Superstition

White Rabbits and Black Cats – The History of Common Folk Beliefs

Ever wondered why we touch wood, salute magpies, skip over cracks and throw salt over our shoulders? Then Sally Coulthard has the answer as she gets under the skin of these peculiar pastimes in her new book Superstition. Exploring the history and background of fifty of these fascinating cultural behaviours, discover how they affected our everyday life and why many of these beliefs are still pertinent today.

Superstitions reveal the hopes, fears and preoccupations of our ancestors and give a fascinating glimpse into how they lived. Seemingly bizarre folk beliefs and practices – in farming, marriage, craft, love, feasting, birth and death – often have their roots in real-life worries and desires. By looking at the material circumstances and challenging environments of our forefathers we start to understand how strange rituals and rules give comfort and reassurance, whether it’s hoping for a good harvest, wishing our loved ones a safe journey or trying for a baby.
 
Pick a side. This is a book with two covers, giving you the chance to decide if you want to enter the light or dark side. With its gorgeous folk illustrations and light-hearted tone, Superstition aims not only to give readers a fascinating insight into recent history but also bring a smile of recognition that, perhaps, we’ve got more in common with our superstitious ancestors than we’d care to admit.

About Sally Coulthard

Passionate about the countryside, Sally Coulthard is best-known for being Country Living’s ‘The New Good Life’ expert since 2018. She pens a monthly column and also writes and presents their ‘The New Good Life’ video series online. Sally is also the best-selling author of over thirty non-fiction books about nature, rural history and craft. Her titles have been translated into over a dozen languages. Sally studied Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford University, and worked in factual television, before moving back to her beloved Yorkshire where she set up a 12-acre smallholding and kitchen garden. Witty, engaging and hands-on, Sally shares her enthusiasm about all aspects of rural life, past and present. From the history of the landscape to native wildlife, superstitions to growing your own food, Sally loves to share her passion for the countryside through her writing, talks, interviews and presenting work.
Details
  • Imprint: Quadrille
  • ISBN: 9781787133631
  • Length: 144 pages
  • Dimensions: 191mm x 22mm x 142mm
  • Weight: 378g
  • Price: £12.99