Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem [Paperback]

Richard Kurin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2007

Since its discovery in seventeenth–century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone.

Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, Hope Diamond works in a grand historical tradition––depicting the specific to reveal the universal.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this authoritative history of the Hope Diamond (also known as the French Blue), Kurin describes how the 112–carat deep blue diamond came into the hands of Louis XIV through diamond trader Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who in turn had bought it from an Indian mine. (Although rumors persist that Tavernier took the gem from the eye of a Hindu idol, Kurin says there's no evidence to support this action—Tavernier was a respected dealer.) The diamond was recut (reducing its size by half) and kept by the French monarchy until it was stolen during the revolution. It resurfaced, unrecognizable after being cut again, in the possession of London merchant Daniel Eliason in 1812. Some years later, it came into the hands of Henry Phillip Hope, was inherited by his wife and sold to several other owners, before being donated in 1958 to the Smithsonian Institution. There its mystique is grounded by "scientific discourse" and study. During his chronicle, the author, director of the Smithsonian's national programs, describes the history of the diamond trade, how precious stones were classified, the long-circulating myth that a curse was attached to the Hope diamond and royal politics of the times, for a serious but fascinating look at cultural and gemological history. B&w photos. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

In sober contrast to Marian Fowler's archly written Hope (2002), Kurin's account of this celebrated gem measures its facts against the legends of its appeal. The provenance of the diamond that supposedly brings bad luck to its owner began with a French trader in India who sold it to Louis XIV. The chain of custody breaks, however, with the disappearance of the "French Blue" in the tumult of the French Revolution, a mystery Kurin carefully examines. Without endorsing the theory, Kurin surmises that the diamond was used to bribe the German general at 1792's Battle of Valmy. Two decades later, a blue diamond cut differently from the original (but proven to be such by recent tests) appeared in decorations worn by Britain's future George IV. Renamed for a purchaser, this Hope diamond has a solid chain of custody with ancillary fables of ill fate until it was finally bought by the Smithsonian Institution. Kurin's solid research is his strength in this account of the jewel's provenance and popular allure. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (September 4, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060873523
• ISBN-13: 978-0060873523
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,239,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and very thorough history of the Hope Diamond, May 9, 2006

By 

Gen of North Coast Gardening (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem (Hardcover)

This is a fascinating book! Kurin gives a color and life to the history of the Hope Diamond, showing the interesting characters and lives touched by the "curse" and also those lives that have been positively affected by the diamond.

There are photos, paintings, illustrations, and cartoons interspersed in the text to help bring alive the history of the gem. The writing was smooth and accessible and I truly enjoyed the look into history and past cultures as the author brought us on a world and historical tour of the Hope Diamond.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical account through the eyes of a gem..., March 8, 2007

By 

WindowShoppingMaven "Sara" (South Dakota, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem (Hardcover)

The first few chapters dragged a bit but I guess necessary to debunk popular myth. It was very interesting to see the story of the diamond as it was manipulated by royalty, governments, businessmen, owners and media. We used it for our bookclub.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Diamond Daze Clarified, December 3, 2006

By 

grasshopper4 (Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem (Hardcover)

Most people who have visited the Smithsonian have peered into the secure exhibit space to view the Hope Diamond. Most are surprised at how relatively small the diamond is, but the mystique and aura of the gem makes the wait through the long line worthwhile. Furthermore, the history, stories, and folklore associated with the stone often further piques the visitor's curiosity. This book more than satisfies this curiosity, and Kurin provides a well-written presentation of various stories and beliefs associated with the gem. Kurin takes the reader through an interesting history that details how it was discovered, traded, given away, and eventually accessioned at the museum. It's a fun read for anyone interested in history, folklore, gemology, and museum practice.