Studies in Psychical Research — Occult Philosophy

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🕯️ Occult Philosophy

Studies in Psychical Research

Name: Studies in Psychical Research
Price: 39.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781016165839

✍️ Frank Podmore, Benno Loewy

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$39.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Frank Podmore examines historical psychic phenomena, clairvoyance, telepathy, and early occult research.

This 474-page volume collects historical research on spiritual phenomena, extrasensory perception, and occult traditions. Selected by scholars as culturally important, the text places psychic occurrences within general history and literary traditions. Frank Podmore and Benno Loewy organize the work around documented studies of telepathy, precognition, and clairvoyance, providing a direct connection to public domain studies of mind, body, and spirit.

Key Themes

psychic phenomena and esp history of occultism mind body spirit

Literary Context

This work is in the public domain within the United States of America and potentially other nations. Selected by scholars for its cultural importance, it forms part of the historical knowledge base covering spirituality, historical study, and early psychic research.

Podmore, Frank; , Loewy, Benno

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · C.D. Broad · Frederic W.H. Myers

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Legare Street Press 📅 2022 📖 474 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781016165839

Fun Fact

Frank Podmore’s 'Studies in Psychical Research' is a benchmark text, offering an unparalleled historical journey through early parapsychology. Its strength lies in meticulous scholarship and balanced perspective, making it indispensable for serious students of the occult or history of science. While it avoids sensationalism, readers seeking a modern 'how-to' guide or purely spiritual insights might be disappointed. It remains a foundational work, crucial for understanding the field's intellectual evolution.

📝 Description: Studies in Psychical Research

Studies in Psychical Research by Frank Podmore is a hardcover publication from Legare Street Press. The text covers occultism, psychic phenomena, and extrasensory perception, specifically addressing clairvoyance, precognition, and telepathy. Scholars selected this work for its cultural importance, establishing it as a foundational contribution to the broader knowledge base of civilization. It connects historical context, spirituality, and general literary collections to examine non-physical occurrences. The volume presents an analytical history of spiritual and mind-based phenomena, drawing upon traditional history, spirituality, and literary sources. Podmore works alongside Benno Loewy to document these subjects, using historical records and public domain accounts to structure the material. The pages address spiritual topics alongside general historical studies to give readers an overview of early psychic investigation. This volume suits researchers interested in the history of occultism, general literary collections, and early extrasensory research. It does not suit readers looking for modern practice guides or contemporary instructional manuals.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Podmore’s work serves as a meticulous chronicle of early scientific endeavors to understand psychic phenomena, offering a critical lens on formative experiments. However, this text is not suited for casual readers seeking sensationalist ghost stories or easy mystical answers. It requires patience for those uninterested in dense historical analysis or the dry, academic scrutiny of controversial theories. Those looking for practical instruction on developing psychic abilities will likely find it lacking. It is strictly for the intellectually curious who value rigorous historical context over entertainment, making it a niche but significant contribution to the literature of psychical research.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is an essential resource for those fascinated by the historical roots of paranormal inquiry and the rigorous attempts to scientifically scrutinize phenomena like clairvoyance and telepathy. Readers who appreciate a critical yet insightful overview of the experiments, theories, and controversies that shaped the field will find immense value here. It offers vital historical context for understanding the pursuit of the unseen, making it particularly rewarding for scholars, historians of science, and serious enthusiasts of occult philosophy who wish to grasp the intellectual journey behind these enigmatic investigations.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

If you're fascinated by the intersection of science and the unknown, or a student of parapsychology's origins, this book offers invaluable insights. Anyone seeking a rigorous, historical perspective on psychic phenomena, free from modern sensationalism, will find this a compelling read.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Podmore’s work serves as a meticulous chronicle of early scientific endeavors to understand psychic phenomena, offering a critical lens on formative experiments. However, this text is not suited for casual readers seeking sensationalist ghost stories or easy mystical answers. It requires patience for those uninterested in dense historical analysis or the dry, academic scrutiny of controversial theories. Those looking for practical instruction on developing psychic abilities will likely find it lacking. It is strictly for the intellectually curious who value rigorous historical context over entertainment, making it a niche but significant contribution to the literature of psychical research.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Podmore maintains a remarkably balanced perspective. While he meticulously details reported phenomena, his approach is one of critical inquiry, demanding robust evidence. He doesn't shy away from exposing fraud but also acknowledges cases that warrant further investigation, offering a nuanced, scholarly viewpoint.

Written in an academic yet accessible style, Podmore's prose is clear and direct. While it delves into complex historical accounts and philosophical considerations, it remains engaging for readers with a general interest in the history of science, occultism, or unexplained phenomena.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Investigating ESP

Podmore critically examines specific forms of Extra-Sensory Perception, including clairvoyance, the perception of distant objects; precognition, the foreknowledge of future events; and telepathy, the direct transfer of thoughts. He scrutinizes the evidence and challenges the prevailing skepticism, offering a nuanced perspective on these enigmatic abilities.

Early Occultism and Science

The book explores the complex interplay between emerging scientific methodology and the burgeoning interest in occult practices during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights how psychical research sought to bridge the gap between mystical experiences and empirical investigation, attempting to bring rigor to phenomena often relegated to superstition.

📜 Historical context

Emerging from an era captivated by spiritualism and burgeoning scientific inquiry, Podmore's work stands as a cornerstone of early psychical research. It represents a systematic effort by the Society for Psychical Research to apply scientific principles to anomalous phenomena, laying the groundwork for modern parapsychology and providing a critical counterpoint to unexamined belief.

📚 Glossary

Clairvoyance
Precognition
Telepathy

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might our current scientific understanding be limiting our perception of phenomena that were once considered 'psychical'?
Reflect on the ethical considerations involved in investigating claims of psychic ability, both in the past and in contemporary research.
In what ways do societal beliefs and cultural narratives influence the acceptance or rejection of extraordinary human capacities?