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Evil eye Books
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Roswell Park
The Evil Eye, Thanatology, and Other Essays
"The Evil Eye, Thanatology, and Other Essays" by Roswell Park is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. This volume encompasses a range of interdisciplinary subjects, including anthropology, biology, folklore, and medical studies, exploring beliefs and practices surrounding superstitions and their implications in various cultures. The topics indicate an examination of both historical contexts and contemporary relevance, likely engaging readers interested in the intersections of science, superstition, and history. The opening of the book begins with an in-depth discussion on the concept of the "Evil Eye," wherein the author invites readers to contemplate the historical significance of this belief rooted in envy and malevolence. Park references various cultural interpretations of the Evil Eye, illustrating how it has manifested throughout history—from ancient civilizations to modern-day practices—complemented by examples from different societies, such as the belief in the power of certain gazes or words to incur misfortune. This analysis sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of how cultural beliefs persist and evolve, inviting readers to consider the interplay of superstition and science in understanding human behavior and societal norms.
Vojislav Mate Jovanović
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée by Vojislav Mate Jovanović is a critical study published in 1911 examining Prosper Mérimée's 1827 literary hoax. Mérimée presented fabricated Balkan folk ballads as authentic translations, complete with invented commentaries and a fictional narrator. The romantic poems featured werewolves, phantoms, and vampires, satirizing the era's exaggerated exotic storytelling. Though commercially unsuccessful, the work fooled major literary figures including Pushkin and Goethe, establishing Mérimée's reputation while exposing how easily "local color" could be manufactured.
Robert Craig Maclagan
Evil eye in the western Highlands
"Evil Eye in the Western Highlands" by Robert Craig Maclagan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work explores the prevalent superstition of the Evil Eye among the Gaelic-speaking populations of Scotland, diving into the origins, significance, and societal implications of this belief. It examines how the Evil Eye is viewed not just as a simple superstition, but as tied to deeper human emotions like envy and covetousness that challenge social harmony. The beginning of the text provides an introduction to the concept of the Evil Eye, framing it as a common superstition not limited to a specific region, but rather a universal aspect of human interaction. Maclagan discusses how feelings of hostility towards a neighbor, combined with fear of losing something valued, possibly originated the belief. He outlines how the Evil Eye manifests, linking it to social and moral dynamics within communities. Through various anecdotes and observations, the introduction lays the groundwork for further exploration of the belief that an envious glance can harm others, particularly livestock and children, often leading to a wide range of protective measures and rituals practiced by individuals in those societies.
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