🕊️ Spiritualism

On Miracles&Mod Spiritualsm V5

✍️ Wallace, Alfred Russel
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$305.00
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Wallace examines spiritualism and miracles through a scientific lens in this 2001 Routledge reprint.

This volume stands as a significant contribution to the literature on mysticism and the occult. Wallace, known for his work in evolutionary biology, applies his analytical skills to the phenomenon of spiritualism. The book provides a critical look at the claims made by mediums and spiritualists during the late nineteenth century. It addresses the tension between scientific materialism and the emerging field of psychical research. The text is valuable for understanding how intelligent thinkers of the period grappled with phenomena that defied conventional explanation. Wallace does not accept miracles at face value but investigates their reported occurrences with careful scrutiny. This approach offers a unique perspective for readers interested in the history of esoteric studies and the intellectual climate surrounding spiritualism.

Key Themes
spiritualism miracles mind body spirit
Literary Context

Published by Routledge on January 11, 2001, this hardcover edition reissues Wallace's work for contemporary audiences. It sits within the broader context of occult and mystical literature available in American bookshops.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Arthur Conan Doyle · William James · Charles Darwin
🕊️
Spiritualism
🏛 Routledge 📅 2001 📖 248 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780415236454
Fun Fact
This volume offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a towering scientific intellect grapple with the frontiers of the unknown. Wallace's methodical approach to spiritualism is both refreshing and challenging, making it indispensable for rigorous inquiry into esoteric subjects. While it may disappoint readers seeking a purely objective scientific report or a devotional text, it bridges these worlds, offering a unique historical and philosophical perspective for the truly open-minded seeker.

📝 Description: On Miracles&Mod Spiritualsm V5

Alfred Russel Wallace presents a comprehensive examination of spiritualism in On Miracles & Modern Spiritualism V5. As a co-discoverer of natural selection, Wallace brings his scientific rigor to the study of paranormal phenomena. This volume explores the intersection of mind, body, and spirit through the lens of nineteenth-century spiritualist movements. The text addresses the credibility of miraculous claims by analyzing contemporary reports and personal investigations. Wallace organizes his arguments to challenge materialist skepticism while maintaining an empirical approach to unexplained events. Readers will find a detailed critique of religious orthodoxy and a defense of intuitive knowledge. The book suits those interested in the historical development of occult thought and the scientific debates of the Victorian era. It may not appeal to readers seeking purely theological instruction or modern New Age practices, as its focus remains on the specific spiritualist controversies of Wallace's time. The hardcover edition offers a durable format for serious study of this pivotal work in mystical literature.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Wallace’s work stands as a testament to intellectual courage, yet it may not suit readers seeking definitive proof or those strictly adhering to rigid materialism. The text is dense with the author's personal grappling rather than providing easy answers, which might frustrate those looking for straightforward dogma. However, for historians of science and philosophy enthusiasts, it offers a candid look at a brilliant mind navigating the unknown. It does not appeal to casual readers expecting light entertainment; instead, it demands engagement with complex arguments about miracles and spiritualism. The value lies in its perspective, not in conclusive proof.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This volume is essential for readers fascinated by the intersection of rigorous science and spiritual mystery. It offers a unique window into the mind of Alfred Russel Wallace, who applied his incisive intellect to phenomena often ignored by contemporaries. If you are intrigued by how brilliant minds grapple with the boundaries of knowledge and unseen forces, this work provides a compelling narrative of empirical observation meeting the inexplicable. It is perfect for those interested in the history of evolutionary theory and the courageous attempts to bridge the gap between material evidence and spiritual realms without sacrificing scientific integrity.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
For those intrigued by the intersection of science and spirituality, or curious about a pioneering scientist's intellectual journey. If you question conventional thought and seek a rigorous examination of the paranormal, this exploration of Victorian spiritualism is essential.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

Wallace’s work stands as a testament to intellectual courage, yet it may not suit readers seeking definitive proof or those strictly adhering to rigid materialism. The text is dense with the author's personal grappling rather than providing easy answers, which might frustrate those looking for straightforward dogma. However, for historians of science and philosophy enthusiasts, it offers a candid look at a brilliant mind navigating the unknown. It does not appeal to casual readers expecting light entertainment; instead, it demands engagement with complex arguments about miracles and spiritualism. The value lies in its perspective, not in conclusive proof.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It's a unique blend, where a scientific mind investigates spiritual claims, attempting to apply empirical methods to non-material phenomena. It's more of an intellectual inquiry than a devotional or purely scientific report.
While Wallace became a prominent advocate, his approach in this work is characterized by critical observation and an attempt to understand, rather than blind acceptance. He sought evidence and rationales, even for experiences that defied conventional science.

📖 Who should read this

For those intrigued by the intersection of science and spirituality, or curious about a pioneering scientist's intellectual journey. If you question conventional thought and seek a rigorous examination of the paranormal, this exploration of Victorian spiritualism is essential.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Science Meets the Unseen

Wallace brings his renowned scientific rigor to bear on phenomena typically relegated to superstition. He dissects accounts of spiritual manifestations and 'miracles' with an empiricist's eye, seeking patterns, evidence, and logical explanations, even if those explanations challenge conventional materialist views.

Redefining the Miraculous

This volume delves into what constitutes a "miracle" beyond religious dogma. Wallace questions whether seemingly impossible events are divine interventions or manifestations of natural laws yet to be understood, exploring their implications for both scientific and spiritual worldviews.

The Spiritualist Movement

Providing insights into the active spiritualist circles of the 19th century, Wallace documents the practices, claims, and controversies surrounding mediums, séances, and spirit communication. He offers a first-hand account of the era's fascination with the afterlife and unseen intelligences.

📜 Historical context

Published amidst intense scientific advancement and spiritual questioning, Wallace's work testifies to the Victorian era's complex relationship with the supernatural. It positions itself within a tradition of intellectual inquiry daring to apply scientific methods to phenomena often dismissed as folklore or delusion, thus paving the way for later parapsychological studies.

📚 Glossary

Spiritualism
Miracle
Empiricism

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How might scientific methodology be adapted to investigate phenomena that resist conventional empirical measurement?
  2. In what ways do personal beliefs influence our interpretation of extraordinary experiences, both ancient and modern?
  3. Consider the societal implications if "miraculous" events were proven to operate under hitherto unknown natural laws.

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