Invisible Kingdoms: Jewish Tales of Angels, Spirits, and Demons

by Howard Schwartz, Stephen Fieser (Illustrator)

Provides readers with an exciting story collection of Jewish folklore about angels, spirits, and demons, enhanced with full color illustrations.

Genres: Jewish, Childrens, Mythology

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Howard Schwartz is Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a prolific writer who has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In searching for themes and images for his work in various genres, he has often found his inspiration in biblical, midrashic, and kabbalistic lore. Many of his works retell ancient folktales, reflecting his belief in the importance of passing cultural lore from one generation to the next. His poetry frequently reflects the dreamlike and mysterious elements of Jewish mythology.

Reviews

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are stories from various places and periods in Jewish history, and as a result there is no real rhyme or reason to them. They are entertaining, the pictures are lovely, and they provide insight into the beliefs and traditions of Jews throughout the world and its history, but they don't have any real internal consistency. Some are from Europe, some from North Africa, some from Babylon or Bukhara; some are oral traditions and some are written legends; some are from antiquity and some are from the nineteenth century. In some the souls of the righteous dead rest in pre-ordained places within the Garden of Eden, while in others the transmigration of souls occurs. In some magic is used by rabbis, while in others it is simply the purview of demons and witches.

Overall, a lovely book but not one I would recommend for Jewish parents to read to their children. Unless they intend to do a LOT of explaining about the history of the evolution of Judaism around the world.

[Spike Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quality collection of Jewish folklore. All the stories are Solid. Well done. There are a few that could be retold to 5-8 yr olds: 1 the angels gift, 5 king David is alive. Interesting that the 13th century n African tale, escape from the kingdom of demons , involves a boy who comes to posses both a cloak of invisibility and a magic map (hello harry potter )... There is nothing new under the sun

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Invisible Kingdoms: Jewish Tales of Angels, Spirits, and Demons is a collection of jewish tales

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! As always, Howard Schwartz retells these old Jewish stories with such sensitivity, context, humor and lovely prose.