About the author
William Barrett was Sir William Fletcher Barrett, a physicist who held the chair in physics at the Royal College of Science for Dublin from 1873 to 1910 and was one of the founding figures of the Society for Psychical Research, established in 1882. His best-known book, On the Threshold of the Unseen, examines the phenomena of spiritualism and the evidence offered at the time for survival after death, and has been reissued in several editions, including one from Cambridge University Press drawn from the original 1917 publication. His related book Deathbed Visions draws on reminiscences from decades of psychical research, including an account he gave to the Society for Psychical Research less than a year before his death. Barrett's work sits within the earliest serious attempts to bring scientific method to claims of psychic phenomena.
📖 Where to start with William Barrett
💬 What our editors say about William Barrett's books
“This foundational text provides a fascinating glimpse into early twentieth-century scientific attempts to validate the unseen realms. Barrett’s background in physics lends weight to his exploration of psychic phenomena, making it…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On the Threshold of the Unseen
“Barrett’s work stands as a serious attempt to apply scientific rigor to spiritualist claims, making it a significant historical document for scholars of esotericism. However, readers seeking definitive proof or comforting dogma…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On the Threshold of the Unseen: An Examination of the Phenomena of Spiritualism and of the Evidence for Survival After Death
“Barrett’s text is a dense but rewarding examination of spiritualist evidence, written from an early scientific perspective that demands careful attention. It is not suitable for casual readers seeking light entertainment or…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on On the Threshold of the Unseen: An Examination of the Phenomena of Spiritualism and of the Evidence for Survival After Death
📋 Editions by William Barrett in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On the Threshold of the Unseen | 2012 | White Crow Books | 232 | 9781908733702 |
| On the Threshold of the Unseen: An Examination of the Phenomena | 2022 | Legare Street Press | 358 | 9781018150420 |
| On the Threshold of the Unseen: An Examination of the Phenomena | 2022 | Legare Street Press | 358 | 9781018155265 |
| Deathbed Visions | 2011 | White Crow Books | 140 | 9781907661020 |
| On the Threshold of the Unseen Barrett, William | 2011 | Cambridge University Press | 362 | 9781108028509 |
