Book Curses

Eleanor Baker

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Hardback

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English

Bodleian Library
01 November 2024

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Literary studies: general; Gift books

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- We’re all booklovers here, right? So when you lend a book and it’s damaged, or it’s taken without your consent, you may find yourself uttering a malediction on the culprit... This entertaining volume details curses from ancient Assyria to contemporary times, with a number taken from medieval tomes. It just goes to show that books have always inspired passion – and this one might just inspire you to pen a few clever lines of literary protection yourself! Lindy

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.

By: Eleanor Baker
Imprint: Bodleian Library
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 184mm, Width: 118mm,
Weight: 666g
ISBN: 9781851246304
ISBN 10: 1851246304
Pages: 128
Publication Date: 01 November 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Eleanor Baker is the English Subject Lead for the Astrophoria Foundation Year at the University of Oxford.

Reviews for Book Curses

'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 Hone * The Spectator *