🕯️ Occult Philosophy −25%

Ghost Land: Or Researches Into the Mysteries of Occultism

✍️ William Britten, Emma Hardinge, Emma Hardinge Britten
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$56.00 $75.00 Save $19.00 (25%)
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1876 compilation of occult mysteries prepared by medium Emma Hardinge Britten.

This volume presents a historical examination of spiritualist beliefs from the late nineteenth century. Emma Hardinge Britten, who worked as a medium in England and America, organized the text for publication. The narrative attributes its origins to Chevalier Louis de B., an enigmatic nobleman. The book functions as a research document rather than a practical manual. It addresses general history and religion alongside social science anthropology. The focus lies on cultural and social aspects of psychic phenomena. Readers looking for contemporary magical practices will not find them here. Instead, the text offers a structured look at how occultism was studied during its time. The physical book contains 366 pages of dense historical analysis. It is suitable for those interested in the academic study of spiritualism. The edition published by Cambridge University Press in 2014 preserves this specific viewpoint on past mystical traditions.

Key Themes
occultism mysteries spiritualist mediumship psychic phenomena history
Literary Context

Emma Hardinge Britten wrote this work in 1876 during a period when spiritualism was prominent in England and America. Her role as a lecturer and medium influenced the compilation of these occult researches attributed to Chevalier Louis de B.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Arthur Conan Doyle · H.P. Blavatsky · Emanuel Swedenborg
🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Cambridge University Press 📅 2014 📖 366 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781108067942
Fun Fact
"Ghost Land" offers an invaluable window into the heart of 19th-century spiritualism and occultism. Its strength lies in presenting a purportedly firsthand account, curated by a pivotal figure like Britten, making it a crucial historical document. While it might disappoint those seeking a modern, structured guide to occult practice, it will captivate readers interested in the origins of esoteric thought and the rich tapestry of Victorian psychic exploration. It stands as a testament to an era's profound quest for unseen truths.

📝 Description: Ghost Land: Or Researches Into the Mysteries of Occultism

Emma Hardinge Britten prepared Ghost Land for publication in 1876. She was a lecturer and writer on spiritualism who acted as a medium in England and America. The text claims to be written by an enigmatic nobleman known as Chevalier Louis de B. This volume investigates the mysteries of occultism through historical research rather than personal anecdote. It covers subjects within general history, religion, and social science anthropology. The work examines cultural and social phenomena related to psychic events. Readers interested in the intersection of mind, body, and spirit will find relevant material here. Those seeking modern practical witchcraft guides may find this historical analysis less useful. The book is organized as a scholarly inquiry into past beliefs and practices. It does not offer new rituals but rather documents existing ones from a specific era. The physical edition contains 366 pages of text bound in paperback format. It weighs approximately 0.46 kilograms and measures 21.59 centimeters in length. This size makes it portable for readers who prefer physical texts over digital formats. The content remains focused on the spiritualist movement of the late nineteenth century. Britten’s background as a medium lends her perspective to the compilation of these materials. The publisher Cambridge University Press released this edition on January 02, 2014. The ISBN for this specific printing is 9781108067942. The work stands as a record of occult research during a time when spiritualism was gaining traction in Western societies. It provides a window into how psychic phenomena were perceived and categorized by scholars of that period.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
While 'Ghost Land' provides valuable insight into 19th-century spiritualist literature, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or those skeptical of mediumship. The narrative relies heavily on the purported revelations of an enigmatic figure, which might feel unsubstantiated to modern scientific minds. However, for those open to historical esotericism, it offers a captivating journey. It is best appreciated by those who enjoy the literary style of the era and are interested in the biography of Emma Hardinge Britten rather than empirical proof. Readers looking for straightforward factual history may find the obscure, revelatory tone challenging.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the historical evolution of spiritualism and the cultural shift toward accepting psychic phenomena will find this book indispensable. It offers a unique window into the 19th-century mindset regarding the unseen, presented through the lens of a renowned medium who bridged England and America. Those interested in how esoteric secrets were packaged for public consumption during this pivotal era will appreciate the meticulous preparation behind these revelations. It is ideal for scholars and enthusiasts seeking to understand the rich tapestry of occult research from a time when such topics were moving from the shadows into broader philosophical conversation, providing context for modern spiritualist thought.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
If you're drawn to the historical roots of spiritualism, curious about 19th-century occult investigations, or seek original perspectives on psychic phenomena, this volume offers a fascinating journey. It's for those who appreciate primary sources in the study of the unseen and esoteric traditions…

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

While 'Ghost Land' provides valuable insight into 19th-century spiritualist literature, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous academic analysis or those skeptical of mediumship. The narrative relies heavily on the purported revelations of an enigmatic figure, which might feel unsubstantiated to modern scientific minds. However, for those open to historical esotericism, it offers a captivating journey. It is best appreciated by those who enjoy the literary style of the era and are interested in the biography of Emma Hardinge Britten rather than empirical proof. Readers looking for straightforward factual history may find the obscure, revelatory tone challenging.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While attributed to the mysterious 'Chevalier Louis de B.', the work was meticulously prepared and published by Emma Hardinge Britten, a prominent spiritualist. This suggests she played a significant editorial or perhaps even collaborative role in its final form, shaping its presentation to the public.
The book broadly covers 'occultism,' which in the 19th century often encompassed spiritualism, psychic phenomena, esoteric philosophy, and hidden knowledge, rather than a single defined tradition. It delves into the mysteries of the unseen world and non-physical realms.

📖 Who should read this

If you're drawn to the historical roots of spiritualism, curious about 19th-century occult investigations, or seek original perspectives on psychic phenomena, this volume offers a fascinating journey. It's for those who appreciate primary sources in the study of the unseen and esoteric traditions from a pivotal era.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Spiritualist Mediumship Unveiled

This book explores the practice and implications of communicating with spirits. Given Britten's role as a medium, the text likely delves into the mechanics, experiences, and philosophical underpinnings of spirit contact, offering firsthand or deeply informed perspectives on channeling and psychic phenomena prevalent in the 19th century.

Occult Research & Lore

The work delves into esoteric traditions and hidden knowledge. Attributed to 'Chevalier Louis de B.', it likely compiles or reveals various facets of occultism, from secret societies to mystical doctrines, providing a broad overview or specific insights into the era's understanding of the esoteric arts and sciences, challenging conventional perceptions.

Victorian Esotericism Explored

This volume illuminates the intellectual and cultural landscape of spiritualism and occult thought during the Victorian era. The book serves as a historical document, showcasing the vibrant interest in psychic abilities, unseen realms, and the quest for spiritual understanding that characterized this period, heavily influenced by Britten's prominent role.

📜 Historical context

"Ghost Land" emerged during a golden age of spiritualism, a movement that captivated both sides of the Atlantic in the late 19th century. Emma Hardinge Britten, a key figure, helped shape public perception and intellectual discourse around mediumship and the afterlife, making this work a vital artifact reflecting the era's profound engagement with the supernatural and esoteric mysteries.

📚 Glossary

Spiritualism
Mediumship
Esoteric

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How do the insights presented in "Ghost Land" resonate with or challenge your current understanding of spiritual communication?
  2. Considering Britten's role, what are the implications of a medium presenting or editing a text from an anonymous 'Chevalier' on occult subjects?
  3. In what ways might the spiritualist movement of the 19th century, as reflected in this work, still influence contemporary esoteric thought?

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