The Magic of the Horse Shoe - With Other Folk-Lore Notes

by Robert Means Lawrence

Originally published in 1898. A detailed and fascinating study of the origins and history of customs and beliefs surrounding the horseshoe and various other superstitions. Contents include: The Magic of the Horseshoe - Fortune and Luck - Folklore of Common Salt - Omens of Sneezing - Days of Good and Evil Omen - Superstitious Dealings with Animals - Luck of Odd Numbers etc. Many of the earliest occult books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Home Farm Books are republishing many of these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1898

Reviews

[Jean-marie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Both for the superstitions that still exist, and the downright weird ones!

[Isla Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting detail. A bit bland at times, I suppose depending on what interests you. An easy book to skim read. Curious stuff.

[Irina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative read! Loved it

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-print of a book that was published in 1898. The author has collected snippets of folklore on different aspects (the horseshoe, salt, sneezing, animals, numbers, etc.) mostly from Europe but with a few examples elsewhere too. These are really interesting and entertaining, but since there are no references, it doesn't really pass the requirements for an academic study today. But it's a fun read anyway!

[Seizure Romero]

I found this 1899 gem (second printing, alas) at the Seattle Public Library sale last October. I know I'm going to end up giving it at least four stars. How do I know this? Because the contents page lists chapter headings as follows:

The Magic of the Horseshoe
Fortune and Luck
The Folk-Lore of Common Salt
The Omens of Sneezing
Days of Good and Evil Omen
Superstitious Dealings with Animals
The Luck of Odd Numbers
Topical Index

(emphasis added by reviewer)

I love library sales.

[Kourosh Keshavarz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I stopped this after a couple of chapters. Although at first it was quick to flick through the dry facts after a while it was painful to read. I think something like this should be written in more of a story style narrative such as the books of Bill Bryson. The author had obviously done the research but the repetitive facts made it difficult to stay engaged.

[LC Coole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book on superstition and folklores but is quite dated and leans towards Christian beliefs, even though ancient ones are included too.
Some topics have a bit too much information written on it (sneezing), whilst others (flora and fauna) aren’t mentioned as much as I would like.