Superstitions: The Book of Ancient Lore

by Peter Lorie

A spellbinding brew of charms, curses, cures, taboos, and other omens from the creators of Nostradamus and Angels. With a wizard's touch, this clever combination of ancient and popular lore delves into the origins of superstitions to uncover the secrets of the past that continue to grip our imaginations. 200 photographs. Diagrams, charts, maps, and line drawings throughout.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History, Supernatural

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 1992

Reviews

[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would guess if you ask 10 individuals if they are superstitious, 9 our of 10 would say "Absolutely not".......but they would be wrong. In the modern world we still do things automatically that we don't even realize are based on ancient superstition. This book examines the beginnings of superstition, where it came from, what it means, and why it made sense to earlier civilizations. Many appear meaningless today since most were based on the presence of evil spirits which were constantly trying to take over humans. Protection from these spirits by certain actions were necessary and superstition began.

The author touches on over 100 superstitions and gives a couple of paragraphs to each (pictures often included). He also explains how some of those beliefs are still with us although we may not be aware of them. There are too many to describe in a review (crossing our fingers, knocking on wood, blessing people when they sneeze, placing flowers on the graves of loved ones) but two struck me as particularly surprising.
*Covering your mouth when you yawn. We do it to be polite but the practice began because evil spirits can enter through your mouth when it is wide open and your hand over your mouth would keep them away.
* Adorning the bodily orifices of the head ( nostrils,mouth, ears) by wearing jewelry. Thus the facial piercings of modern times which are considered fashionable are in reality a protection against the devil!!

The author writes with humor although never demeaning those who are superstitious Lots of fun and enlightening information....... and remember, never open an umbrella inside the house!!!

[Ian Fulk · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is a good book if your in to strange superstitions that a lot of people have never heard of. they have the orgin of superstitions and a brif reasoning that people thought that way. they have ones that everyone knows like dont let a black cat cross your path or dont break a mirrior or you get 7 years bad luck, but they also have ones like that you shouldnt leave flowers in a hospital ward at night. its pretty intersting and you dont have to be superstitus to read the book.

[Anne Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who would like to learn more about all kinds of superstitions. I would not call myself a superstitious person, but I have to admit I would not be happy if I broke a mirror and I did wear something old, new, borrowed and blue at my wedding. The stone sites in England would be interesting to see. Stirring your companions coffee is just a matter of courtesy to me, and putting shoes on the table is just unsanitary. Friday the 13th is just another day to me, but I’m sure as a former teacher a full moon may not be the best day to teach.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, simple book for learning about superstitions etc. Very interesting but some more explanation was needed in some spots

[Adriane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a pretty comprehensive book on Superstitions, unsurprisingly it has a British bent as the author is British. A lot of the supernatural books are British, I think that says a lot about the isles. This isn't the book I read as a child that scared me, but it was still a very interesting read if not entirely accurate. There's too many "ifs" associated with superstitions to claim any source is the ultimate truth, but all books contain a little truth.

Definitely recommended to anyone who enjoys superstitions and their origins.

[Michael Nalbone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative

[Ashley]

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CompNtBk
Own in hardback.

FS: "How many times have you done to work in a bad mood and someone has said "Well, you sure got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning"?

LS: "With this in mind, we might acquire a good deal of respect for the superstitions, their ancient lore and sources, and this might, in turn, provide us with a more magical and profound vision of the world we live in."