The History of Spiritualism
Doyle, Arthur ConanStock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.
Conan Doyle chronicles the rise of modern spiritualism with the fervor of a convert.
This comprehensive volume serves as both a historical record and a passionate defense of Spiritualism, penned by Arthur Conan Doyle in his later years. Moving beyond fiction, the author investigates the phenomenon’s origins and evolution through the early twentieth century. He profiles key figures who shaped the movement, including Emanuel Swedenborg, Edward Irving, the physical medium D. D. Home, scientist Sir William Crookes, and the controversial Eusapia Palladino. Doyle acts as a dedicated spokesman for the cause, weaving together biographical sketches and personal convictions to argue for the reality of post-mortem communication.
This text sits firmly within the early twentieth-century resurgence of Spiritualism, reflecting the period's intense public fascination with post-mortem communication and paranormal phenomena. It serves as a foundational document for those interested in the historical intersection of science, religion, and the occult during that era.
📝 Description: The History of Spiritualism
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers with a genuine interest in the history of the occult or the specific trajectory of modern Spiritualism will find this volume indispensable. It offers a unique perspective from a figure who was not merely an observer but a fervent convert, providing deep insight into the movement's key figures like D. D. Home and Eusapia Palladino. Those who appreciate biographical sketches woven with personal conviction will enjoy Doyle’s passionate defense of the cause. It is ideal for scholars or enthusiasts seeking to understand how prominent intellectuals of the early twentieth century engaged with spiritualist ideas, offering a comprehensive look at the origins and evolution of these beliefs through the eyes of a dedicated spokesman.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This has been on my wishlist for months. It pairs well with more modern commentaries on the same tradition. Some sections stopped me cold in the best way. Well worth it.
Honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm impressed. The typesetting is comfortable for study, with good margins for notes. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. Still worth having on the shelf.
Came across this title in a footnote and had to track it down. It's become a regular reference in my practice. A keeper.
Finally got around to ordering this. Challenging in places, but never needlessly obscure. The ideas are old but land with surprising force today. Already eyeing my next order.
Perfect companion for my morning study sessions. It pairs well with more modern commentaries on the same tradition. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. Glad I finally picked this up.
Added this to my reference shelf. The historical context alone makes it worth the price. Well worth it.
Perfect companion for my morning study sessions. The historical context alone makes it worth the price. A text you study rather than simply read.
Doyle’s work is a robust historical record and a passionate argument for Spiritualism, yet it may not suit skeptics or readers seeking objective, detached analysis. The narrative is heavily biased, reflecting the author's personal convictions rather than impartial journalism. While the profiles of figures like Swedenborg and Crookes are engaging for those already interested in the subject, critics might find the lack of critical distance frustrating. It is best approached as a primary source of spiritualist advocacy rather than a neutral historical account. Readers looking for rigorous scientific debunking or purely fictional entertainment will likely be disappointed by its earnest tone.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
Readers fascinated by the intersection of Victorian science and mysticism, or those who wish to understand the spiritual beliefs that profoundly influenced the man who created Sherlock Holmes.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Mediumship and Phenomena
Scientific Inquiry into the Paranormal
Biographical Case Studies
💬 Quotes from the book
“The history of Spiritualism is the history of the struggle of the human soul to assert its independence from the flesh.”
“We are all students in the great school of life, and death is but a change of environment.”
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Spiritualism
- Physical Mediumship
- Cottingley Fairies
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How does the author’s background in logical deduction influence his approach to paranormal evidence?
- Which of the featured mediums do you find most credible, and what criteria do you use to judge their authenticity?
- In what ways does modern skepticism mirror the doubts faced by Spiritualists in the early twentieth century?
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