Encyclopedia of Superstitions

Radford, M.A.

Hole, Christina

Radford, Edwin

Reference

Arrow (A Division of Random House Group)

Death of a Frightened Editor (A 'Doctor Manson' Detective Novel)

Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Radford, E.

Mystery

Robert Hale, Ltd.

This volume answers the need for a work containing as complete a collection as possible of British superstitions presented in encyclopaedic form giving easy and quick reference to the reader. To those unskilled in the study of superstition, this work will come as a surprise on his discovering the widespread diffusion of superstitious beliefs still obtaining at this day in every aspect of social life among both the civilized and the savage, and to those who have given any thought to the origins of superstitions, this work cannot fail to prove of real value as a reference book; but whether it be regarded as an orderly collection of reading for the curious which will provide much entertainment as well as instruction, or as a work of reference, the general opinion will be that the compilers have hit the mark they aimed at, and have achieved a skillful and valuable piece of work. Individual classification has been carried out, and the title headings enable the reader to obtain within a few minutes the list of beliefs attached to any one subject - and, where it is possible to present it, the origin, or possible origin, of the belief. Care has been taken to distinguish between superstition and custom. Except in one or two instances, where the line of demarcation is barely distinguishable, customs have been omitted as lacking any spiritual origin. The deep research necessitated by this study did raise a topic of peculiar and fascinating interest - whether, indeed, there are such things as "British" superstitions, or whether, on the contrary, those superstitions are world-wide, inherent in all peoples of the world in exactly identical forms of fear, of avoidance, and of remedial measures… [From the Authors' Preface]

Encyclopædia of Superstitions

History

World

Greenwood Pub Group

Encyclopaedia of Superstitions: A History of Superstition

The first book to deal with the history and source of complete superstitions which exist, or have existed among British people throughout the world. They are presented in encyclopaedic form, so that any individual superstition, or collective superstitions related to one particular subject, can be found under a specified heading. Some 2300 superstitions are listed in a work of over 230,000 words. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Encyclopaedia of Superstitions - A History of Superstition

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

Pierides Press

The first book to deal with the history and source of complete superstitions which exist, or have existed among British people throughout the world. They are presented in encyclopaedic form, so that any individual superstition, or collective superstitions related to one particular subject, can be found under a specified heading. Some 2300 superstitions are listed in a work of over 230,000 words. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

"For the expert investigation of the human will to believe, we recommend The Encyclopedia of Superstitions."--The New York Times Do you avoid walking under a ladder, or touch wood to ward off misfortune? It may not be logical, but underlying these irrational beliefs are centuries of long-forgotten ways of thought--and many affect us still. This classic and thoroughly delightful reference explores the origins of hundreds of superstitions, and many of the entries read like short stories in themselves. Here are the charms once in daily use in dairy and kitchen; spells used by witches--and against them; fairy lore and legend; folk remedies and customs of birth, marriage, and death. You'll discover why it's unlucky in some countries for a person to reveal his age; why ships have long been fitted with figureheads; why lettuce was believed to possess magical properties; and why a child born after its father's death was said to have healing powers. This is truly a collection to muse over...but expect an occasional chill down the spine.

The Encyclopedia of Superstitions

Religion & Spirituality

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