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Cursed Objects

Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Cursed Objects by J. W. Ocker is an illustrated compendium exploring the true stories behind some of the most infamous and eerie cursed objects in history. From the opulent Hope Diamond to the humble Busy Stoop chair, the book spans decades and continents, unveiling spine-tingling tales of hauntings, death, and misfortune linked to these items. It delves into notorious artefacts such as Annabelle the Doll, the Unlucky Mummy, the Dybbuk box, the Conjured Chest, and the Ring of Silvianus, blending history with chilling lore.
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Format: Hardback
$5500
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for true believers, history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who enjoys creepy, spine-tingling tales rooted in real events. Also perfect for readers drawn to folklore, the supernatural, and eerie curiosities.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Beware...this book is cursed! These strange but true stories of the world’s most infamous items will appeal to true believers as well as history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale.

An illustrated compendium that reveals the true stories behind the most infamous, creepy, and bizarre real-life cursed objects throughout history. Spanning decades and continents, subjects range from the opulent Hope Diamond to the humble Busy Stoop chair.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An illustrated compendium that reveals the true stories behind the most infamous, creepy, and bizarre real-life cursed objects throughout history. Spanning decades and continents, subjects range from the opulent Hope Diamond to the humble Busy Stoop chair.

Beware...this book is cursed! These strange but true stories of the world's most infamous items will appeal to true believers as well as history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale.

They're lurking in museums, graveyards, and private homes. Their often tragic and always bizarre stories have inspired countless horror movies, reality TV shows, novels, and campfire tales. They're cursed objects, and all they need to unleash a wave of misfortune is...you.

Many of these unfortunate items have intersected with some of the most notable events and people in history, leaving death and destruction in their wake. But never before have the true stories of these eerie oddities been compiled into a fascinating and chilling volume. Inside, readers will learn about:

  • Annabelle the Doll, a Raggedy Ann doll that featured in the horror franchise The Conjuring
  • The Unlucky Mummy, which is rumoured to have sunk the Titanic and kick-started World War I
  • The Dybbuk Box, which was sold on eBay and spawned the horror film The Possession
  • The Conjured Chest, which has been blamed for fifteen deaths within a single family
  • The Ring of Silvianus, a Roman artefact believed to have inspired J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit
  • And many more!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised by The New York Times as "so fun that I couldn't put it down," this book combines humour with memento mori themes. Bustle calls it a "visual feast" perfect for fans of weird trivia. Memphis Flyer highlights its well-researched and chilling stories, while noted author Lisa Morton praises it as "insanely entertaining and dangerously informative," warning readers they might be compelled to read late into the night. The collection's rich histories and macabre illustrations make it an enchanting read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781683692362

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 15 September 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Quirk Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 209.0mm

Weight: 578g

Pages: 272

About the Author

J. W. (Jason) Ocker is an Edgar Award-winning travel writer, novelist, and blogger. His previous books include Poe-Land, A Season with the Witch, and Cursed Objects. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast OTIS- Odd Things I've Seen (oddthingsiveseen.com), where he chronicles his visits to oddities around the world.

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