Dictionary of Superstitions (Paperback)

This acclaimed A-Z dictionary is a comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the superstitions, old and new, of the English-speaking world, complete with their origins, meanings and variant forms. It includes just about everything from touching wood, crossing fingers and identifying future lovers to folk remedies, spells and, new for this third edition of the book, modern beliefs relating to the lottery, the computer and the mobile phone. A first-class source book for the historian, folklorist and casual reader alike, it also offers antidotes to some of the most feared taboos. What should you do to avoid seven years' bad luck if you break a mirror? How can you walk safely under a ladder? Which is the correct end to crack open a boiled egg? This book has all the answers.