Ghosts and spirits 3 Entries on people, terms, and phenomena relating to ghosts and spirits are arranged alphabetically with see references and are indexed in the back. From apparitions to La Llorona, phantom nuns, and the Winchester Mystery House, Guiley seems to give an even-handed treatment to these phenomena, indicating where something is “according to legend” or “disputed,” but otherwise describing events as they were reported.

Entries range from a single paragraph to several pages, although most are at least several paragraphs long and include references for further reading. Black-and-white photographs and archival reproductions illustrate many pages.

This second edition is approximately fifty pages longer than the 1992 version. Some entries have been updated with corresponding new references for further reading. Others are entirely new, such as the “Scole Experimental Group,” which became active after the publication of the first edition in 1992. There are many new entries relating to Japanese folklore, indicating Guiley’s ongoing intent to present an international range of subjects. Some entries have been removed, although whether for space or relevancy it is not made clear. Two new forewords are included in this edition, some peculiarities of alphabetization have been corrected, and the layout of the index is greatly improved by using three columns rather than five.