Understanding the paranormal

Examines the spiritual beings known as angels and demons, discussing what they are and their history. Also explores the question of whether or not they are real and discusses their appearance in literature, art, and popular culture.

"In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a popular belief system known as Spiritualism took the world by storm. People sought other realms of existence through mediums, seances, and other parapsychological means. While many of popular figures in the Spiritualist world were proven to be frauds, their practices have left their mark-in entertainment, in popular culture, and on true believers. This ... [book] dives into the spirit world to separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of ESP and other forms of parapsychology"--Provided by publisher.

Describes the history of hypnosis and how it works, and offers examples of it in the media. Includes color photographs, a glossary, and further resources.

Describes the history of ESP and how it works, and offers examples of it and other types of parapsychological phenomena in the media. Includes color photographs, a glossary, and further resources.

Presents information on the beliefs and legends about Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other cryptids from around the world. Also examines the depiction of these creatures in the media. Includes photographs, a glossary, and a list of additional resources.

Presents information on the beliefs about angels and demons from around the world. Also examines the depiction of these beings in the media. Includes photographs, a glossary, and a list of additional resources.

Presents information on the definition of ghosts, beliefs and legends about ghosts throughout time, possible scientific explanations for ghosts, and the depiction of ghosts in literature and the media. Includes a glossary and a list of additional resources.

Examines the stereotypical image of witches and their newts, caldrons, and headwear and investigates their historical origins.

Whether or not you believe in them, the scientific investigation of ghosts is big business. Reality television shows that follow ghost hunters at work and the popularity of ghost tours in many U.S. cities prove that we are fascinated by the possibility that the dead may still be with us. This book examines evidence of the existence of ghosts and takes a critical look at what the scientific findings might actually mean. It also delves into the history of ghosts in cultures around the world and attempts to explain why the idea of being haunted by spirits of the dead continues to captivate us.

Investigates the history and legends behind miracles, explaining what a miracle is, whether or not it has a scientific explanation, and its appearance in the arts and popular culture.