Knock on Wood - A Hilariously Scientific Guide to the World's Superstitions

By: Langford, Piper

Why do we knock on wood, fear black cats, and avoid the number 13? Knock on Wood explores the world's strangest superstitions through science, psychology, and laugh-out-loud humor.

From ancient folklore to modern-day rituals, superstitions shape how billions of people navigate the world - even those who swear they're "totally rational." This hilarious popular science book pulls back the curtain on humanity's most irrational habits and asks: why do smart people believe weird things?

Inside You'll Discover: The origins of 50+ superstitions - from breaking mirrors to the evil eye, lucky horseshoes to Friday the 13thThe real psychology behind magical thinking - cognitive bias, pattern recognition, and the neuroscience of beliefCultural traditions from six continents - Japanese chopstick taboos, Turkish evil eye charms, Nigerian owl omens, Brazilian New Year rituals, and moreWhy athletes, surgeons, and Wall Street traders all have lucky socksHow superstitions evolved - from cave paintings to chain emails to angel numbers on TikTokThe surprising science that shows believing in luck can actually make you perform betterDrawing on research from evolutionary psychology, anthropology, and behavioral science Knock on Wood is the perfect read for trivia lovers, fun fact collectors, mythology enthusiasts, and anyone who's ever thrown salt over their shoulder just in case.
Whether you're a skeptic, a secret believer, or just someone who won't open an umbrella indoors, this book will make you laugh, think, and maybe - just maybe - knock on wood.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GXFQMTXR
• ISBN13: 9798257581076
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"