Rating: 
Summary: The Most Comprehensive Survey of American Paganism
Review: What research Ms. Adler has done! She has taken off where Dr. Murray's work ended. Ms. Adler's book, however, goes even further in that her research encompasses what's happening right here in America. She covers all the traditions from the more "traditional" groups all the way through the "new agers" - from the Gardnerians to the Seax-Wicca, she has represented them all! Specifically, there are lengthy, in-depth chapters on the gay movement in wicca, as well as the very interesting "Feraferia" group launched by Fred Adams in California - perhaps the most interesting, misunderstood group of all. Whatever you want to know in this field, I'm certain you'll find it in this book. Bravo, Ms. Adler!
Rating: 
Summary: A Solid Look at A Vast Subject
Review: Above all, "Drawing Down the Moon" is excellent journalism. Adler accepts the challenge of a broad subject with limitless scope, and manages to present her findings with careful scholarship and literary grace. The book is suitable for Pagans and non-Pagans alike, as long as the reader is willing to invest the time to do a thorough, close reading of the text. The book is (unavoidably) dated, and though Adler provides notes like "this group is no longer active" and "this publication is no longer in print," the reader must be paying attention to catch such references. Overall, "Drawing Down the Moon" is a successful attempt at a challenging task, and I respect Adler greatly for her efforts. This book repays a second reading, and I recommend it to anyone interested in Neo-Paganism and its roots.
Rating:
Summary: amazing
Review: yes i know this is my third review on this book but i just cant make up my mind. okay when i first read this book i felt like alot of the pagan religions was becoming my was the only way and it scared me. but started thinking that wasnt the message the where sending they were saying this is what works for them. this is really excellent book, it was hard for it to keep my interest, but i am really glad i read it, because i truly do know more about my religion and its sisters. i enjoyed all the info about different religions i also liked the chapter to the man's religion in there, that was very interesting since i never read anything on that before. it was a good history book it showed how many different people practice paganism today. even though you read it and dont like it, you well most defenitely come out wiser. and also dreaming the dark by starhawk was an amazing book too.
Rating:
Summary: not as bad as i thought
Review: the worst thing about this book is that it didnt keep my interest not saying it wont yours. It discussed alot of traditions i was never aware of. it had lots and lots of interviews, different sides of paganism and what it meant to people, it has a huge refernce in the back, it is a bit feminine, but they do talk about the god in there just not very much, all and all its a good book, but its no page turner
Rating:
Summary: Useful book, but biased
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book - it was very helpful to me, and was a good overview of large parts of what I belive to have been the North American neopagan scene at the time that this book was written. I do recommend that people read it, but it will mean more to you after you already understand at least the basic aspectes of neopaganism. But this is also a book that was clearly written by someone who was already part of the movement, and thus she brought with it her own opinions about various traditions (such as Norse paganism and Alexandrian Wicca), and she didn't tend to examine many of the issues raised with quite the degree of objectivity that I was looking for. It is also clearly very dated, and the primary sources for the answers to her questionaires tended to get people from particular traditions and styles. In all it was a valuable book that I really enjoyed reading, and I don't know of anything that is it's equivalent. But it isn't perfect, and I feel needs to be read carefully if you are to get the full value out of her work.
Rating: 
Summary: begginers stay away
Review: i have to tell you that this book is very hard to understand and all it seems to me is a bunch of pagans whinnig about other pagans that do stuff differently, but i must say that it does say alot about other traditions but any pagan can survive with out it
Rating:
Summary: A Paganism Survey Text Unsuited For Beginners
Review: Ms. Adler's book is ambitious in scope, covering a number of Pagan groups and Paganism issues. The book is a scholarly survey rather than a recounting of Ms. Adler's experiences. Ms. Adler's book contains very few Craftlore details. It is *not* an introductory Paganism text. ["Inside A Witches' Coven" by Edain McCoy (five-star) is a good introductory Wiccan text.] Ms. Adler discusses feminism within Paganism, Neo- and Classical Paganism, Witchcraft and Wicca, Odinism (and the Nazi's use of Odinist symbols), the Church of All Worlds, Druidism, and Shamanism. Satanism is discussed only briefly. Ms. Adler discusses Pagan groups' treatment by each other, by their communities, and by the media. Ms. Adler's book is better suited for interested third-parties than for active Pagans. In addition to the book's Paganism survey, Appendix III contains a good list of Paganism "Resources". Appendix III also includes Bonewits' "Cult Danger Evaluation Frame", a red flag danger list for your consideration.
Rating:
Summary: Good history book, a little dry at times
Review: This was a great book for an unbiased, historical look at paganism. I did feel it was a little too feminist in slant, but that just seems to reflect the times. I think this is an important book to read if you want an indepth understanding of the history of Wicca/Pagan religions.
Rating:
Summary: BUY IT NOW!
Review: This book is one of the most clearheaded views of pagansm and the craft that I have read. It is perfect for the beginner (or anyone) who is interested in the recent history of Paganism, without being bogged down by others rituals. I would recommend this book to anyone, pagan or witch or none of thee above, it is an excellent sourcebook for the pagan movement in the United States.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent and intelligent writing!
Review: A wonderful, intelligent and thorough look at modern earth-based religions. I enjoyed the information on paths I was not familiar with as well as the abundant resources given in the appendix. A must have for anyone seeking information of this kind!
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