Encyclopedia of Parapsychology

Name: Encyclopedia of Parapsychology
Price: 160.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Block, Courtney M
ISBN: 9781538155455

✍️ Block, Courtney M

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160 $

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the mysteries of the mind with this definitive guide to parapsychology.

Courtney M. Block’s "Encyclopedia of Parapsychology" offers an unparalleled exploration into the study of psychic phenomena. This meticulously organized volume traces the full arc of parapsychological inquiry, from its 19th-century origins in psychical research and the Spiritualism era to the forefront of contemporary psi investigation. It profiles influential international figures, both pioneering researchers and those who manifested extraordinary abilities, complemented by a unique decade-by-decade bibliography illustrating the evolution of theories and research methodologies. An essential resource for understanding the field's complex history and ongoing discoveries.

Key themes

{'title': 'Historical Foundations', 'body': 'Delve into the foundational period of psychical research, examining how the Spiritualism movement ignited early scientific curiosity in phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The encyclopedia meticulously documents the initial attempts to systematically study psychic occurrences, revealing the intellectual currents that paved the way for modern parapsychology and global interest in these esoteric subjects.'} {'title': 'Pivotal Figures', 'body': 'Meet the diverse cast of characters who shaped parapsychology, from the early, intrepid psychical researchers to the mediums and individuals exhibiting remarkable abilities that prompted rigorous investigation. The book provides biographical insights into both historical and contemporary international scholars who have dedicated their lives to exploring the depths of human consciousness and its alleged extraordinary facets.'} {'title': 'Evolving Research Landscape', 'body': 'Explore the dynamic progression of parapsychological study through an exhaustive decade-by-decade annotated bibliography. This unique feature highlights how theories, experimental approaches, and understanding of psi phenomena have transformed over time, reflecting shifts in scientific thought and technological capabilities. It showcases the continuous global effort to comprehend unexplained mental phenomena.'}

🏛 Rowman & Littlefield Publishers 📅 2022 📖 366 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781538155455

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Fun fact

Block's 'Encyclopedia of Parapsychology' stands as a foundational reference, offering an impeccably researched and organized overview of a complex field. Its strength lies in its comprehensive historical sweep and meticulous documentation, making it invaluable for serious students and researchers. Those seeking sensationalized accounts or personal anecdotes might find its academic rigor less engaging. However, for anyone desiring a scholarly, global perspective on parapsychology's history, key players, and evolving research, this volume is an essential and authoritative guide, bridging the past and present of psi inquiry.

📝 Description: Encyclopedia of Parapsychology

"Superbly organized and researched, this book by Block provides a comprehensive presentation about parapsychology." -Library Journal, Starred Review The Encyclopedia of Parapsychology covers the history of parapsychology, key international figures, and a decade-by-decade annotated bibliography of research. It includes find information on early psychical researchers from around the globe and how the work of those psychical researchers inspired the creation of the modern field of parapsychology. Alongside biographical entries about key figures are sketches of those at the center of psychical inquiry, like mediums and others who seemingly have the ability to manifest strange phenomena. The Encyclopedia covers the Spiritualism era which influenced early psychical inquiry and how it influenced psychical thought around the globe. More contemporary coverage includes biographical entries for current international researchers who continue to investigate the depths of psi phenomena. In order to provide comprehensive coverage of historical and modern research into psi phenomena, the Encyclopedia features a decade-by-decade bibliography of resources that highlight the shifting theories and experiments of the field, starting from the 1870s and going through the 2020s. This section includes a wide variety of research into topics such as psychokinesis, hauntings, poltergeists (also known as recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis), near-death experiences, extrasensory perception, remote viewing, and much more. Appendices provide information on international parapsychological research organizations and a quick start research guide. With information on key figures and research on an international scale, The Encyclopedia of Parapsychology provides an approachable yet comprehensive compendium of information.

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're a curious student, an aspiring researcher, or simply fascinated by the enigmatic realms of psychic phenomena and the human mind's hidden potential, this encyclopedia is an indispensable addition to your library. It offers a structured and authoritative pathway into understanding…

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While it extensively covers the origins and evolution of the field, it also includes comprehensive biographical entries on current international researchers and a bibliography detailing modern investigations into psi phenomena.

Yes, the book illuminates various phenomena through the work of key figures, mediums, and the specific research detailed in the decade-by-decade annotated bibliography, offering insights into different manifestations of psi.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Historical Foundations

Delve into the foundational period of psychical research, examining how the Spiritualism movement ignited early scientific curiosity in phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The encyclopedia meticulously documents the initial attempts to systematically study psychic occurrences, revealing the intellectual currents that paved the way for modern parapsychology and global interest in these esoteric subjects.

Pivotal Figures

Meet the diverse cast of characters who shaped parapsychology, from the early, intrepid psychical researchers to the mediums and individuals exhibiting remarkable abilities that prompted rigorous investigation. The book provides biographical insights into both historical and contemporary international scholars who have dedicated their lives to exploring the depths of human consciousness and its alleged extraordinary facets.

Evolving Research Landscape

Explore the dynamic progression of parapsychological study through an exhaustive decade-by-decade annotated bibliography. This unique feature highlights how theories, experimental approaches, and understanding of psi phenomena have transformed over time, reflecting shifts in scientific thought and technological capabilities. It showcases the continuous global effort to comprehend unexplained mental phenomena.

💬 Quotes from the book

«From the spectral seances of Victorian England to the rigorously controlled laboratories of the 20th century, the relentless pursuit of understanding the 'sixth sense' has captivated minds across continents.»

«Each decade's research, meticulously documented, reveals not only advancements in methodology but also the persistent challenges in defining and measuring phenomena at the very edge of human perception.»

📜 Historical context

Emerging from the spiritualist fervor of the late 19th century, parapsychology sought to apply scientific rigor to phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition, which were often dismissed as superstition. This encyclopedia places itself firmly in the tradition of serious inquiry, documenting the evolution from early psychical research to a more formalized academic discipline, reflecting humanity's enduring quest to quantify and understand the inexplicable aspects of consciousness.

📚 Glossary

Parapsychology
Psychical Research
Psi Phenomena

📔 Questions to reflect on

{'question': 'How did the societal context of the Spiritualism era influence the initial scientific and academic interest in psychical phenomena, and what parallels might we draw to contemporary interest in unexplained occurrences?'}
{'question': 'Reflect on how the understanding and methodology of studying psi phenomena have evolved. What does this progression suggest about the nature of scientific inquiry into unconventional subjects?'}
{'question': "Consider a 'key figure' from parapsychology mentioned in the book (either a researcher or a phenomena manifestor). How might their contributions or experiences shape your own perspective on the potential of the human mind?"}