Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem

Smithsonian Books, USA, 2006. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good Condition (ex-library)/Very Good. First impression. Size: Octavo 8vo (standard book size). 388 pages. Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. No foxing in this copy. Dust Jacket is in very good condition, without tears or chips or other damage. Dust Jacket un-clipped. All edges clean, neat and free of foxing. Front endpapers and title pages marked with Library stamps, but very discreetly, spine unmarked, in all other respects in very good condition throughout. The dust jacket has been protected by a removable plastic cover. In this authoritative history of the Hope Diamond (also known as the French Blue), Kurin describes how the 112-carat deep blue diamond came into the hands of Louis XIV through diamond trader Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, who in turn had bought it from an Indian mine. (Although rumors persist that Tavernier took the gem from the eye of a Hindu idol, Kurin says there's no evidence to support this action--Tavernier was a respected dealer.) The diamond was recut (reducing its size by half) and kept by the French monarchy until it was stolen during the revolution. It resurfaced, unrecognizable after being cut again, in the possession of London merchant Daniel Eliason in 1812. Some years later, it came into the hands of Henry Phillip Hope, was inherited by his wife and sold to several other owners, before being donated in 1958 to the Smithsonian Institution. There its mystique is grounded by "scientific discourse" and study. During his chronicle, the author, director of the Smithsonian's national programs, describes the history of the diamond trade, how precious stones were classified, the long-circulating myth that a curse was attached to the Hope diamond and royal politics of the times, for a serious but fascinating look at cultural and gemological history. Quantity Available: 1. Category: History; ISBN: 0060873515. ISBN/EAN: 9780060873516. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 3238. . 9780060873516