As long as humans have existed, they've had superstitions. From ancient mantras to lucky numbers, superstitions cover a broad range of lucky tricks, spells, rituals and old wives' wisdoms to help ward away misfortune, and this book a tiny guide through that weird world.

They may not always make a lot of sense, but it's hard to argue with the power of a superstition - even non-believers find it hard to ignore a superstition once they've heard it. This book is packed with superstitions from around the world: learn how to ward off spirits in China, why you need to be careful with mirrors in Mexico and why you shouldn't knit on your doorstep in Iceland. These superstitions are accompanied by trivia, facts and quotes from notable figures, making this the ultimate guide to superstitions... whether you truly believe them or not.

"Superstition is the reservoir of all truths."

Charles Baudelaire, French poet (1821-1867)

80 per cent.

The percentage of high-rise buildings all over the world that lack a 13th floor.