Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem - Softcover

Richard Kurin

3.65

215 ratings by Goodreads

9780060873523: Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060873523 ISBN 13: 9780060873523

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2007

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

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.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Product Description:

Hope Diamond The author, director of the Smithsonian Institution's National programs, has spent more than a decade on the trail of the history of the Hope Diamond. His narrative is filled with fascinating places and people, from the fabled diamond city of Golconda to the fabulously rich heiress Evalyn McLean. Full description

Review:

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.

Publishers Weekly

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.

Booklist

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.