Dictionary of Superstitions - Paperback

by David Pickering (Author)

This acclaimed A-Z dictionary is a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the superstitions, old and new, of the English-speaking world, complete with their origins, meanings and variant forms. It includes just about everything from touching wood, crossing fingers and identifying future lovers to folk remedies, spells and, new for this third edition of the book, modern beliefs relating to the lottery, the computer and the mobile phone. A first-class source book for the historian, folklorist and casual reader alike, it also offers antidotes to some of the most feared taboos. What should you do to avoid seven years' bad luck if you break a mirror? How can you walk safely under a ladder? Which is the correct end to crack open a boiled egg? This book has all the answers.

Author Biography

David Pickering is a highly experienced freelance writer and editor who specialises in compiling arts and general reference books. An English language and literature graduate of St Peter's College, Oxford, his credits as author and editor have included, among many more, BREWER'S 20TH CENTURY PHRASE AND FABLE, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF WITCHCRAFT, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF FOLKLORE, PENGUIN DICTIONARY OF FIRST NAMES, COLLINS PIRATES, CLASSIC SHORT STORIES, CLASSIC GHOST STORIES, CLASSIC HORROR STORIES, the novel AND STONES SHALL DANCE and two volumes of short stories. He lives in Buckingham with his wife and two sons.