Mrs. Piper & the Society for Psychical Research — Spiritualism

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Mrs. Piper & the Society for Psychical Research

Name: Mrs. Piper & the Society for Psychical Research
Price: 8.04 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781514132975

✍️ Noralie Robertson, Michael Sage

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historic investigation into the famous trance mediumship of Mrs. Piper and the Society for Psychical Research.

Michael Sage examines the phenomena surrounding American medium Mrs. Piper, tracing how her trance communications were rigorously studied by investigators connected to the Society for Psychical Research. Translator Noralie Robertson presents this volume as an abridged English rendering of the original French text, evaluating reports, sitting records, and systematic observations from notable academic figures such as Professor William James and Dr. Richard Hodgson. The work gathers evidence across nineteen structured chapters, carefully analyzing competing hypotheses ranging from conscious fraud and subtle muscle-reading to thought-transference and telepathy before turning to the spiritualistic view.

Key Themes

Trance mediumship and sittings Psychical research methods Telepathy versus spiritualism

Literary Context

This text emerges from early twentieth-century psychical research traditions in America and Europe, documenting scientific attempts to study mediumship.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Society for Psychical Research archives · Leonora Piper case studies · History of parapsychology

🕊️

Spiritualism

🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2015 📖 140 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781514132975

Fun Fact

This book excels in its meticulous historical reconstruction of a pivotal period in psychical research, presenting the Mrs. Piper case with scholarly rigor and thoughtful balance. Readers seeking a definitive verdict on the supernatural will be disappointed; its strength lies in the examination of the inquiry, not a final pronouncement. It stands as an essential text for understanding the origins of parapsychology and the scientific investigation of consciousness.

📝 Description: Mrs. Piper & the Society for Psychical Research

Michael Sage examines the phenomena surrounding American medium Mrs. Piper, tracing how her trance communications were studied by investigators connected to the Society for Psychical Research. Translator Noralie Robertson presents this volume as an abridged English rendering of the original French text, which evaluates reports, sitting records, and observations from figures such as Professor William James and Dr. Richard Hodgson. The work gathers evidence across nineteen structured chapters, analyzing hypotheses ranging from conscious fraud and muscle-reading to thought-transference and telepathy before turning to the spiritualistic view. The book opens with an introduction to Mrs. Piper's mediumship, discussing whether such states relate to neurosis or hypnosis. Early chapters cover initial sittings, Hodgson's protocols, and potential explanations like thought-reading or secondary personalities, including her communicator Phinuit. Later sections detail specific case studies, notably the identity tests of George Pelham, communications involving Professor Hyslop, and messages from spirits like Imperator. Theoretical chapters weigh arguments for telepathy against the spiritualist position, addressing objections regarding trivial messages and memory retention after death. Readers seeking a historical study of nineteenth-century parapsychology and mediumship sittings will find this work useful, whereas those looking for practical guides or modern spiritual instruction should look elsewhere.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This volume serves as a meticulous chronicle for enthusiasts of psychical research history, detailing the Society's investigations into Leonora Piper with scholarly precision. However, it may not suit readers seeking sensationalist ghost stories or those expecting definitive proof of the supernatural, as the focus remains on methodological inquiry rather than miraculous outcomes. The dense examination of scientific methods might also challenge casual readers looking for a light, entertaining read. It is best approached by those willing to engage with the complex intellectual debates of its time regarding perception and reality.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the historical tension between empirical science and spiritualist belief will find this narrative deeply engaging. It is particularly suited for those interested in the rigorous methods used by early psychical researchers to investigate mediumship. The book offers a unique perspective on how scientific minds grappled with phenomena that defied conventional explanation, providing insight into the evolution of our understanding of consciousness and telepathy. Those who appreciate detailed chronicles of specific historical cases where the boundaries of reality were tested will gain much from this exploration of the Piper case.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

For those fascinated by historical psychical research, the intersection of science and spirituality, or the enduring mysteries of human consciousness. If you're drawn to rigorous investigations into the inexplicable, this book offers profound insights into pioneering mediums and their scientific…

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This volume serves as a meticulous chronicle for enthusiasts of psychical research history, detailing the Society's investigations into Leonora Piper with scholarly precision. However, it may not suit readers seeking sensationalist ghost stories or those expecting definitive proof of the supernatural, as the focus remains on methodological inquiry rather than miraculous outcomes. The dense examination of scientific methods might also challenge casual readers looking for a light, entertaining read. It is best approached by those willing to engage with the complex intellectual debates of its time regarding perception and reality.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While deeply rooted in historical events, the questions it raises about consciousness, scientific method, and the boundaries of reality remain highly relevant today for parapsychology and philosophy of mind.

No, it primarily documents the investigations and various interpretations, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions based on the presented evidence. It emphasizes the inquiry itself, rather than a final verdict.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Scientific Inquiry into Paranormal

Explores how the nascent field of psychical research attempted to apply empirical methods to phenomena like mediumship. It details the challenges of objective observation, data collection, and the interpretation of extraordinary claims within a scientific framework, highlighting the tension between skepticism and open investigation.

The Nature of Mediumship

Delves into the specific abilities attributed to Mrs. Piper, such as trance states, purported communications with the deceased, and her alleged "lucidity." The book analyzes different theories proposed to explain these phenomena, from telepathy and clairvoyance to outright fraud, providing a nuanced view of her complex case.

Consciousness Beyond Body

Investigates the philosophical implications of Mrs. Piper's mediumship, particularly the possibility of consciousness existing independently of the physical brain. It touches upon concepts of survival after death and the interconnectedness of minds, prompting readers to reconsider conventional understandings of human awareness and existence.

📜 Historical context

This work sits squarely within the late 19th and early 20th-century spiritualist and psychical research movements. It reflects a period when science grappled with phenomena previously relegated to religion or superstition, seeking empirical evidence for telepathy, clairvoyance, and post-mortem survival. It contributes to a tradition of careful documentation in the face of widespread skepticism and credulity.

📚 Glossary

Psychical Research
Trance Mediumship
Society for Psychical Research (SPR)

📔 Questions to reflect on

If you were part of the Society for Psychical Research, what specific methodologies would you propose to test mediumistic abilities like Mrs. Piper's today?
How does the historical context of late 19th-century scientific inquiry shape our understanding of psychical phenomena, both then and now?
Reflect on the implications of a confirmed case of consciousness surviving bodily death. How might this change your personal worldview or societal beliefs?