The Origins of Popular Superstitions

by T. Sharper Knowlson

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Folklore, Sociology, Nonfiction

242 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Thomas Sharper Knowlson
b.1867-d.1947

Reviews

[grace]

I learn a Lot of this book about how the other Popular supersitions comes from and what we beliefs in.
This book is all about the superstition that until now we believe in and how it does invent and meaning, but is up to you if you believe in that superstition or believe in GOD .

[jasmine]

1.5 stars
a bit frustrating to read a book entitled "the origins" where the author says 'unfortunately no origins are known' every single time

[Deb Omnivorous Reader]

I tried, tried hard to like this book. The topic looked very promising, it is exactly the sort of thing I normally enjoy, however the reality was a let down.

First, I think the title is a misnomer, by about a third of the way through I was getting irritated by the fact that no superstitions were ever mentioned. Customs were, to be sure, however a superstition is the belief in supernatural causality and there was no mention of causality at all, just a long list of things that people do. Origins is another misnomer, very few origins are researched though the author shares at great length his opinions about where he thinks things come from.

The opinions themselves are delivered in a pompous, self-satisfied very condescending tone from a extraordinarily limited, Christianised world view (Yes, I do know it was first published in 1930, that is no excuse).

The author uses a lot of long quotes from secondary sources and does not always tell you when he lapses into these quotes, so you are often unsure of whose words you are reading. You are frequently unsure of what the point is, and can expect no enlightenment most of the time.

All in all, a challenging read. I may try it again with no expectations of superstition or origins, just for the sake of the writing style. Or I may not.

[Valissa]

The search continues. This was entertaining, if only for the observable racism and included lists of foods the British tend to eat (blegh).

Not anything I plan to add to the calendar, but of historical interest. Certainly more meaningful than the holidays we have today (drink, be lonely, eat chocolate, is it memorial or veterans, eat, eat, eat).

[Gerry]

interesting but difficult to read, had old style print and very small font

[Beka]

Some interesting insights into where our superstitions and customs come from.