Items related to A Dictionary Of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Synopsis
Is it good or bad luck to mention a pig to a fisherman? What does it portend when you break a double-yolked egg? Or when you witness a headless shadow? How many frogs do you need to cure whooping cough? And what's all this about black cats? Ranging from the familiar to the bizarre, and including everything from spells and omens to rituals and taboos, this delightfully informative dictionary covers a wide array of popular superstitions, touching on virtually every aspect of human culture. They embrace family life and the lore of farmers, sailors, miners, and actors; offer advice on the signs to observe when contemplating a journey or a marriage; reveal the significance of animals, plants, stones, colors, food and drink, the elements, and heavenly bodies; outline the precautions to be taken after a death in the house or during a thunderstorm; and disclose the motives behind seasonal customs at New Year, in May, at Halloween, and Christmas. Each entry is arranged alphabetically according to its central idea or object, and illustrated with a selection of chronologically ordered quotations that indicate the history and development of each belief. And a thematic index helps the reader discover surprisingly coherent patterns in these mysterious and often misunderstood methods of comprehending the world and overcomingits perils, and shows the strong underlying connections with witchcraft and pagan religions. Superstitions have never before been treated in such depth or on such a scale. An entertaining volume for anyone curious about the beliefs of the past, A Dictionary of Superstitions also makes a valuable contribution to the study of folklore, providing the first systematic account of beliefs that form an integral part of our social life.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
Iona Opie is noted for her pioneering work on children's folklore and games.Moira Tatem is a former school teacher and an expert on superstitions.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Buy New
View this item
£ 40.34
£ 21.86 shipping from U.S.A. to United Kingdom
Destination, rates & speedsOther Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for A Dictionary Of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Reissue. Ships from the UK. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 16347805-6
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Reissue. Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP23715641
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
A Dictionary Of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Published by
Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # rev6144488241
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
A Dictionary Of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Published by
Oxford University Press, U.S.A., 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # rev9602188392
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Reissue. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP23715641
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions
Published by
Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Softcover
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Reissue. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # GRP23715641
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions (Oxford Paperback Reference)
Published by
Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
Soft cover
Seller: Ripponlea Books, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Seller rating 1 out of 5 stars
Soft cover. Condition: Fine. Re-issued. xiii+494pp., Pictorial colour illustrated covers with black publishers marks to top edge of pages, preface by eds., intro., notes, A-Z dictionary, bibliog., analytical index. Entries are illustrated by quotations that trace their development through the centuries. A fascinating work of reference for anyone with an interest in superstitions and their history. Size: Small Octavo. Book. Seller Inventory # 002093
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions (Oxford Quick Reference)
Seller: Toscana Books, AUSTIN, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: new. Excellent Condition.Excels in customer satisfaction, prompt replies, and quality checks. Seller Inventory # Scanned0192806645
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions (Oxford Quick Reference)
Seller: The Book Spot, Sioux Falls, MN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # Abebooks16012
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
A Dictionary of Superstitions (Oxford Quick Reference)
Published by
Oxford University Press, 2005
ISBN 10: 0192806645
ISBN 13: 9780192806642
Used
paperback
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_431327498
Quantity: 1 available