Richard Kurin Book order

An entertaining and well-researched history of the Hope diamond Since its discovery in seventeenth-century India, the Hope diamond, a glimmering deep blue gem weighing over 45 carats, has been shrouded in mystery and steeped in intrigue. In this groundbreaking work, Dr. Richard Kurin goes beyond the speculation to reveal the truth behind a legendary stone. Kurin, a cultural anthropologist, spent more than a decade on the trail of the legendary gem. But the 'curse' that surrounds it, which Kurin puts to rest once and for all, is only one small piece of a long and lustrous story that moves between ancient religion and modern magic, royal power and class rivalry, revenge and greed. Richly illustrated, Hope Diamond works in a grand historical tradition: depicting the specific to reveal the universal.

The story follows May Yohe, a captivating entertainer with humble beginnings, who famously married and left a wealthy English lord associated with the legendary Hope diamond. A romantic at heart, May's life was filled with tumultuous relationships, including at least three husbands and numerous lovers, amidst sensational tabloid rumors. Her complexities are further highlighted by her tumultuous marriage to a South African war hero, whom she ultimately shot, showcasing the dramatic highs and lows of her extraordinary life.