I haven't read anything by him. For what it's worth, the book has sixteen five-star reviews on Amazon, and nothing else. I would be a little wary because he's done some cowriting in other books with Sandra Ingermann, who has struck me as rather fluffy. I would probably also consider Cowan's work to be neoshamanism, just given the summaries and such that I've read. Still, that can be useful. His work is on my to-read list, so eventually I'll get around to reviewing it, but that's what I can say for now.
That is exactly what it is. Tom Cowan's stuff is straight Michael Harner-style "Core Shamanism" with various window dressings and personal interpretation.
If you (or the person you want to buy the book for) are into "Core Shamanism", as a personal practice, then I can tell you that Tom Cowan is well respected in that area.
Do you have any suggestions for a study of more authentic shamanism? (Going out and finding someone to study with, especially in Europe, is not currently an option, particularly not as a holiday gift-- I mean a book.)
that's more difficult for me, as i'm not particularly well-versed in shamanism. i do know that Mircea Eliade's Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstacy always gets high marks from my friends who work in shamanic techniques specifically.
since i am not particularly versed in the subject, i will refer you to check out lupabitch's page of shamanism book reviews at her "Pagan Book Reviews" blog. i've always found her reviews to be worthwhile and useful.
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If you (or the person you want to buy the book for) are into "Core Shamanism", as a personal practice, then I can tell you that Tom Cowan is well respected in that area.
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since i am not particularly versed in the subject, i will refer you to check out lupabitch's page of shamanism book reviews at her "Pagan Book Reviews" blog. i've always found her reviews to be worthwhile and useful.
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