Believing in Magic

Lucky numbers. Magic rituals. Astrology and the National Lottery. Modern buildings that eliminate the `13th' floor. The lure of The X-Files and Steven King. Although we live in a technologically advanced society, superstition is as widespead as it has ever been, occurring in people of all occupations and every educational and income level. Why is superstitious behavior so prevalent? How do otherwise rational people come to put their faith in such ephemera?

To answer these, and other questions, Stuart Vyse examines current behavioural research and shows us that everyday superstitions are the natural result of several well-understood psychological processes. Written in a style that is both entertaining and authoritative, Believing in Magic shows how complex, even paradoxical, human behaviour can be understood through scientific investigation.