A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural

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Discover the spine-chilling history of ghosts and the supernatural throughout time and around the world in this stunningly illustrated guide.A History of Ghosts, Spirits, and Other Supernatural Phenomena explores stories from around the world, from the Japanese onryo ("vengeful spirit") to the Irish banshee, and the dybbuk of Jewish folklore to La Llorona ("the weeping woman") of Latin America.The perfect introduction to the subject, this fascinating volume charts the various ways in which spirits and the spirit world have been depicted in myth and religion, folklore, art, and literature, and recounts infamous real-life tales of haunted houses and ghost ships, séances and mediumship, poltergeists, possessions, and demonic encounters.Features profile other ghostly or "undead" beings such as succubi and incubi, vampires, and werewolves, as well as exploring the numerous reasons that ghost stories or tales of the uncanny have a place in cultures all over the world. Entries also explore scientific theories around ghosts and hauntings, such as stone-tape theory (the idea that spirits can leave a sound impression on audio tape) or Kirlian photography (images of electrical discharges at the point of death).The most comprehensive illustrated history of the subject available, A History of Ghosts, Spirits, and Other Supernatural Phenomena will shock and delight you in equal measure—whether you are a believer or a skeptic.