They Believed That?: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Superstitions and the Supernatural Around the World

William E Burns

They Believed That?: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Superstitions and the Supernatural Around the World
Format
Hardback
Publisher
ABC-CLIO
Country
United States
Published
31 December 2022
Pages
385
ISBN
9781440878473

They Believed That?: A Cultural Encyclopedia of Superstitions and the Supernatural Around the World

William E Burns

This book is devoted to those human beliefs that fall in the gray zone between science, religion, and everyday life–call them superstitious, supernatural, magical, or just wrong. In an often incomprehensible world where lightning or plague could end life quickly or drought could condemn a poor family to agonizing death, superstitious beliefs gave people a feeling of understanding or even control. They have continued to shape societies and cultures ever since.

This book covers a range of superstitious, supernatural, and otherwise unusual beliefs from the ancient world to the early 19th century. More than 100 entries explain beliefs, discuss historical evidence, and explain how each belief differs across cultures. This book is a perfect gateway for anyone curious about superstitious and magical beliefs, with topics ranging from the everyday, such as dogs and iron, to legendary figures, such as Hermes Trismegistus and the Yellow Emperor.

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