The introduction gives some answers to the latter question, while the rest of the book is made up of short chapters, each headed by a saying. Examples of these include the title (complete with a reason why seeing one magpie might be bad news) and others which could be broadly grouped into weather, wildlife, Biblical and everyday life. Grouping them this way might have been a good idea, but as this is quite a thin book (just under 200 pages) being able to just dip into it makes it ideal for the coffee table. Many have a UK, origin but a lot come from farther afield, such as the classical world, and there were some sayings I had never heard, despite an interest in folklore and social history. Explanations are succinct and give a brief account of the meaning and history of the saying, complete with quotes and any variations. On some pages there are appropriate woodcut illustrations by Thomas Bewick, which suit the material and tone of the book. At the back is a useful bibliography of books and websites to enable interested readers to discover more. This book would make an ideal gift for anybody who has shown an interest in old sayings. One for the keeper shelf or the nearest coffee table!