
In this thoughtful collection the author turns a keen eye to the stubborn presence of superstition in modern life. By weaving together historical anecdotes, literary quotations, and everyday rituals, he shows how ancient fables still whisper through our holidays, our children's stories, and even our scientific wonder. The work asks listeners to consider the uneasy gap between knowledge and the lingering mysteries that still capture the imagination.
From the glowing comet to the humble Easter egg, each chapter explores a familiar custom and traces it back to its mythic roots. The illustrations accompany lively discussions of Santa Claus, brownies, and other household sprites, reminding us how such characters have been used to teach, comfort, and entertain across generations. The author argues that these tales are not merely relics but threads that bind past belief to present experience.
Delivered in a conversational tone, the book invites you to reflect on why we cling to these stories even in an age of electricity and steam. It is both a celebration of folklore and a gentle challenge to examine the shadows that superstition casts over our daily lives.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (248K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-11-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1833–1905
A Boston-born journalist turned popular historian, he wrote lively books that helped readers explore New England's past, landmarks, legends, and battles. His work blends local color with a strong sense of place, making regional history feel immediate and readable.
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