The Curious Lore of Precious Stones [Paperback]

George Frederick Kunz (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0486222276 | ISBN-13: 978-0486222271 | Publication Date: June 1, 1971

Foremost gemologist presents definitive study of the magical abilities and strange characteristics of precious stones. Wide range of sources — Greek, Latin documents, medieval lapidaries, Eddas, Egyptian writings, Oriental gem books, the Bible — reveal magic, occult, medicinal and religious uses of dozens of gems. 65 plates, 8 in color.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (June 1, 1971)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486222276
• ISBN-13: 978-0486222271
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,139,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless classic devoted to gemstone lore., May 22, 1999

By 

Gael Sylvia Costigan [e-mail] (Hoyo de Manzanares, Spain) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (Paperback)

Geoge Frederick Kunz's contribution as a gemmologisy at the beginning of the century earned him universal fame and respect, even to the point that one the most popular stones in modern energy work is named after him: Kunzite. Dover has published a reprint of his 1913 monument to the "hidden" side of gems: The Curious Lore of Precious Stones. This 400 page volume contains a wealth of material based on medieval lapidary tomes, history, folklore,the Bible, the Eddas, archeological findings, and oral traditions still alive at the time of Kunz's writing. The casual or serious reader cannot help but be impressed by the depth of understanding Kunz deplayed in page after page of riches associated with all aspects of gems and their uses. Thank you, Dover, for allowing us access to this remarkable book.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Curious Lore of Precious Stones;, March 30, 2002

By 

Elizabeth Cita "rapacious reader" (Kansas City, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (Paperback)

I bought this book because I enjoy buying gemstones and rocks and just for fun I wanted to know more about the traditional properties that were associated with them. This book written in 1912 and was last reprinted in 1971. Author, George Frederick Kunz, was no doubt the leading expert of his time. The book is full of all kinds of information, from every religion and culture, and was very well researched. He quotes literature from ancient times through what was known up to his time. His writing style is also consistent with his times, so modern readers may find it a little stiff. There are newer lapidaries available...this is a good and entertaining reference.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, bad quality photo reproducing, February 6, 2007

By 

Barta Peter Dr (Hungary, Europe) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Curious Lore of Precious Stones (Paperback)

The book itself is excellent, an important reference study and a very amusing book for the lover of gems. The author is a leading American scholar in his time, this one is his best: informative with sound statements and principal references. When you read it, you can touch the atmosphere of the great collections arranged by him and the greatest library on precious and semiprecious stones, which he had.

The only disadventage of this edition is the very poor photo reproducing of the original photos. The book contains many rare photos, but the reproducing is so bad, that they make you furious, if you see them.

So, 5 stars to the book itself and zero for the photo reproduction.