Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"[Stoned] romps through the stories of eight jewels." -- New York Times "A lively, incisive cultural and social history." -- Kirkus "History enthusiasts will be entertained by Raden's knowledge of famous names as well as her narrative approach to the topic. Occasional injections of humor will keep readers interested." -- Library Journal "Raden's commentary on the often ugly side of human desire through the ages is consistently captivating, and her witty delivery makes the material shine." -- Publishers Weekly "Riveting, erudite." -- MORE Magazine "Raden brings impeccable credentials to the task at hand. She also writes with a blithe and breezy deftness, peppering her narrative with snarky but substantive footnotes that recall the insouciance of Mary Roach. A gem of a study into all that enchants and bewitches." -- Booklist "Aja Raden must be a kick at dinner parties ... She's also an appealingly informal, effortless storyteller, fascinated by the stories she tells." -- Seattle Times "a populist history told with humor and great relish... Profanely funny." -- David Duchovny, author of Holy Cow "Money, power, sexual politics, and jewelry! Isn't this what makes the world go 'round? What more could I ask for in a book -- Madonna "'Stoned' has its own special vitreous luster, just as any emerald worth its salt - an illumination into what makes us irrationally human." -- Minneapolis Star Tribune
