Cassell's Dictionary of Superstitions (Cassell Reference) (Paperback)

~ David Pickering (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

People around the world and throughout history have always held arcane beliefs to try to gain understanding and control over a mysterious world. This entertaining and educational reference describes why actors shout "break a leg" to each other for good luck, and consider any word of encouragement before a performance to be a curse. The entry on baseball players explains why they never mention a no-hitter while it's in progress, and why they carefully place their gloves in the field for good luck. Other sections describe customs involving hundreds of animals and birds, rocks and plants, foods and occupations, sleeping and sexual activities, all believed to possess the power to bring doom or fortune. Besides the many entries about superstitions, taboos, and fears, there are sections on traditional rhymes and chants, as well as the uses of potions and rituals that are employed to avoid harm and master the future.

About the Author

David Pickering is an 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 most recent credits as author and editor have included THE CASSELL SOCCER COMPANION, THE CASSELL COMPANION TO TWENTIETH-CENTURY MUSIC, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF PROVERBS, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF WITCHCRAFT, THE CASSELL DICTIONARY OF FOLKLORE and CASSELL'S SPORTS QUOTATIONS. He lives in Buckingham with his wife and two sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 604 pages
• Publisher: Cassell (May 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304365610
• ISBN-13: 978-0304365616
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #844,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars A fairly average book on superstition, October 25, 2009

By	Dennis Hendrix (Atlanta GA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I own four books that claim to be "dictionaries" of superstitions, and three that claim to be "encyclopedias" of superstitions -- along with numerous other books on the topic. Among all of these, I'd have to put this one somewhere in the middle. One thing it has going for it, the alphabetic articles are pretty well written, albeit not quite as entertaining and interesting as "Encyclopedia of Superstitions" revised version by Christina Hole or "Encyclopedia of Signs, Omens and Superstitions" by Zolar. It does take an international perspective and cover topics fully, and frankly has some beliefs I have not read elsewhere. However, the problem here, as with many other superstition "encyclopedias" and "dictionaries" is the lack of any references. This to me at least is a problem; I like to know where a belief came from. However, this is still a decent book on this topic, but if you intend on just owning one "dictionary" or "encyclopedia" of superstitions I would recommend Christina Hole's revision of "Encyclopedia of Superstitions."

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommended for the Amateur Folklorist, August 31, 2007

By	CB - See all my reviews

As someone with a great interest in myth, legend, and folklore, I am constantly looking for sourcebooks and reference materials on the subject. Some, of course, are better than others, and some are worse. Cassell's Dictionary of Superstitions is, I must say, one of the better ones, and I can highly recommend it. I bought this book sight-unseen and have not been disappointed. Within you will find references to a near-encyclopaedic listing of items, ideas, places, worldviews, etc. detailing the superstitions and beliefs associated with them. Most of these are written from a British perspective, but references to American beliefs are included as well. I've been able to find information in this book that I haven't been able to find on other sources and am exceptionally pleased with my choice. Highly recommended.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Boring Book on various English Superstitions, July 1, 2008

By	Magickal Merlin "Wizard" (Death Valley-SoCal) - See all my reviews

What a disappointing book!There are many other quality folklore books around thesedays.This may be a reprint ,from the mid 70's.The entries are plain and dull,and even childish.If you can get this book,on the cheap,then get the book.It does have some rather interesting odd bits of not well-known information.Yet,it's a rather insipid encyclopedia for such a magickal topic,like superstitions.When it was published ,the neo-paganism movement was dormant.And now the neo-pagan books are everywhere.It's a book on basic English folklore,written with a curious christian perspective.