Renowned superstition expert Stuart Vyse investigates our tendency towards irrational beliefs. Superstitions, he writes, are the natural result of several psychological processes, including our human sensitivity to coincidence, a penchant for developing rituals to fill time (to battle nerves, impatience, or both), our efforts to cope with uncertainty, the need for control, and more. In a new Introduction, Vyse discusses important developments and the latest research on jinxes, paranormal beliefs, and luck. He also distinguishes superstition from paranormal and religious beliefs and identifies the potential benefits of superstition for believers. He examines the research to demonstrate how we can better understand complex human behavior.

"Winner of the William James Book Award"--Cover.

Believing in magic -- The superstitious person -- Superstition and coincidence -- Superstitious thinking -- Growing up superstitious -- Is superstition abnormal, irrational or neither? -- A magical view of the world -- Coda.