creatures-of-life-death-ancient-symbolism-in-european-and-american-architecture\/496911","description":"In his seventh book on folklore and symbolism, Gary R. Varner provides a look at strange and grotesque images we see everyday on our churches, banks and in our cemeteries. Images with origins far older than the structures they adorn.\r\n\r\nWhat are the meanings behind these grotesque creatures, why are carvings of griffins and dragons, unicorns and Green Men found throughout the world on churches and cathedrals, government buildings and even apartment buildings?\r\n\r\nIllustrated with over 50 original photographs, Varner explores the meanings of the carvings found on both old and contemporary buildings, from France and Great Britain to New York and California. In addition, Varner explores strange images that are commonly seen in our cemeteries, engraved on grave-markers and tombs.\r\n\r\nThis is a book for anyone interested in symbolism and folklore, architectural history and the development of religion. \r\n\r\nGary R. Varner is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_35\/496000\/496911\/9\/preview\/promo_496911.jpg","date":"Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:01:54"},{"title":"Gargoyles, Grotesques & Green Men: Ancient Symbolism in European & American Architecture","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/gargoyles-grotesques-green-men-ancient-symbolism-in-european-american-architecture\/787332","description":"The symbols and strange images that we find in our cemeteries, religious structures, banks and in our parks are the same symbols that have been part of the framework of the human psyche for thousands of years. While contemporary man may think that they are simply decorative manifestations of a by-gone era, they represent the fears, dreams, ideas, beliefs and struggles that humankind has endured since we began to walk upright. This book surveys many of these icons and will give a meaning for them both in the context of ancient history and folklore as well as a meaning that is suitable for our contemporary times. Illustrated with dozens of photographs, this book will be of interest to anyone interested in historic preservation, ancient symbolism, the Green Man and the universal application of imagery. \r\n\r\nGary R. Varner has written numerous books on ancient traditions, folklore, the environment and contemporary issues. He is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_63\/787000\/787332\/10\/preview\/promo_787332.jpg","date":"Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:50:26"},{"title":"Hecate - The Witches' Goddess","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/hecate---the-witches-goddess\/1716369","description":"For the most part Hecate is seen today as the Goddess of Witches and Sorcery\u2014but this wasn\u2019t always so. Hecate was at one time both protectress of women and children and Goddess of Death. She was, in her trinity aspect, goddess of fertility and prosperity, Goddess of the Moon, and Queen of Ghosts, shades and the night. It is interesting that she was seen both as the goddess of fertility and life as well as death.\r\n\u201cHekate can poison as well as intoxicate,\u201d wrote Nor Hall, \u201cturn ecstasy into madness, and cause death where incubation\u2014or a short journey\u2014was intended.\u201d \r\n\r\nThis book will examine her many facets and bring about a truer sense of the primal goddess known as \u201cThe Distant One\u201d and \u201cThe Nameless One.\u201d One of her titles places these in a softer light, for she was also called \u201cmost lovely one.\u201d","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_62\/1716000\/1716369\/2\/preview\/promo_1716369.jpg","date":"Sat, 29 Dec 2007 20:44:26"},{"title":"The Gods of Man: Gods of Nature - God of War","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-gods-of-man-gods-of-nature---god-of-war\/1183830","description":"Today the majority of humankind worships a single God. Although this God is said to be all loving and wanting peace for his worshippers there is very little peace among the three religions based on common theology. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all foster hatred for one another, causing millions of deaths and untold suffering for hundreds of years.\r\n\r\nThis book explores the mythic, historical, and archaeological record to illustrate the history of these conflicts. The Gods of Man also looks at how monotheism eventually dominated and destroyed the ancient and peaceful goddess traditions that had existed for thousands of years before. \r\n\r\nIs the God of today simply used to enforce government edicts, justify war and to control society?\r\n\r\nGary R. Varner has written several articles and books on ancient religions, folklore and mythology. He is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_62\/1183000\/1183830\/6\/preview\/promo_1183830.jpg","date":"Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:15:13"},{"title":"Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/mysteries-of-native-american-myth-and-religion\/761383","description":"Folklorist Gary R. Varner takes a lengthy look at various myths, legends and beliefs of Native Americans in this book. Included are stories and archaeological finds from various lands that suggest cultural contacts between explorers from China, Japan, the Mediterranean and Europe with Native Americans in pre-Columbian times. \r\n\r\nNative American folklore and myths are examined including the universal legends of the flood and stories of the mysterious god-men such as Quetzalcoatl, Votan and Chinigchinix, who brought the arts, technology and civilization to indigenous cultures. Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion is a fact-filled, yet fascinating story of the original inhabitants of North and South America.\r\n\r\nVarner has written several books on folklore and mythology and is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_50\/761000\/761383\/11\/preview\/promo_761383.jpg","date":"Wed, 22 Aug 2007 20:21:07"},{"title":"The Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-sword-and-dagger-in-myth-legend\/631339","description":"A small book packed with the history and lore of the sword. Profusely illustrated, The Sword and Dagger in Myth & Legend explores the origins of the sword, its history from the bronze and iron ages to the modern day. It also explores such legendary and mystical weapons of Excalibur and the Durendal, swords which belonged to King Arthur and the hero Roland, El Cid\u2019s sword Tizona, Kusanagi from Japan and Mohammad\u2019s sword Zulfiqar. It also examines a real sword in the stone still existing in Tuscany, that of St. Galgano. \r\n\r\nThis is a book for everyone interested in folklore, the history of weapons and the common themes of legend. \r\n\r\nGary R. Varner is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_41\/631000\/631339\/12\/preview\/promo_631339.jpg","date":"Sun, 19 Aug 2007 14:39:21"},{"title":"Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/hardcover-book\/mysteries-of-native-american-myth-and-religion\/1034890","description":"Folklorist Gary R. Varner takes a lengthy look at various myths, legends and beliefs of Native Americans in this book. Included are stories and archaeological finds from various lands that suggest cultural contacts between explorers from China, Japan, the Mediterranean and Europe with Native Americans in pre-Columbian times. \r\n\r\nNative American folklore and myths are examined including the universal legends of the flood and stories of the mysterious god-men such as Quetzalcoatl, Votan and Chinigchinix, who brought the arts, technology and civilization to indigenous cultures. Mysteries of Native American Myth and Religion is a fact-filled, yet fascinating story of the original inhabitants of North and South America.\r\n\r\nVarner has written several books on folklore and mythology and is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_62\/1034000\/1034890\/1\/preview\/promo_1034890.jpg","date":"Sat, 21 Jul 2007 17:52:36"},{"title":"The Roots of Witchcraft","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/hardcover-book\/the-roots-of-witchcraft\/676355","description":"The Roots of Witchcraft provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. Folklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells,curses and wands among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same \"magic\" combinations. Also examined is the universal fear of the \"Evil Eye\" and the current \"witch craze\" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches. The underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-witchcraft laws are explored. The Roots of Witchcraft is a book for everyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, ancient history, religion and the occult. Illustrated with contemporary woodcuts and drawings. The author is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies. This is a revised, dust jacketed hardcover edition of The Dark Wind.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_53\/676000\/676355\/13\/preview\/promo_676355.jpg","date":"Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:20:22"},{"title":"The Roots of Witchcraft","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-roots-of-witchcraft\/706363","description":"The Roots of Witchcraft provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. Folklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells,curses and wands among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same \"magic\" combinations. Also examined is the universal fear of the \"Evil Eye\" and the current \"witch craze\" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches. The underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-witchcraft laws are explored. The Roots of Witchcraft is a book for everyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, ancient history, religion and the occult. Illustrated with contemporary woodcuts and drawings. The author is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies. This is a revised edition of The Dark Wind.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_53\/706000\/706363\/2\/preview\/promo_706363.jpg","date":"Sun, 15 Apr 2007 12:11:34"},{"title":"The Dark Wind: Witches and the Concept of Evil","url":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/content\/paperback-book\/the-dark-wind-witches-and-the-concept-of-evil\/557944","description":"The Dark Wind provides a survey of witches around the world, their prehistoric origin and how society has viewed them throughout history. \r\n\r\nFolklorist Gary R. Varner explores the use of magic, spells and curses among indigenous groups as well as state approved religions such as those observed in ancient Rome and Greece, and how even contemporary Christianity uses many of the same \"magic\" combinations. Also examined is the current \"witch craze\" in several countries where thousands are being killed as witches,the underlying reasons for this tragedy and the history of anti-witchcraft laws.\r\n\r\nThe Dark Wind is a book for everyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, ancient history, religion and the occult. Illustrated with contemporary woodcuts and drawings. \r\n\r\nThe author is a member of the American Folklore Society and the Foundation for Mythological Studies.","thumb":"http:\/\/www.lulu.com\/items\/volume_44\/557000\/557944\/8\/preview\/promo_557944.jpg","date":"Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:27:02"}]}; document.write('
') document.write('

' + data.title + '

'); document.write(''); document.write('
');