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October 2004, Week 5

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Subject:
From:
Nathaniel Lachenmeyer <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Film and TV Studies Discussion List <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 31 Oct 2004 05:44:41 -0600
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Last year Screen-L members kind enough to respond to a query of mine on
unlucky 13 for a book I was researching on the subject. I am writing to let
you know that the book, 13: The Story of the World’s Most Popular
Superstition, is now available at bookstores and online. Kirkus Reviews
calls 13 "fast-paced and entertaining." The UK's Publishing News calls
it "a fascinating read. All 13 chapters of it . . .a book which reveals the
power and extent of superstitious belief through the ages."

13 examines unlucky 13 from 13 perspectives, in 13 chapters, and is cover
to cover original research—substantive as well as entertaining. Among the
book’s many unique accomplishments are the discovery of the true origin of
the Friday the 13th superstition—a long-forgotten, long out-of-print novel
published in 1907!—a critical survey of current theories about the origin
of 13, and the recovery of a lost piece of the New York’s history—the
Thirteen Club, an influential 19th century social club that counted among
its members five successive US Presidents and had as its goal the
eradication of unlucky 13. Drawing on interviews with the screenwriter of
Friday the 13th (Victor Miller) and the original Jason Voorhees (Ari
Lehman), 13 is the first book to place the movie and its sequels in the
broader context of the history of the 13 superstition. 13 also includes an
extensive list of films that have touched on the 13 superstition.

The press release, with more information on 13, follows. I hope you will be
willing to consider posting information on 13 to your subscribers.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel Lachenmeyer
Email: [log in to unmask]


 “Fast-moving and entertaining.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Amusing . . . Lachenmeyer’s impressive historical research and quirky
survey of present-day triskaidekaphobic practices provides a glimpse into
irrationality and superstition through history.”

—Publishers Weekly

 “Fascinating . . . rich with entertaining stories . . . a book which
reveals the power and extent of superstitious belief through the ages.”

—Publishing News



“Do you believe that 13 is an unlucky number?  This book may cure you.*”
13:  The Story of the World’s Most Popular Superstition by Nathaniel
Lachenmeyer (Thunder’s Mouth Press, October 31, 2004) is a marvelous
compendium that, like another quirky surprise hit, Eats, Shoots & Leaves,
is poised to become an international sensation. Published simultaneously in
the United States, the United Kingdom (Profile Books), and Canada
(Penguin), and released to coincide with Halloween, 13 examines unlucky 13
from 13 perspectives, in 13 chapters, and is cover to cover original
research—substantive as well as entertaining.

A lively and comprehensive exploration of the world’s most popular
superstition, 13 uncovers the history, psychology, and evolution of unlucky
13, both in the United States and around the world. 13 is also a book about
superstition and mythmaking in general—why people believe what they
believe, and why they stop believing when they do.

Among 13’s many unique accomplishments are the discovery of the true origin
of the Friday the 13th superstition  (a long-forgotten, long out-of-print
novel published in 1907!); a critical survey of current theories about the
origin of 13; and the recovery of a lost piece of the New York’s history—
the Thirteen Club, an influential 19th-century social club that counted
five successive U.S. presidents among its members and had as its goal the
eradication of unlucky 13.

13 also explores the future of unlucky 13 and examines the surging
popularity of triskaidekaphilia—the belief that 13 is lucky.  In the
chapter “Triskaidekaphobe’s Travel Guide,” 13 offers the first
comprehensive look at unlucky 13 and other number superstitions around the
world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  NATHANIEL LACHENMEYER is the author of the award-winning
memoir The Outsider: A Journey into My Father’s Struggle with Madness and
the children’s book Broken Beaks.  His new children’s book, Dreaming of
Sasquatch, will be published next year. He lives near New York City.

*Kirkus Reviews

13:  The Story of the World’s Most Popular Superstition
by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer
Thunder’s Mouth Press
$22.54, 240 pages, 13 pages of illustrations
ISBN: 1568583060

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