A Dictionary of Superstitions [Paperback]

This one-volume reference work on superstitions does not compare favorably with such works as Edwin & Mona A. Radford's Encyclopedia of Superstitions (Greenwood, 1969. reprint). Its two major flaws are a failure to spell out clearly at the beginning of each entry exactly what superstition is being covered and a tendency to plunge immediately into ancient examples of folk wisdom or incidents on the subject. This is not so much a dictionary as a trove of historical examples of superstitious behavior. As such, it has a very limited appeal to advanced scholars and limited appeal to libraries. It could, however, serve as a back-up for those who want further information not found in works like that of the Radfords.
- Gordon Stein, Univ. of Rhode Island Lib., Kingston
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

`Review from previous edition a browser's delight' Sunday Times

`wholly admirable, highly readable ... a memorable piece of work' Literary Review

`for thos who presumed they had little but magpies and spilt milk to worry about, it offers a whole new insight into the potential terrors of everyday life' Books

`Touch wood, cross-fingers, this book will be a success ... it certainly deserves to be' Scotsman --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Iona Opie is noted for her pioneering work, in collaboration with her late husband Peter, on children's folklore and games. Their books include The Oxford Dictionary of Nursery Rhymes, and The Lore and Language of Schoolchildren. Moira Tatem is a former schoolteacher Moira Tatem is a former school-teacher