As it’s December, and — according to the original schedule — my book, Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Names should be out now, I thought it was time for an update.
Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Names is Big. Just short of 800 pages — and the print is small.
I began writing it in December 2009, and it has, with interludes, one way and another, taken up the last two years of my life.
Regrettably, therefore, but perhaps understandably, we’ve not quite managed to make our original publication date.
The good news is, however, that it has now gone to the printer’s, and, all being well it will be back at Llewellyn’s, hot off the press, in January, and available in stores in the US in February, and elsewhere (including the UK) in March.
If you live in the US, though, and you want a copy as soon as it becomes available, Llewellyn will be the online merchants able to ship first, because it will be in their warehouse first!
Find it at their online store by clicking the thumbnail:
Meanwhile, I thought it was about time I shared some of the other reviews I’ve received, in addition to Kit Berry‘s. Without further ado, here they are:
Definitely not for Pagans only, this scrupulously researched volume covers a wide range of names, from the traditional, Old Testament Benjamin to the medieval French goddess name Bensozie. Both the Introduction and the individual definitions provide a wealth of onomastic information.
Linda Rosenkrantz, co-author of ten name books and a creator of Nameberry.com.
A wonderful book!
Kay Sheard has written one of the most extensive resources we have seen on the subject of names and their etymology. It is full of useful and interesting information. A book not just for those who want to name their children, but for those who wonder about the true origin of their name.
Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone, authors of numerous books on Wicca
While the names contained in K.M. Sheard’s book (one wonders what names are represented by the author’s two initials?) may seem to be the main focus of this volume, in fact all of the introductory and ancillary material is fascinating and revealing. This whole book is one I wish that I had had access to many years ago, it is so useful in so many ways. A great reference book that I thoroughly recommend.
Raymond Buckland, author of Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft
Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Names is a wonderful resource for both Pagan and non-Pagan. Accessible and thorough, it offers an insightful and entertaining history of naming.
Philip Carr-Gomm, Author of Sacred Places and Druid Mysteries
K. M. Sheard’s wonderful and rich resource is a must for anyone attracted to names and the meanings behind them.
Whether you are looking for a new name for yourself, your child, group, home, business, animal, or anything else you care to name, you will find inspiration here in this fascinating book. For designers, artist, writers, and particularly the pagan community, the abundant wealth of source material here is invaluable.
Packed with cross-cultural, social and historical references, legends and the associations behind a wide range of names, from the traditional to the most unusual. This is a book to get lost in!
As well as being an extremely comprehensive reference book, I found the chapters on how to choose a name, how names were chosen in the past and looking at the many considerations that might guide your choice, extremely useful and insightful.
Glennie Kindred, author of many books on Earth wisdom and Earth lore
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Nook of Names
Nook of Names 