The Encyclopedia of Superstitions

Prolific author and ""noted psychic"" Webster (Amulets and Talismans for Beginners, Spirit Guides and Angel Guardians, Is Your Pet Psychic?) presents a remarkably complete collection of the world's superstitions, covering the familiar-unlucky 13, open umbrellas indoors, black cat crossings-and the delightfully obscure, such as the Cornwall, England myth that ants are actually fairies, ""enjoying their last incarnation."" The New Zealand writer says he's ""tried to include everything that is pertinent,"" and as such covers certain religious material (such as St. Christopher and Wicca) that might draw ire from the faithful (and others): notes Webster, people often ""consider their own superstitions to be facts of life."" Webster is generally respectful throughout, with occasional shots of gentle humor; the focus is on history and superstition etymology, and each brief entry is informative and to the point. Though, as Webster writes, ""superstitions can be effective ways of handling the anxieties and stress of everyday life,"" anyone who reads straight through will likely develop a nervous twitch; still, this reference makes for compulsive browsing. Illus.