Mod Spiritual: Hist&Crit Pt1 V6 Podmore, Frank

Name: Mod Spiritual: Hist&Crit Pt1 V6 Podmore, Frank
Price: 265.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Podmore, Frank; , Gilbert, R A
ISBN: 9780415236461

✍️ Podmore, Frank; , Gilbert, R A

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Uncover the rational mind's grapple with the spectral world of Victorian Spiritualism.

This essential volume delves into the complex history and phenomena of Modern Spiritualism through the discerning lens of Frank Podmore, a foundational figure in psychical research. Presenting a meticulous, critical examination, it traces the movement's emergence, its celebrated mediums, and the controversial claims of communication with the deceased. Readers will find an authoritative account that scrutinizes evidence and belief systems, offering unparalleled insight into this captivating chapter of esoteric history. It's an indispensable resource for understanding the intellectual engagement with the unseen.

Key themes

{'title': "Victorian Spiritualism's Rise", 'body': 'Explore the social, cultural, and philosophical currents that propelled Spiritualism into prominence during the 19th century, examining its appeal across various societal strata and its impact on religious and scientific thought.'} {'title': 'Critical Psychical Research', 'body': 'Podmore, a key figure in the Society for Psychical Research, applies a rigorous, skeptical yet open-minded methodology to investigate paranormal claims, distinguishing genuine inquiry from fraud and self-deception in mediumistic phenomena.'} {'title': 'Mediumship and Phenomena', 'body': 'Detailed analysis of the various forms of mediumistic practice, from séances and automatic writing to materializations and spirit photography, providing historical context and critical evaluation of their purported authenticity.'}

🏛 Routledge 📅 2001 📖 328 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9780415236461

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Fun fact

Podmore’s "Mod Spiritual" is an essential, if academic, cornerstone for understanding the rational investigation of the irrational. Its strength lies in its meticulous historical detail and Podmore's dispassionate yet thorough critique. Those seeking practical guides or uncritical acceptance of phenomena might find it too analytical. However, for scholars and serious enthusiasts of psychical research history, this volume remains peerless, offering profound insights into a pivotal era.

📝 Description: Mod Spiritual: Hist&Crit Pt1 V6 Podmore, Frank

First published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.4/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the intellectual history of the occult, fascinated by early psychical investigations, or seeking a scholarly yet engaging account of Spiritualism's golden age, this critical masterpiece is for you. It's a cornerstone for serious students.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is a historical and critical examination of Spiritualism as a social and intellectual movement, not a manual for spiritual practice or medium development.

Podmore was known for his rigorous, analytical approach, combining a genuine interest in psychic phenomena with a deep skepticism towards unproven claims, making his work exceptionally balanced.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Victorian Spiritualism's Rise

Explore the social, cultural, and philosophical currents that propelled Spiritualism into prominence during the 19th century, examining its appeal across various societal strata and its impact on religious and scientific thought.

Critical Psychical Research

Podmore, a key figure in the Society for Psychical Research, applies a rigorous, skeptical yet open-minded methodology to investigate paranormal claims, distinguishing genuine inquiry from fraud and self-deception in mediumistic phenomena.

Mediumship and Phenomena

Detailed analysis of the various forms of mediumistic practice, from séances and automatic writing to materializations and spirit photography, providing historical context and critical evaluation of their purported authenticity.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The annals of early psychical investigation are replete with accounts that, while compelling in their narrative, often falter under the unsparing light of methodical scrutiny, revealing the subtle interplay of expectation and perception.»

«From the Fox sisters' humble beginnings to the grand séances of European salons, the spiritualist movement captured the public imagination, offering solace and wonder in an era grappling with scientific materialism.»

📜 Historical context

Podmore's work emerges from the late 19th and early 20th century, a period of intense scientific rationalism clashing with pervasive spiritual longing. As a founding member of the Society for Psychical Research, he was at the forefront of systematic inquiry into phenomena like telepathy and mediumship, laying groundwork for future parapsychological studies.

📚 Glossary

Spiritualism
Psychical Research
Mediumship

📔 Questions to reflect on

How did the intellectual climate of the late 19th century both foster and challenge the beliefs propagated by Spiritualism?
Consider the methodologies employed by early psychical researchers like Podmore. How do they compare to modern scientific inquiry into consciousness or anomalous phenomena?
In what ways might the human desire for connection with the deceased influence our perception and interpretation of extraordinary claims?