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 ---- To sign off Screen-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF Screen-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]