This great little book explores the origin of amulets that throughout human history have brought good fortune to those who have worn them, and answers questions about the reasons behind all of them. At what point did the hunchback become a symbol of good luck? Why do spiders bring good omens to farms and stables? What predictions arrive with the first stork of the year? Where does the belief that touching wood wards off evil come from? Is it true that black cats bring bad luck? Why is saving the life of a ladybug a guarantee of access to paradise?