Superstitions: 1,013 of the World's Wackiest Myths, Fables & Old Wives Tales - Hardcover

Murrell, Deborah

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 076210922X ISBN 13: 9780762109227

Publisher: Readers Digest, 2008

Synopsis

An entertaining, light-hearted approach to over 1,000 superstitions? this book uncovers the complexity and sometimes ridiculousness of human nature and behavior through the ages.

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? Why do we knock on wood? Why do we cross our fingers for good lucky? It may not be logical, but underlying these irrational notions are centuries of beliefs?and many affect us still. In fact the most important aspects of people?s lives have been influenced by their superstitions both at work and at home particularly?their health, marriage, children, and prosperity. Superstitions is a chock-full compendium of more than 1,000 of the world?s most common folklore beliefs.

For centuries people have been changing their behavior to bring themselves good luck and it is believed that some people perform better when they follow personal rituals. This informative and thoroughly amusing reference will give you all the answers to how many long-standing, long-believed superstitions actually came about. Written in a clear, accessible manner and extensively researched, this illustrated, entertaining reference guide brings us the most compelling superstitions, plus provides the fascinating answers to the geographical, religious, and social origins of these often bizarre beliefs.

About this title

About the Author:

Deborah Murrell has worked in publishing as both a writer and editor for more than 20 years. She has written about the middle ages as well as ancient times, and produced a CD-ROM on ancient cultures.

About this edition

• Publisher: Readers Digest
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 076210922X
• ISBN 13: 9780762109227
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256