Ghosts: True Stories - Softcover

Clarke, Roger

Softcover

ISBN 10: 125007312X ISBN 13: 9781250073129

Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2016

Synopsis

A hunt through the most haunted places in history―and a vivid exploration of the human longing to believe in
GHOSTS
What explains sightings of ghosts? What exactly do those who have been haunted see? And what evidence is out there? Taking us through the key hauntings that have obsessed the world―from the true events that inspired Henry James’s classic The Turn of the Screw to the poltergeists and enduring mysteries of the present day―Roger Clarke unravels a compelling history of ghosts, from their presence in early religious folklore to the pursuit of neuroscientific proof. With a cast of characters including British royals, U. S. presidents, and Harry Houdini, among others, this is an unforgettable journey through the unknown that is sure to shock and thrill readers of all beliefs.
“If you believe in ghosts, Roger Clark’s book will confirm what you know. If you don’t, perhaps he’ll change your mind.”―Roanoke Times

About this title

About the Author

ROGER CLARKE is best known as a film-writer for the Independent newspaper and more recently Sight & Sound. Inspired by a childhood spent in two haunted houses, Roger Clarke has spent much of his life trying to see a ghost. He was the youngest person ever to join the Society for Psychical Research in the 1980s and was getting his ghost stories published by The Pan & Fontana series of horror books at just 15, when Roald Dahl asked his agent to take him on as a client.

Review

“Roger Clarke tells this [the story that inspired Henry James' The Turn of the Screw] and many other gloriously weird stories with real verve, and also a kind of narrative authority that tends to constrain the skeptical voice within... [an] erudite and richly entertaining book.” ―New York Times Book Review

“Ghost-hunting gets a gentlemanly makeover in this meticulous history of hauntings. Clarke indulges his lifelong interest in the paranormal in this well-documented look at ghost stories and the people who have told them throughout history... He covers everything in loving detail... Clarke's discussions of geography also lend realism...a useful index, a chronology and a reference list ...will serve other paranormal researchers well. Excerpts from letters, illustrations of experiments and many complex family trees ground in reality what could be dismissed as fantasy.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A gripping history that traces the scientific and social aspects of ghostly sightings. . . . [A] voyage through the half-lit world of lost souls ... tales told with ghoulish relish” ―Telegraph

“Compelling ... Research into the paranormal necessarily involves a fair degree of debunking, and Clarke is careful to be skeptical. The narrative of ghost-hunting is simultaneously a history and exposure of fraud and popular delusion ... [yet] Clarke retains a boyish and ... well-informed enthusiasm for his subject.” ―Independent

“Splendid ... compelling ... Clarke manages to give goose-flesh and a giggle while informing the reader - an enviable feat.” ―Scotsman

“Compelling ... Research into the paranormal necessarily involves a fair degree of debunking, and Clarke is careful to be sceptical. The narrative of ghost-hunting is simultaneously a history and exposure of fraud and popular delusion ... [yet] Clarke retains a boyish and ... well-informed enthusiasm for his subject.” ―Independent

“A fascinating social history ... exceptionally well written and researched.” ―Starburst Magazine

“Outstanding ... Clarke's dissection of the shocks, sadnesses and sexiness of the seance tables from the late Victorian era is brilliantly done ... The book is deeply enjoyable, hugely informative and at times distinctly unsettling” ―Shade Point

“Lively and absorbing ... [Clarke] has proven himself an ideal guide to this troubled and disorderly realm.” ―Literary Review

About this edition

• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 125007312X
• ISBN 13: 9781250073129
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 368