Supernatural Signs, Symbols, and Codes

Gr 7 Up—No stone is left unturned in this encyclopedia-like compendium of the unusual. Supernatural Signs may hold limited appeal as it focuses more on the meanings of sometimes obscure objects and rituals (the symbolism in paintings, the significance of the Greenwich Meridian line in London, etc.) than on the macabre. Bizarre Phenomena explores everything from tsunamis to stigmata. This series makes only a few concessions to pop culture; Vampire Legends briefly references films such as Twilight but emphasizes that vampires are far from romantic figures. Famous Ghosts relays legends both familiar and new. Readers will particularly enjoy poring over the numerous glossy photographs. However, a lack of citations prevents these books from being true ready reference on the supernatural, and due to the sheer breadth of information on display and the serious, occasionally dry tone, the tomes are more suited to casual browsing than cover-to-cover reading.