THE CURIOUS LORE OF PRECIOUS STONES

Dover, New York, 1971, unabridged republication of the work originally published in 1913.  Trade soft cover, 406 pages including Index, followed by catalog of Dover books.  Very good; bit of corner wear, binding sound, light crease on spine.  Interior clean and unmarked; with 87 illustrations, 6 in colour.  ‘Precious and semi-precious stones have many qualities beyond their physical attributes.  They have remarkable monetary value, and in the opinion of most of mankind, from the earliest recorded times to the present, they have abilities and characteristics that can only be termed magical. … Among the larger topics which he covers are:  exotic beliefs about gems, the use of gems as amulets and talismans, carved and engraved magical stones (including scarabs), luminous stones, stones of ill-omen, crystal balls and crystal gazing (scrying), the religious use of gems in many traditions, birth stones, the astrological meaning of precious stones, the magical and therapeutic value of gems, and much else.’ (from rear wrap)