Mal Occhio (Evil Eye): The Underside of Vision by Lawrence DiStasi is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's oldest and most enduring superstitionsthe belief in the "evil eye." First published in 1981 by Yolla Bolly Press, this engaging work examines the folklore, history, psychology, religion, anthropology and cultural traditions surrounding the concept of the evil eye across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, European and other societies. Rather than dismissing the phenomenon as mere superstition, DiStasi investigates why this belief has persisted for thousands of years and how it continues to influence customs, rituals and everyday life.
Written in an accessible yet scholarly style, Mal Occhio draws together historical sources, myths, folklore and contemporary observations to provide readers with a richly layered understanding of vision, envy, protection and symbolic belief systems. It is a valuable reference for students and collectors interested in anthropology, folklore, mythology, religious studies, psychology and cultural history.
Published by the highly regarded Yolla Bolly Press, known for producing beautifully crafted books, this first edition is increasingly sought after by collectors of folklore and occult literature. Copies are becoming difficult to locate, particularly outside North America, making it an attractive acquisition for collectors and institutions alike. Whether purchased for academic research, personal interest or as a collectible, Mal Occhio remains one of the more distinctive studies devoted entirely to the history and cultural significance of the evil eye.
Condition - Good
Mal Occhio - Very Good book in a Fair dust jacket. The brown cloth boards remain clean, bright and firmly bound with only minimal shelf wear. The text block is clean and appears unread, with no writing or highlighting. The dust jacket shows significant age-related wear, including heavy sunning to the spine, several edge tears and creases, chipping and paper loss at the head and foot of the spine, scattered abrasions and rubbed areas to both panels (including exposed paper), small punctures/holes, and general edge wear. Despite the damage, the jacket remains complete and has protected the book well.
