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Synopsis
Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, "Hope Diamond" works in a grand historical tradition - depicting the specific to reveal the universal.
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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9 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
An engaging and very thorough history of the Hope Diamond
9 May 2006
Format:Hardcover
This is a fascinating book! Kurin gives a color and life to the history of the Hope Diamond, showing the interesting characters and lives touched by the "curse" and also those lives that have been positively affected by the diamond.
There are photos, paintings, illustrations, and cartoons interspersed in the text to help bring alive the history of the gem. The writing was smooth and accessible and I truly enjoyed the look into history and past cultures as the author brought us on a world and historical tour of the Hope Diamond.
There are photos, paintings, illustrations, and cartoons interspersed in the text to help bring alive the history of the gem. The writing was smooth and accessible and I truly enjoyed the look into history and past cultures as the author brought us on a world and historical tour of the Hope Diamond.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Great historical account through the eyes of a gem...
8 Mar 2007
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The first few chapters dragged a bit but I guess necessary to debunk popular myth. It was very interesting to see the story of the diamond as it was manipulated by royalty, governments, businessmen, owners and media. We used it for our bookclub.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Diamond Daze Clarified
3 Dec 2006
Format:Hardcover
Most people who have visited the Smithsonian have peered into the secure exhibit space to view the Hope Diamond. Most are surprised at how relatively small the diamond is, but the mystique and aura of the gem makes the wait through the long line worthwhile. Furthermore, the history, stories, and folklore associated with the stone often further piques the visitor's curiosity. This book more than satisfies this curiosity, and Kurin provides a well-written presentation of various stories and beliefs associated with the gem. Kurin takes the reader through an interesting history that details how it was discovered, traded, given away, and eventually accessioned at the museum. It's a fun read for anyone interested in history, folklore, gemology, and museum practice.
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