−15%

Ghosts and Other Spirits of the Dead

✍️ Owen, Ruth
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$27.99 $32.95 Save $4.96 (15%)
Temporarily out of stock

Currently unavailable

This book is sold out right now. Leave your email — we'll let you know if it comes back, and you'll get 10% off any book today.

In stock now — readers of this book also loved:

Casas Fantasmales (Ghost Houses) Rudolph, Jessica -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Rudolph, Jessica
Casas Fantasmales (Ghost Houses) Rudolph, Jessica
$25.99 $30.95
78
Parques de Diversiones Embrujados (Haunted Amusement Parks) Cantor, Rachel Anne -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Cantor, Rachel Anne
Parques de Diversiones Embrujados (Haunted Amusement Parks) Cantor, Rachel Anne
$25.99 $30.95
78
Horror in Colorado Brinker, Spencer -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Brinker, Spencer
Horror in Colorado Brinker, Spencer
$25.99 $30.95
78
The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 1: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Grof, Stanislav
The Way of the Psychonaut Vol. 1: Encyclopedia for Inner Journeys
$26.95
92
The Masnavi I Ma'navi of Rumi
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Rumi, Maulana Jalalu-'d-Din Muhammad
The Masnavi I Ma'navi of Rumi
$29.49
92
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This compelling volume delves into the enduring mystery of spirits and the afterlife, inviting young readers to explore the concept of ghosts. It skillfully navigates between captivating historical narratives and contemporary accounts of paranormal encounters. Far from merely recounting spooky tales, the book encourages critical thinking, examining cultural fears and superstitions that might explain the origins of these stories. Furthermore, it introduces scientific perspectives to demystify seemingly inexplicable phenomena, providing a balanced and engaging investigation into the world of the unseen. Perfect for curious minds who love a good mystery and seek understanding.

🏛 Kodiak Books 📅 2013 📖 32 pages 📔 Library Binding ISBN: 9781617727245
Fun Fact
This title masterfully blends the intrigue of classic ghost stories with a robust, inquiry-based approach, making it an excellent entry point for young minds into the world of paranormal investigation. It excels at encouraging critical thinking, balancing captivating lore with scientific skepticism. Those seeking purely terrifying tales or a definitive 'proof' of ghosts might be disappointed, as its strength lies in its balanced exploration. It stands out in juvenile non-fiction for its intelligent handling of a perennially fascinating subject, fostering both wonder and analytical skills.

📝 Description: Ghosts and Other Spirits of the Dead

Could a spirit of the dead really come back to haunt the living? If tales of ghosts are just fictional stories, why do so many people report seeing these supernatural beings? What would it be like to be the restless spirit of someone who has died, and how can you tell if ghosts inhabit the house you live in? In Ghosts and Other Spirits of the Dead, children will read historical stories and modern-day accounts of ghostly encounters. Kids will get all the information they need to help them spot or sense the spirits of the dead and to protect themselves from being haunted by ghosts. Children will also investigate the truth behind ghost stories by first exploring the fears and superstitions of different cultures that might explain the origins of the stories, and then looking at the scientific facts that might explain the seemingly unexplainable. If you love a spine-chilling horror story but also want to investigate the truth behind these myths, this is the book for you!

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Owen’s work offers a refreshing take on ghost lore by prioritizing inquiry over immersion. While it successfully balances captivating historical narratives with scientific demystification, it may disappoint readers seeking pure horror or uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. The text is best suited for the skeptical or analytically minded youth who enjoy unraveling cultural fears. Those looking for intense supernatural thrillers or traditional occult instruction will find its tone too educational and detached. However, for those who appreciate a balanced investigation into the unseen world through the lens of critical thinking, it provides a sturdy, engaging foundation.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an ideal gateway for young readers who are fascinated by the unknown but require a grounded framework to understand it. It serves those who love mystery and suspense but prefer a narrative that encourages critical thinking over blind fear. By weaving together historical accounts and modern paranormal encounters, it validates the reader's curiosity while teaching them to examine cultural superstitions. The inclusion of scientific perspectives empowers young minds to demystify strange phenomena, making it perfect for students who seek understanding rather than just spooky thrills. It transforms the abstract concept of the afterlife into an engaging investigative journey.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you're a curious mind who loves a good mystery but also enjoys peeling back layers of myth to find logical explanations, this book is your perfect guide. It's for the budding paranormal investigator in all of us who wants to understand the 'why' behind the 'what.'

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Owen’s work offers a refreshing take on ghost lore by prioritizing inquiry over immersion. While it successfully balances captivating historical narratives with scientific demystification, it may disappoint readers seeking pure horror or uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. The text is best suited for the skeptical or analytically minded youth who enjoy unraveling cultural fears. Those looking for intense supernatural thrillers or traditional occult instruction will find its tone too educational and detached. However, for those who appreciate a balanced investigation into the unseen world through the lens of critical thinking, it provides a sturdy, engaging foundation.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While it features engaging tales, the book's primary aim is to foster critical thinking. It balances exciting narratives with an investigative approach, encouraging readers to question and analyze the stories presented, rather than just passively consume them.
The content is designed to be thought-provoking and intriguing, not terrifying. It focuses on understanding and explaining ghost phenomena through historical context and scientific inquiry, making it suitable for curious young minds interested in the topic without aiming to induce fear.

📖 Who should read this

If you're a curious mind who loves a good mystery but also enjoys peeling back layers of myth to find logical explanations, this book is your perfect guide. It's for the budding paranormal investigator in all of us who wants to understand the 'why' behind the 'what.'

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Spectral Narratives

Owen meticulously compiles diverse historical accounts and modern eyewitness reports of ghostly encounters, inviting readers to consider the enduring human fascination with the unseen. From ancient folklore to contemporary sightings, these tales are presented not just for their spooky appeal, but as cultural artifacts demanding thoughtful examination and prompting questions about their origins and impact on belief systems.

Cultural Interpretations

The book explores how different societies have interpreted the concept of spirits throughout history, linking these beliefs to societal fears and superstitions. It delves into the rich tapestry of global folklore, demonstrating how cultural contexts shape our understanding of the dead and their potential interactions with the living, offering insight into the psychological and social functions of ghost stories.

Scientific Inquiry

Challenging readers to move beyond mere belief, this work introduces a scientific lens to evaluate paranormal claims. It explores various logical and scientific explanations for phenomena often attributed to ghosts, such as optical illusions, environmental factors, or psychological biases, fostering a spirit of skepticism and empirical investigation when confronted with the unexplainable.

📜 Historical context

Rooted in the long tradition of human fascination with the unknown and the afterlife, this book positions itself within the evolving discourse of folklore, parapsychology, and critical thinking. It echoes earlier attempts to categorize and understand supernatural phenomena, while updating the approach for a younger audience, blending the thrill of ghost stories with an accessible, investigative methodology that respects both cultural narratives and scientific reasoning.

📚 Glossary

Spirit of the Dead
Haunting
Superstition

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Have you ever experienced something you couldn't explain? How did you feel, and what explanations did you consider for it?
  2. Think about a ghost story from your own culture or family. What do you think that story teaches or reflects about your community's beliefs or fears?
  3. If you were a paranormal investigator, what three questions would you ask first when examining a supposedly haunted location, and why?

🏛 Books from this publisher Kodiak Books

All books from this publisher →
Cursed Grounds Stern, Steven L -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Stern, Steven L
Cursed Grounds Stern, Steven L
$27.99 $32.95
78
Chilling Cemeteries Markovics, Joyce -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Markovics, Joyce
Chilling Cemeteries Markovics, Joyce
$25.99 $30.95
78
Ghost Houses Rudolph, Jessica -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Rudolph, Jessica
Ghost Houses Rudolph, Jessica
$25.99 $30.95
78
The Dark Underground Merwin, E -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Merwin, E
The Dark Underground Merwin, E
$17.99 $21.67
86
Lurid London Merwin, E
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Merwin, E
Lurid London Merwin, E
$31.00
78
Haunted Gotham Markovics, Joyce -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Markovics, Joyce
Haunted Gotham Markovics, Joyce
$27.99 $32.95
78
Deserted Prisons Markovics, Joyce -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Markovics, Joyce
Deserted Prisons Markovics, Joyce
$25.99 $30.95
86
Ghostly Towns Markovics, Joyce -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Markovics, Joyce
Ghostly Towns Markovics, Joyce
$25.99 $30.95
78

You might also like

See more →
Deserted Prisons Markovics, Joyce -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Markovics, Joyce
Deserted Prisons Markovics, Joyce
$25.99 $30.95
86
The Dark Underground Merwin, E -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Merwin, E
The Dark Underground Merwin, E
$17.99 $21.67
86
Ghastly Gothic Mansions Markovics, Joyce -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Markovics, Joyce
Ghastly Gothic Mansions Markovics, Joyce
$27.99 $32.95
81
Haunted Playgrounds Rose, Rachel -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Rose, Rachel
Haunted Playgrounds Rose, Rachel
$25.99 $30.95
81
Horror in Virginia Persano, Thomas -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Persano, Thomas
Horror in Virginia Persano, Thomas
$25.99 $30.95
81
Horror in Maine Persano, Thomas -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Persano, Thomas
Horror in Maine Persano, Thomas
$25.99 $30.95
81
Cursed Grounds Stern, Steven L -15%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Stern, Steven L
Cursed Grounds Stern, Steven L
$27.99 $32.95
78
Ghost Houses Rudolph, Jessica -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Rudolph, Jessica
Ghost Houses Rudolph, Jessica
$25.99 $30.95
78
Haunted Amusement Parks Cantor, Rachel Anne -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Cantor, Rachel Anne
Haunted Amusement Parks Cantor, Rachel Anne
$25.99 $30.95
78
Casas Fantasmales (Ghost Houses) Rudolph, Jessica -16%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.4
1
Rudolph, Jessica
Casas Fantasmales (Ghost Houses) Rudolph, Jessica
$25.99 $30.95
78

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Esoteric Meaning

Concepts in this book

Dead →
Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist