Palmistry Books

For those with a scientific interest in hands, see scientific publications.

Books on the Art of Handreading. NOTE: There are dozens of handreading books, and the quality varies greatly. Many re-digest insights from old favorites like Benham and Cheiro. Look for books which include a section on fingerprints (or even dermatoglyphics) - it is a telling sign that the author takes handreading seriously. Remember that popular handreading books may not be the best ones - some of the best books are actually out of print! Below is a list of books I recommend.
The Spellbinding Power of Palmistry - This is a palmistry book I highly recommend, and it's my personal favorite. It is written by the well-known hand reader Johnny Fincham. Very popular in England, he is currently booked over eight months in advance for a reading. Johnny is one of the few handreaders today who are advancing the art of handreading rather than wrapping age old palmistry lore in a new cover. The greatest novelty in this book is perhaps the 'passion line': johnny is the first to point this one out, and it's as interesting as it sounds! But there are plenty of other completely novel insights. Great illustrations, excellent evocative metaphors and straight-to-the-heart descriptions make this a truly enlightening read. The only downside is that it's a bit short (157 pages). Also check out Johnny's website and an interview with Johnny.
Hamilton's Palmistry Encyclopedia - This is a popular book and more for beginners compared to the other 'Encyclopedia' (below). It covers many aspects, such as hand types, mounts, lines, fingerprints and even dermatoglyphics. It is particularly detailed when it comes to the fingers.
Campbell's Enyclopedia of Palmistry - It is worthwhile for any serious handreader to learn about the many approaches that have been taken throughout history, and that is what this book is about. This book includes an overview of fingerprint patterns as well as palmar dermatoglyphics. Unfortunately it is only available second-hand. You can contact Ed Campbell at the palmistry club for more info.
 Art of Hand Reading - This is a popular book by Lori Reid, with good illustrations. Compared to other books it pays extra attention to occupations and relationships in the palm. It also has a section on fingerprints and dermatoglyphics.

Hand Psychology - A New Insight into Solving Your Problems - By Andrew Fitzherbert - this author is recommended by the British Cheirological Society, and is for the serious handanalysis 'student'. His previous books seem to be out of print.

The old palmistry classics
 The Benham Book of Palmistry - This is the classic book of palmistry from 1900.
Cheiro's "the Language of the Hand" - Another of the classics, first published way back in 1894. This is probably the most well-known and most frequently cited palmistry book. This book is recommended more for its entertainment value and simply as a collectible item, but it is an old book that contains many of the superstitious beliefs of palmistry that prevailed during that time. For those who wish to study traditional palmistry, this is the book to buy.
Man's Revealing Hand (from 1934) - The third and least known classic book on handreading, by Noel Jaquin. This book is particularly for those who also have an interest in astrology.
Book of the Hand: an Illustrated History - The author, Gettings, invented the now widely used four-element handshape classification system (fire, water, earth, air). The book gives a comprehensive overview of European traditions of handreading.

The Hand: How Its Use Shapes the Brain, Language, and Human Culture - By neurologist Frank Wilson. How the hand shapes our lives and our brains - in light of the most recent research being done in anthropology, neuroscience, linguistics and psychology. It discusses how hands and the brain co-evolved.

Hands - By the physician John Napier, who used to be a professor and writer on primates and evolution. Covers topics such as fingerprints, handedness, gestures, fossil remains, hand hair, and the making and using of tools. He has also written books like Old World Monkeys and Bigfoot.

Dermatoglyphics

The State of Dermatoglyphics: The Science of Finger and Palm Prints

Dermatoglyphics in Medical Disorders - A comprehensive review of the scientific dermatoglyphic literature.