Possessions: The History and Uses of Haunting in the Hudson Valley

Not my usual area but wanted to branch out. There's real depth here that reveals itself on a second reading. You can tell why this work has endured. My only quibble is the cover feels thinner than expected. Recommended with reservations.

Finally got around to ordering this. Challenging in places, but never needlessly obscure. It connects ideas I'd only seen treated separately elsewhere. A keeper.

I've read excerpts online before, but having the full text is different. The language takes some getting used to, but it becomes part of the charm. Solid binding, decent paper — holds up to heavy use. Shipping was quick too.

Bought this as a gift for my sister and ended up ordering a second copy for myself. I appreciated how the argument builds steadily from first principles. My only regret is not ordering it sooner.

Bought this as a gift for my sister and ended up ordering a second copy for myself. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. It connects ideas I'd only seen treated separately elsewhere.

Long-time student of the esoteric here. Every rereading turns up something I missed.

Richardson presents a compelling argument that Hudson Valley hauntings are political claims on land and memory. However, this academic approach may alienate casual paranormal enthusiasts seeking simple thrill or supernatural validation. The text is dense with historical analysis of figures like Washington Irving and oral histories, making it less suitable for readers preferring light, anecdotal ghost stories. It demands engagement with complex sociological theories of belonging and erasure. Those looking for actionable magical practices will find little here; instead, they get a rigorous examination of how spirits serve as mechanisms for social memory in a contested cultural landscape.