New Books and Media

This book is freely available at the publisher's website: Editorial Antigua. 

From the publisher’s website: Spanning the years 1870–1881, Evenings at Home in Spiritual Séance documents the everyday, yet astonishing, experiences of spirit activity within the domestic space of the Victorian parlour. Through the intimacy of her diary-like prose, Houghton conjures cosy images of spirits laying the table for tea in what she called the “interblending of the heavenly and the mundane”. She is equally comfortable communicating with her beloved pet dove as she is with the archangel Gabriel, living an unassuming yet spiritually rich life, filled with people of this world and the next. Houghton narrates her experiences of séances and trance mediumship with close friends, discusses her own automatic spirit drawings, and offers an autobiographical glimpse into her day-to-day business. This critical edition, edited by Sara Williams, includes: Introduction; author biography; select bibliography; explanatory footnotes; appendices on ‘Houghton in the Spiritualist press’, ‘Automatic spirit drawings’ and ‘Houghton’s spirit photography’ Sara Williams is an Honorary Research Associate in the Department of English, University of Hull, where she completed her PhD ‘The Maternal Gaze in the Gothic’. Her research focuses on Victorian spirit photography and memorial portraiture, epistemologies of hysteria, Christian mysticism and Mariology and the everyday Gothic. She has published on the novel and film versions of The Exorcist and the life and work of H.P. Lovecraft, and her next project considers motifs of cannibalism in Catholic female hagiography. Further details can be found at www.victoriansecrets.co.uk. The book is available in both paperback and Kindle editions.

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the publisher: A comprehensive guide to Britain’s most terrifying ghost stories, exploring the dark world of the paranormal. Ghost stories have both terrified and intrigued for centuries. Some people dismiss them off hand, others like to delve deeper into the mystery, and there are those that have had first hand experiences. In Extreme Hauntings, the most terrifying British ghost stories are brought together in this unique and original compilation of spine-chilling true encounters, both ancient and modern. Including tales of deadly curses, murderous ghosts, violent poltergeists, haunted relics and spirit possession, all manner of hauntings are detailed with unsettling insights into a supernatural realm. From the mysterious happenings at Hinton Ampner and the eerie Black Monk of Pontefract, to the celebrated Enfield Poltergeist and the sinister power of the Hexham Heads, this new title from paranormal historian Paul Adams & writer Eddie Brazil delves into paranormal cases that span over 250 years. Detailing supernatural happenings from the 18th century to the present day, Extreme Hauntings is a detailed examination of hauntings from across the UK that will chill you to the bone.

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the publisher’s website: It’s a science that keeps a low profile. But its results have the potential to change the face of science itself. The science is parapsychology and its findings have been put to use in fields from archaeology to medicine. Who are the men and women of parapsychology? Who are the brilliant, talented individuals who have spent most of their lives exploring the mysteries of consciousness? Why did they choose to enter such a controversial field of science? Why did they persist in their investigation and risk being ostracized by many mainstream scientists? What advice do they have for young people entering the field? The answers to these questions and more can be found in this new book entitled Men and Women of Parapsychology, Personal Reflections, Esprit Volume 2, edited by Rosemarie Pilkington.

The book contains mini-autobiographies of 21 pioneering researchers from the United States and Europe. This work is the second in a series edited by Rosemarie Pilkington, the first being Esprit, Men and Women of Parapsychology, Personal Reflections, Volume 1, which features the stories of 12 other notable researchers. Rosemarie Pilkington earned a Ph.D. in Psychology (Consciousness Studies) from Saybrook Graduate Institute, under the mentorship of Prof. Stanley Krippner. She has written articles and reviews of books on psi phenomena for Fate, the Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, and other periodicals. The first volume in this series, Esprit, Men and Women of Parapsychology Personal Reflections, Volume 1, and her book, The Spirit of Dr. Bindelof: The Enigma of Seance Phenomena, a study of physical mediumship, are both also published by Anomalist Books. Visit her websites at AreSpiritsReal.com and parapsychology-bios.com. Contents: Editor’s Note Foreword by Nancy L. Zingrone The Questions Mary Rose Barrington: Beyond The Boggle Threshold: Confessions Of A Macro-Addict Eberhard Bauer: On the Magic Hill William Braud: On Exceptions and the Attraction of the Unexplained Residua Stephen Braude: My Career on the Margins Richard S. Broughton: Don’t Hold Your Breath Larry Dossey: Hooked on Healing: Adventures in Nonlocal Mind Sally Rhine Feather: Continuing the Legacy Erlendur Haraldsson: The Question of Appearance and Reality Arthur Hastings: A Confluence of Streams Stanley Krippner: My Parapsychological Odyssey Lawrence LeShan: An Interview Roger Nelson: Thirty Years and Counting John Palmer: My Career in Parapsychology and Advice for Others Guy Lyon Playfair: Adventures on the Night-Side William G. Roll: A Lifetime of Searching Serena Roney-Dougal: For the Love of Mind: Exploring Psyche Stephan A. Schwartz: Explorations in the Infinite Rex G. Stanford: Personal Reflections Russell Targ: Why I Am Convinced of the Reality of Psychic Abilities, and Why You Should Be, Too Charles T. Tart: The Parapsychological Side of My Career Walter von Lucadou: The Paranormal is Normal But Quite Different

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the publisher’s website: Sink into the depths … The great oceans of the world have long been considered alien environments said to harbour strange creatures and unfathomable mysteries. This new book from full-time monster hunter Neil Arnold examines the maritime-rich heritage surrounding the coastline of Britain and the mysterious activity said to take place there. Shadows on the Sea explores eerie stories of phantom ships upon frothing waves, sailor’s stories, fishermen’s tales and impossible monsters said to hide within the inky depths, not forgetting weird tales of USOs – unidentified submarine-type objects – and other mysterious lights witnessed out at sea. Compiling hundreds of stories and many eyewitness accounts, from the spine-chilling to the utterly bizarre, this volume is an exploration of the unknown that takes the reader on a voyage through strange tales and roaring seas.

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the publisher's website: While the generally accepted definition of premonitions involves dark warnings or visions of terrible events to come, the truth is most premonitions are about the ordinary moments in daily life. They can occur in a variety of ways, from sudden and intense apprehension to the subtle whisper of intuition.

Premonitions in Daily Life is the only book that investigates the deeper meanings behind premonitions. Most similar titles begin and end with the question of whether or not they exist, and never explore the important concerns: What do premonitions say about me? How do I respond? How do I make sense of premonitions when my culture doesn’t believe in them?

This in-depth, three-part guide shows how to identify premonitions in your life, demystifies the assumptions and fears about them, and thoroughly demonstrates how to respond with common sense and without challenging your beliefs.

From the publisher’s website: After decades of analyzing his dreams, a professor of psychology finds that some of them anticipate future events. Not only does he dream the exact day of the year on which one of his books is accepted for publication, but he learns how to use these dreams to create better outcomes in his life. Working with a medium for his research as well as in the classroom, he finds that the medium often gets correct information to which she does not have any ordinary access during apparent conversations with the dead. As his experiments continue to meet with surprising results, the author comes to accept the idea that reality is much more interesting than conventional science has led us to believe. Imants Barušs is a Professor of Psychology who teaches courses on consciousness. Dr. Barušs’ previous books include Alterations of Consciousness and Science as a Spiritual Practice.

Review by Zofia Weaver

From the publisher’s website: Erasing Death: The Science That Is Rewriting the Boundaries Between Life and Death reveals that death is not a moment in time. Death, rather, is a process—a process that can be interrupted well after it has begun. Innovative techniques have proven to be effective in revitalizing both the body and mind, but they are only employed in approximately half of the hospitals throughout the United States and Europe. Dr. Sam Parnia, Director of the AWARE Study (AWAreness during REsuscitation) and one of the world’s leading experts on the scientific study of death and near-death experiences (NDE), presents cutting-edge research from the front lines of critical care and resuscitation medicine while also shedding light on the ultimate mystery: What happens to human consciousness during and after death? Dr. Parnia reveals how some form of “afterlife” may be uniquely ours, as evidenced by the continuation of the human mind and psyche after the brain stops functioning. Questions about the "self" and the "soul" that were once relegated to theology, philosophy, or even science fiction are now being examined afresh according to rigorous scientific research With physicians such as Parnia at the forefront, we are on the verge of discovering a new universal science of consciousness that reveals the nature of the mind and a future where death is not the final defeat, but is in fact reversible.

From the publisher’s website: Haunted Lambeth is a collection of real-life stories of apparitions and poltergeists from all across the London borough of Lambeth. Included are the ghost stories of Lambeth Palace, the terrifying tradition of the ‘Tomb of the Tradescants’, a ghost at The Old Vic Theatre, the dream house that haunted the entertainer Roy Hudd, supernatural echoes of Waterloo’s Necropolis Railway, the ghosts of Ruth Ellis and others at Streatham’s Caesar’s Nightclub. These stories have been collected and researched over many years, and come from a variety of sources including original newspaper articles, books and, as often as possible, personal communication with people directly involved.

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the author: Lynn Kathleen Russell has researched 2500 NDEs and now shares what she has learned through her extensive investigations. Those who have returned from death frequently come back with vastly different ways of seeing the world, others, and themselves. They are more caring, gentle, and have a deeper sense of spirituality. Russell was the primary researcher for Dr. Jeff Long MD for his book, Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences, and the owner of the website NDERF (Near Death Experience Research Foundation). Within the many cases she examined and discovered wonderful messages she wanted to share with others. Through her research, Russell found these cases offered deeply hidden messages about the world, life and the paths we all travel. Her book will guide readers toward their own personal discoveries, and is designed for readers who are looking to understand their place in the world. Prior to researching with NDERF, Lynn Russell was a family counsellor for over twenty-five years in Calgary, Alberta Canada.

From the publisher’s website: You've seen paranormal investigations on TV, but what is it like to do an investigation yourself? If you have ever longed to conduct a ghost investigation, look for UFOs or find evidence of cryptozoological species roaming in the wilds, then this book is for you. Aimed at the complete beginner, A Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigation shows you what you need to know in order to conduct effective paranormal investigations - from assembling your basic kit through to revealing useful methods and techniques that will help you to conduct effective investigations in a no-nonsense manner. Since paranormal investigation can be a costly pastime, this book also shows you how to investigate on a shoestring budget. Written by the members of Para-Projects - three experienced paranormal investigators with over thirty collective years' investigation experience, this book is packed with handy hints and tips, charts and illustrations that will equip you in your quest to seek out the unknown - and increase your chances of capturing evidence of the paranormal on film, video and audio. Good hunting.

Review by Tom Ruffles

From the publisher’s website: Hauntings: Psychoanalysis and Ghostly Transmissions shows how the present is troubled by the past and by the future, using the idea of haunting to explore psychoanalytically how identities, beliefs, intimacies and hatreds are transmitted across generations and between people. It deals with the secrets that we inherit, the 'pull' of the past, and the way emotions, thoughts and impulses enter into us from others as a kind of immaterial yet real communication. This book demonstrates how past oppressions return, demanding acknowledgement and reparation, and explores how recognition and forgiveness can arise from this. Rooted in psychoanalysis, postcolonial and psychosocial studies, Frosh addresses the question of what passes through and between human subjects and how these things structure social and psychopolitical life. Contents: Acknowledgements Introduction: Psychoanalysis as a Ghostly System Facing the Truth about Ourselves Ghostly Psychoanalysis The Evil Eye Telepathy Transmission Forgiveness Conclusion References