Ghosts Spirits and Psychics

This fascinating work provides a complete overview of paranormal phenomena including the beliefs attitudes and notable figures who have attempted to explain defend or debunk the mysteries behind the unknown.Recent interest in the paranormal as pop culture fodder belies its historical status as an important subject of cultural philosophical and scientific significance. This book traces the trajectory of paranormal studies from its early role as a serious academic and scientific topic studied by mainstream scientists and eminent scholars to its current popularity in books film and TV. This compelling reference work details the experiences encounters and ideas that make up this controversial field of study. The contributed entries examine the broad phenomena of the paranormal addressing the history of scientific investigations along with its contemporary media depictions to illustrate the evolution of cultural attitudes about the paranormal. A selection of primary documents provides real-life accounts and contributions from noted experts that explore the full scope of themes from spiritualism to poltergeists to astrology. Accompanying images timelines quotations and sidebars make the content come to life and encourage alternative explanations of these events.