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Superstitions
A history of superstitions past and present. Describes numerous examples originating from primitive times to the present
175 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
About the author
Peter Haining
341 books101 followersPeter Alexander Haining was an English journalist, author and anthologist who lived and worked in Suffolk. Born in Enfield, Middlesex, he began his career as a reporter in Essex and then moved to London where he worked on a trade magazine before joining the publishing house of New English Library.
Haining achieved the position of Editorial Director before becoming a full time writer in the early Seventies. He edited a large number of anthologies, predominantly of horror and fantasy short stories, wrote non-fiction books on a variety of topics from the Channel Tunnel to Sweeney Todd and also used the pen names "Ric Alexander" and "Richard Peyton" on a number of crime story anthologies. In the Seventies he wrote three novels, including The Hero (1973), which was optioned for filming.
In two controversial books, Haining argued that Sweeney Todd was a real historical figure who committed his crimes around 1800, was tried in December 1801, and was hanged in January 1802. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to back Haining's claims. A check of the website Old Bailey at for "Associated Records 1674-1834" for an alleged trial in December 1801 and hanging of Sweeney Todd for January 1802 show no reference; in fact the only murder trial for this period is that of a Governor/Lt Col. Joseph Wall who was hanged 28 January 1802 for killing a Benjamin Armstrong 10 July 1782 in "Goree" Africa and the discharge of a Humphrey White in January 1802. Strong reservations have also been expressed regarding the reliability of another of Haining's influential non-fiction works, The Legend and Bizarre Crimes of Spring Heeled Jack.
He wrote several reference books on Doctor Who, including the 20th anniversary special Doctor Who: A Celebration Two Decades Through Time and Space (1983), and also wrote the definitive study of Sherlock Holmes on the screen, The Television Sherlock Holmes (1991) and several other television tie-ins featuring famous literary characters, including Maigret, Poirot and James Bond. Peter Haining's most recent project was a series of World War Two stories based on extensive research and personal interviews: The Jail That Went To Sea (2003), The Mystery of Rommel's Gold (2004), Where The Eagle Landed (2004), The Chianti Raiders (2005) and The Banzai Hunters (2007).
He won the British Fantasy Awards Karl Edward Wagner Award in 2001.
Haining achieved the position of Editorial Director before becoming a full time writer in the early Seventies. He edited a large number of anthologies, predominantly of horror and fantasy short stories, wrote non-fiction books on a variety of topics from the Channel Tunnel to Sweeney Todd and also used the pen names "Ric Alexander" and "Richard Peyton" on a number of crime story anthologies. In the Seventies he wrote three novels, including The Hero (1973), which was optioned for filming.
In two controversial books, Haining argued that Sweeney Todd was a real historical figure who committed his crimes around 1800, was tried in December 1801, and was hanged in January 1802. However, other researchers who have tried to verify his citations find nothing in these sources to back Haining's claims. A check of the website Old Bailey at for "Associated Records 1674-1834" for an alleged trial in December 1801 and hanging of Sweeney Todd for January 1802 show no reference; in fact the only murder trial for this period is that of a Governor/Lt Col. Joseph Wall who was hanged 28 January 1802 for killing a Benjamin Armstrong 10 July 1782 in "Goree" Africa and the discharge of a Humphrey White in January 1802. Strong reservations have also been expressed regarding the reliability of another of Haining's influential non-fiction works, The Legend and Bizarre Crimes of Spring Heeled Jack.
He wrote several reference books on Doctor Who, including the 20th anniversary special Doctor Who: A Celebration Two Decades Through Time and Space (1983), and also wrote the definitive study of Sherlock Holmes on the screen, The Television Sherlock Holmes (1991) and several other television tie-ins featuring famous literary characters, including Maigret, Poirot and James Bond. Peter Haining's most recent project was a series of World War Two stories based on extensive research and personal interviews: The Jail That Went To Sea (2003), The Mystery of Rommel's Gold (2004), Where The Eagle Landed (2004), The Chianti Raiders (2005) and The Banzai Hunters (2007).
He won the British Fantasy Awards Karl Edward Wagner Award in 2001.
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
March 7, 2012
Superstition is one facet of society that is common across cultures and continents. Many people deny their using of any superstitions whatsoever. This book showed me how small and large parts of society alike are affected by the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors. The lore of this book is just a small percentage of the myths and legends unknowingly heeded by society today.
The theme of the book was to show that superstition is part of everyday life for society. Many of the everyday practices and customs of the everyday person have some root in superstition and can be traced back to its origins. For example , the practice of walking under ladders being bad luck came from times back before the Salem Witch trials where walking under the gallows was a sign that you would soon join them. Evidence of people giving credence to these beliefs can be seen by the number of rabbits’ feet and four leafs clovers sold per year.
The writing style of this piece was exposition because it was shedding light on the issue of superstitions. The entirety of this book shows all the different practices and shows the reasoning behind them. He also shows instances in where these superstitions were correct.
In my opinion, the book was interesting, but unexciting. The stories were reasonably believable and seeing some of the things we practice was a bit enlightening. That being said, some of these stories and examples seem a bit dated considering the book was written in 1979. All around the book was ok and I would read if I had to.
The things we still believe in today are surprising considering how far we’ve come. This did help me see some things from a new perspective, but the book itself wasn’t all that interesting. I give it a 3 out 5 since it didn’t hold my attention that long.
The theme of the book was to show that superstition is part of everyday life for society. Many of the everyday practices and customs of the everyday person have some root in superstition and can be traced back to its origins. For example , the practice of walking under ladders being bad luck came from times back before the Salem Witch trials where walking under the gallows was a sign that you would soon join them. Evidence of people giving credence to these beliefs can be seen by the number of rabbits’ feet and four leafs clovers sold per year.
The writing style of this piece was exposition because it was shedding light on the issue of superstitions. The entirety of this book shows all the different practices and shows the reasoning behind them. He also shows instances in where these superstitions were correct.
In my opinion, the book was interesting, but unexciting. The stories were reasonably believable and seeing some of the things we practice was a bit enlightening. That being said, some of these stories and examples seem a bit dated considering the book was written in 1979. All around the book was ok and I would read if I had to.
The things we still believe in today are surprising considering how far we’ve come. This did help me see some things from a new perspective, but the book itself wasn’t all that interesting. I give it a 3 out 5 since it didn’t hold my attention that long.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review