Featuring some of the most ferocious and humorous book curses ever inscribed, this is a lively and engaging introduction to the history and development of bookish maledictions.
Hardcover
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Summary
Featuring some of the most ferocious and humorous book curses ever inscribed, this is a lively and engaging introduction to the history and development of bookish maledictions.
Description
Don't steal this
Book if you do I will
Beat your Brains
Out
Have you ever wanted to protect your books from forgetful borrowers, merciless page-folders or outright thieves? Perhaps you have even wished harm on those who have damaged your books, but would you threaten them with hellfire, hanging or the plague?
This book contains a collection of some of the most ferocious and humorous book curses ever inscribed, from fearsome threats discovered emblazoned on stone monuments from the ancient Near East, to elaborate manuscript maledictions and chilling warnings scribbled in printed books. Book curses are entertaining writings in themselves, but they also offer a tantalising insight into how passionately texts and books have been valued by their owners and readers over the centuries.
Here you will find an engaging introduction to the history and development of the book curse and perhaps some inspiration to pen a few of your own.
Critic Reviews
'This new and delightfully puckish collection … a charmingly produced anthology that wears its learning lightly. Although there are no illustrations, the Bodleian has printed it in a pocket-sized format, handy for dipping into. It would make an excellent gift. Just don’t expect to borrow my copy.'
-- Joseph HoneAbout the Author
Eleanor Baker is the English Subject Lead for the Astrophoria Foundation Year at the University of Oxford.
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