Understanding the paranormal

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.

Given the vastness of the universe, it is not difficult to imagine the possibility of life—even intelligent life—beyond Earth. Yet whether any extraterrestrial beings have ever made contact with us and if any evidence of this contact exists, remains widely debated. Evaluating tales of alien encounters and UFO sightings with a critical eye, this absorbing volume considers the possibility of extraterrestrial life by carefully separating scientific fact from fiction, hoaxes, and the unprovable. It also examines (3z(Bufology(3y (Band alien life in popular culture, surveying the books, movies, TV shows, and more inspired by the idea of intergalactic contact.

For millennia, tales of lost civilizations have captivated humanity, and foremost among them is the legend of Atlantis. In this guide to Atlantis and other lost lands, readers will learn to sort through fact and fiction, learning about the historical origins of lost-city legends, the lessons they teach us, archaeological digs for the truth, and—perhaps closest to home—their place in popular culture. The main focus is on the tale of Atlantis, with sidebars that highlight similarly (3z(Blost(3y (Bmythical societies. For fans of the paranormal or seekers of the truth, this is the definitive book to read.

Hear (3z(Babominable(3y (Band you may well think disgusting, detestable, disagreeable. Hear (3z(Bsnowman(3y (Band you think adorable. But put the two words together—Abominable Snowman—and you get a mystery. In this page-turner, students will read about people who claim to have seen the creature—even to have preserved body parts. Yikes. Other people and groups included in this book aim to debunk what they see as baseless myths. Readers will learn about both views of the Abominable Snowman as well as other legendary beasts in this provocative and riveting account. They can then come to their own conclusions.

For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklore’s biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of (3z(Bzombification,(3y (Bincluding tropical drugs and poisons, are examined, and real stories of zombies are debunked. Real or not, zombies have invaded pop culture and there’s no escape.