101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions [Paperback]

Harry Collis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 9, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0844255998 | ISBN-13: 978-0844255996 | Edition: 1

This humorous and informative compendium gives the origin and an example of each of 101 familiar superstitions.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

McGraw-Hill authors represent the leading experts in their fields and are dedicated to improving the lives, careers, and interests of readers worldwide

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (February 9, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844255998
• ISBN-13: 978-0844255996
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Encyclopedias > Mythology & Folklore
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > English as a Foreign Language
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Folklore & Mythology

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 101 Superstitions!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions (Paperback)

Here's a delightful collection of American superstitions, wonderfully illustrated with whimsical cartoons. 101 American Superstitions will amuse you for hours - while giving insight into American customs, beliefs, and humor. Each superstition is accompanied by an explanation and then is used in a real-life context - either in a dialogue or in a narrative - to show how these beliefs and behaviors fit into everyday life. This lively text offers nonnative speakers of English a wealth of linguistic and cultural information - while native speakers of English will enjoy seeing these principles of folk wisdom illustrated with wit and whimsy.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your lucky penny on this book, September 20, 2004

By 

Tom Reynolds (Wuhan, China) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions (Paperback)

Although witty and amusing, this book fails to accomplish the purpose of its subtitle: "Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions." Half of these superstitions I have never even heard of so I'm not sure how they help other to better understand the English language and American culture.

Furthermore, some of the "superstitions" are actually English idioms rather than superstitious activities such as getting out of bed on the wrong side which is also included in 101 American English Idioms. Still others are examples of cultural "wisdom sayings."

This book is perhaps the weakest in its series in terms of providing help with the American culture and language.

6 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 101 Superstitions!, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 101 American Superstitions : Understanding Language and Culture through Superstitions (Paperback)

Here's a delighfful collection of American superstitions, wonderfully illustrated with whimsical cartoons. 101 American Superstitions will amuse you for hours - while giving insight into American customs, beliefs, and humor. Each superstition is accompanied by an explanation and then is used in a real-life context - either in a dialogue or in a narrative - to show how these beliefs and behaviors fit into everyday life. This lively text offers nonnative speakers of English a wealth of linguistic and cultural information - while native speakers of English will enjoy seeing these principles of folk wisdom illustrated with wit and whimsy.