Science of the Seance: Transnational Networks and Gendered Bodies in the Study of Psychic Phenomena, 1918-40
Robertson, Beth AThis edition can be ordered. No arrival date is confirmed.
Uncover how mediums and scientists sought to quantify the spirit world.
Robertson's compelling work unveils a forgotten era where dedicated individuals, both men and women, ambitiously endeavored to transform the intimate seance room into a rigorous scientific laboratory. Between 1918 and 1940, these researchers built an intricate transnational network, meticulously investigating psychic phenomena. This book sheds crucial new light on the unexpected points of convergence where empirical scientific methods, profound metaphysical beliefs, and deeply personal sensory experiences of mediumship unexpectedly intertwined, challenging conventional understandings of knowledge and reality.
This work situates itself within the interwar period's unique intersection of empirical science and metaphysical belief, exploring how the study of psychic phenomena became a site for transnational intellectual exchange. It highlights the specific historical moment between 1918 and 1940 when the seance room was reimagined as a rigorous laboratory.
📝 Description: Science of the Seance: Transnational Networks and Gendered Bodies in the Study of Psychic Phenomena, 1918-40
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
This book is an essential read for scholars and enthusiasts interested in the complex history of parapsychology and the sociology of knowledge. It offers a fascinating glimpse into how mediums and scientists collaborated to quantify the spirit world, revealing unexpected convergence points between empirical methods and personal sensory experiences. Readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of gendered bodies within scientific networks will find profound value in this analysis. It challenges conventional understandings of reality by showing how metaphysical beliefs intertwined with rigorous investigation. Those curious about the transnational dynamics that shaped early twentieth-century occult studies will gain significant insight into these forgotten efforts to transform intimate spiritual practices into objective science.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Robertson provides a compelling, albeit academically dense, account of the mid-twentieth century's attempt to legitimize psychic phenomena through scientific rigor. The text is valuable for its detailed mapping of transnational networks and its focus on gendered experiences in mediumship. However, it does not suit readers seeking entertaining ghost stories or practical guides to spiritualism. It may also disappoint those expecting a straightforward dismissal of the paranormal, as the author treats these historical figures with serious academic respect. The work is best appreciated by those willing to engage with complex theoretical frameworks regarding the construction of knowledge and reality during this specific era.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're fascinated by the intersection of science and the occult, the history of spiritualism, or the often-hidden roles of women in scientific and esoteric pursuits, this book offers a profound re-evaluation. It's a must-read for those who question the boundaries of human knowledge.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
The Seance as Science
This book meticulously documents the efforts to elevate the seance from a private, often theatrical, spiritual gathering into a controlled environment for scientific inquiry. It explores how researchers applied empirical methodologies and technological innovations of the era to systematically study alleged psychic abilities and communications with the departed, seeking verifiable data.
Global Psychic Networks
The author reveals the extensive international connections forged by researchers studying psychic phenomena. This theme examines how ideas, experimental data, and methodologies were exchanged across borders, creating a shared scientific and spiritual discourse that transcended national boundaries and contributed to a collective understanding of human consciousness and potential.
Gender in Mediumship Studies
A vital aspect of this study is the exploration of how gender roles influenced both the practice of mediumship and its scientific investigation. It highlights the significant, often overlooked, contributions of women as mediums and researchers, analyzing how societal expectations and gendered perceptions shaped the interpretation and validity of psychic experiences.
💬 Quotes from the book
“The post-Great War era witnessed a concerted, if often contentious, effort to subject the ephemeral claims of spirit communication to the rigorous scrutiny of the scientific method, transforming the parlor into a nascent laboratory.”
“Far from being isolated incidents, the study of mediumship was underpinned by an intricate web of international correspondence and shared experimental protocols, demonstrating a truly global intellectual pursuit.”
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Seance
- Psychic Phenomena
- Transnational Networks
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How do you think the scientific community today would react to a serious, large-scale investigation into psychic phenomena, and how has this perception evolved since the early 20th century?
- Consider the historical role of women in esoteric and spiritual movements. How might their contributions have been different if gender roles were less restrictive during the period studied in this book?
- Reflect on the persistent human desire to bridge the gap between the material and the unseen. What does this tell us about the limits of scientific explanation and the enduring appeal of the metaphysical?
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