
The magic of jewels and charms (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Gemstone Folklore, Amulet Magic, and the Occult Symbolism of Precious StonesBy George Frederick KunzLength16h 48m
About this audiobook
The Magic of Jewels and Charms is an erudite compendium of the symbolic, medicinal, religious, and occult meanings attached to precious stones, amulets, and talismans across civilizations. Moving from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome to medieval Europe and Asian traditions, Kunz blends antiquarian scholarship with the descriptive precision of a gem expert. Its style is encyclopedic yet animated by wonder, placing it within the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century tradition of comparative folklore, material culture, and esoteric history. George Frederick Kunz, the eminent American mineralogist and gem authority for Tiffany & Co., was uniquely equipped to write such a work. His scientific knowledge of gems was matched by a deep interest in their cultural afterlives: the legends, rituals, and psychological powers humans have projected onto stones. His career among collectors, museums, and international exhibitions gave him access to both rare objects and the historical imagination surrounding them. This book is recommended for readers interested in gemstones not merely as ornaments, but as vessels of belief, memory, and power. Scholars of folklore, religion, art history, and material culture will find it especially valuable, while general readers will enjoy its richly documented journey through humanity's enduring fascination with magical objects.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length16 hrs 48 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 10, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Preface
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6Illustrations
7I Magic Stones and Electric Gems
8II On Meteorites, or Celestial Stones
9III Stones of Healing
10Agate
11Beryl
12Carbuncle
13Chalcedony
14Coral
15Corundum
16Diamond
17Emerald
18Hematite
19Jacinth
20Jade
21Jasper
22Jet
23Lapis Armenus
24Lapis Lazuli
25Malachite
26Median Stone
27Onyx
28Pyrite
29Rock-crystal
30Sapphire
31Topaz
32IV On the Virtues of Fabulous Stones, Concretions and Fossils
33V Snake-Stones and Bezoars
34VI Angels and Ministers of Grace
35ITEM DEPOSITIO MARTIRUM
36VERSES ON SAINTS’ DAYS AT VARIOUS SEASONS OF THE YEAR.
37SAINTS’ DAYS
38VII On the Religious Use of Various Stones
39VIII Amulets: Ancient, Medieval, and Oriental
40IX Amulets of Primitive Peoples and of Modern Times
41X Facts and Fancies about Precious Stones (pt. 1)
42X Facts and Fancies about Precious Stones (pt. 2)
43Analysis
44Reflection
45Memorable Quotes