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Encyclopedia of the Paranormal — Occult Philosophy

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Encyclopedia of the Paranormal

Name: Encyclopedia of the Paranormal
Price: 160.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781573920216

✍️ Stein, Gordon

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Gordon Stein edits an 884-page reference work analyzing paranormal claims, historical mediums, and alchemy.

Gordon Stein compiled this extensive reference work using contributions from over 50 experts to document supernatural claims and historical hoaxes. Published by Prometheus Books, the volume collects more than 90 detailed articles that evaluate psychic phenomena and mystical practices through a secular, evidence-based lens. The entries draw on historical records of mediums, alchemy, and early psychic research to examine how extraordinary claims have been investigated over time. Stein brought his extensive experience as a freethought bibliographer and technical consultant to the project, organizing a structured critique of popular esoteric topics.

Key Themes

psychokinesis and channeling mediums and alchemy astrology and palmistry

Literary Context

Published in February 1996, this volume reflects late twentieth-century secular humanism and scientific skepticism. It emerged from the work of American freethought researchers and technical consultants dedicated to investigating paranormal claims.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Carl Jung's works on the unconscious · The Encyclopedia Britannica's spiritualism entries · Robert Todd Carroll's skeptical analyses

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Prometheus Books 📅 1996 📖 884 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781573920216

Fun Fact

Gordon Stein's "Encyclopedia of the Paranormal" excels as an exhaustive, well-structured reference, offering a remarkably comprehensive overview of esoteric and psychic phenomena. While it might disappoint those seeking definitive proof or practical instruction in occult arts, its strength lies in its objective, academic presentation of diverse topics. This volume firmly establishes itself as a foundational resource for anyone undertaking serious study or research in the vast and often misunderstood field of the paranormal.

📝 Description: Encyclopedia of the Paranormal

Prometheus Books issued this hardcover volume of 884 pages under the editorship of Gordon Stein, an American freethought bibliographer, librarian, historian, and editor. Stein held positions as senior editor at Free Inquiry and technical consultant for the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal. His historical research centered on celebrating secular humanism while exposing religious, paranormal, and other hoaxes. Across more than 90 articles written by over 50 experts, the encyclopedia surveys strictly paranormal phenomena, including psychokinesis, channeling, levitation, astrology, phrenology, and palmistry, alongside historical subjects such as mediums, psychic research, and alchemy. The text provides an analytical reference for readers seeking a critical examination of supernatural claims and historical occult traditions from a secular humanist perspective. Because the coverage focuses heavily on the scientific investigation and exposure of hoaxes, this reference suits skeptical researchers, historians, and readers interested in the critical analysis of mystical traditions. It does not suit practitioners or believers looking for practical guides or sympathetic instruction in occult arts.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Stein’s encyclopedia is a triumph of organization, offering an authoritative guide that unravels the mysteries of the unseen world with precision. However, it does not suit readers seeking mystical immersion or personal spiritual transformation; this is a reference work, not a devotional text. Skeptics may find its comprehensive scope useful for debate, while enthusiasts might miss deeper narrative arcs found in single-author monographs. It is best utilized as a desk companion for research rather than a cover-to-cover read. Those expecting supernatural validation or emotional resonance will likely feel detached by its academic tone.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is essential for anyone seeking a grounded, scholarly overview of phenomena often relegated to the fringes of conventional understanding. Gordon Stein provides an indispensable compendium that serves as a foundational text for those eager to explore the enigmatic with clarity. By featuring over ninety articles from more than fifty leading experts, it offers an exhaustive guide that demystifies subjects ranging from psychokinesis to alchemy. Readers will gain a robust understanding of the esoteric landscape through meticulous compilation and accessible prose, making it a vital resource for both serious students and curious minds alike.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you possess a keen curiosity about the boundaries of human experience, whether you're a seasoned researcher, a discerning skeptic, or a new explorer of the unknown, this comprehensive reference will be an invaluable addition to your library. It's for anyone desiring an objective, well-researched…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Stein’s encyclopedia is a triumph of organization, offering an authoritative guide that unravels the mysteries of the unseen world with precision. However, it does not suit readers seeking mystical immersion or personal spiritual transformation; this is a reference work, not a devotional text. Skeptics may find its comprehensive scope useful for debate, while enthusiasts might miss deeper narrative arcs found in single-author monographs. It is best utilized as a desk companion for research rather than a cover-to-cover read. Those expecting supernatural validation or emotional resonance will likely feel detached by its academic tone.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Not at all. This encyclopedia is designed as an objective reference work, presenting information on various topics without necessarily endorsing belief, making it valuable for skeptics and researchers alike.

While it includes historical traditions like alchemy, the book also extensively covers more contemporary topics such as psychokinesis and channeling, offering a broad scope from past to present.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Paranormal Phenomena Unveiled

This encyclopedia meticulously documents a wide array of phenomena often labeled "paranormal." Readers will find detailed explorations of abilities like psychokinesis, the process of channeling, and accounts of levitation, all presented with an aim to categorize and describe these extraordinary occurrences for academic and curious minds alike.

Historical Occult Traditions

Beyond contemporary phenomena, the volume provides a rich historical perspective on occultism. It traces the evolution of practices such as alchemy, the rise of mediumship, and the methodical efforts of early psychic research, offering context for how these traditions have shaped our understanding of the esoteric through the ages.

Divinatory and Esoteric Practices

Discover the intricate details of various esoteric and divinatory arts. The encyclopedia dedicates significant attention to practices like astrology, which seeks patterns in celestial bodies, the interpretive art of phrenology, and the ancient wisdom found in palmistry, offering insights into their historical application and theoretical underpinnings.

📜 Historical context

Published at a time when skepticism and serious academic inquiry into the paranormal were both gaining momentum, Stein's encyclopedia stands as a pivotal work. It consolidates diverse perspectives, bridging historical occult traditions with modern psychic research, positioning itself as a definitive late 20th-century compendium for understanding the then-current state of paranormal studies.

📚 Glossary

Psychokinesis
Channeling
Levitation

📔 Questions to reflect on

Considering the diverse range of phenomena documented, what criteria would you personally use to distinguish between genuine paranormal occurrences and psychological or observational biases?
How might the historical context of certain esoteric practices, like alchemy or phrenology, influence their reception and interpretation in contemporary society?
After exploring various topics, what specific area of the paranormal do you find most compelling or most ripe for further rigorous investigation, and why?