About the author
Peter Lamont is a historian based at the University of Edinburgh who studies the history of psychology, magic and belief in extraordinary phenomena, known for his earlier book The Rise of the Indian Rope Trick. His book Extraordinary Beliefs, published by Cambridge University Press in 2013, traces the history of mesmerism, mediumship and psychic phenomena from the early nineteenth century onward, examining why claims that have repeatedly been challenged and disputed continue to attract belief across successive generations. Rather than arguing for or against the phenomena themselves, Lamont treats belief in the extraordinary as a historical and psychological pattern worth explaining in its own right, drawing on the recurring cycle of demonstration, exposure and renewed conviction. The book is written for readers interested in the history of science, psychology and popular belief, and situates modern skepticism and credulity within a much longer historical pattern rather than treating it as a contemporary problem.
📖 Where to start with Peter Lamont
💬 What our editors say about Peter Lamont's books
“Peter Lamont offers a meticulous examination of why individuals across generations embrace phenomena defying conventional explanation. This book suits those interested in the historical and cognitive aspects of belief, providing…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Extraordinary Beliefs
“Lamont provides a rigorous, academic deconstruction of belief systems surrounding the paranormal from the nineteenth century to the present. The text is dense and analytical, prioritizing cognitive and cultural explanation over…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Extraordinary Beliefs
