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The Newer Spiritualism — Occult Philosophy

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The Newer Spiritualism

Name: The Newer Spiritualism
Price: 23.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781017346794

✍️ Podmore, Frank

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Frank Podmore examines spiritualism as a cultural phenomenon rather than a supernatural truth.

Podmore treats spiritualism as a historical and biological subject rather than a paranormal one. He analyzes the cultural impact of psychic phenomena through the lens of life sciences and general history. The work critiques the validity of spiritualist claims by examining their origins in the late nineteenth century. It focuses on the psychological and social factors that drove the movement's popularity. Readers will find a detailed account of how near-death experiences were interpreted during this era. The text avoids supernatural explanations, opting instead for a rational analysis of the events and testimonies. This perspective provides a clear view of the tension between scientific inquiry and spiritual belief in the past.

Key Themes

Psychic phenomena Near-death experience history Occultism study

Literary Context

Published in 2022 by Legare Street Press, this paperback edition preserves a work originally situated in the public domain. It reflects the intellectual climate of the late nineteenth century, where spiritualism intersected with emerging scientific disciplines. The text serves as a historical document within the general literary and scientific collections of that period.

Podmore, Frank

📚 all books by this author (13) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

C.D. Broad · Frederic W.H. Myers · The Society for Psychical Research

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Legare Street Press 📅 2022 📖 320 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781017346794

Fun Fact

Podmore's "The Newer Spiritualism" remains a cornerstone for anyone studying the history of psychical research and the spiritualist movement. It excels in its detailed historical survey and its pioneering application of critical thought to paranormal claims. While it won't satisfy those seeking modern scientific validation or purely devotional accounts, it is indispensable for understanding the intellectual struggles with the unseen at the turn of the century.

📝 Description: The Newer Spiritualism

Frank Podmore approaches the subject of spiritualism with a critical eye, treating it as a significant chapter in human history rather than a validation of paranormal claims. His work falls under the categories of mind, body, and spirit, specifically focusing on occultism and psychic phenomena. The book investigates the historical context of these beliefs, placing them within the broader framework of life sciences and biology. By examining near-death experiences and general history, Podmore provides a scholarly perspective that challenges the prevailing narratives of his time. The text is organized to guide the reader through an analysis of the conditions surrounding spiritualist claims. It draws on the traditions of the late nineteenth century, a period when such phenomena gained immense popularity across various social strata. Podmore utilizes sources from the general literary collections and scientific records available during that era. He does not rely on anecdotal evidence alone but rather on a systematic review of the events and testimonies that defined the movement. This approach allows for a clear distinction between the psychological aspects of belief and the factual occurrences reported by participants. This volume is suitable for readers interested in the intersection of science and spirituality, particularly those studying the history of occultism or the sociology of religious movements. It appeals to scholars and students who require a grounded, analytical look at spiritualist practices. The book may not satisfy readers seeking confirmation of supernatural abilities or those looking for practical guides to witchcraft and astrology. Instead, it offers a rigorous examination of why these beliefs persisted and how they were perceived by the scientific community of the period.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This book serves as an essential historical examination for those studying the surge in psychic phenomena and spiritualist practices of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, it does not suit readers seeking modern supernatural thrillers or uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. Those expecting definitive proof of life after death may find the scientific scrutiny and societal analysis too dry. It is best appreciated by historians of philosophy and psychology who value a candid exploration of consciousness and extraordinary experiences without sensationalism. The text’s strength lies in its open-minded yet critical approach, making it a rigorous resource for academic or serious personal study rather than casual entertainment.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the historical roots of psychic inquiry will find this text invaluable for understanding how early investigators approached the boundary between mind and spirit. It is particularly suited for those interested in the societal impact of spiritualist practices during their nascent stages. By exploring the intricate connections between consciousness, body, and alleged communications with the deceased, Podmore provides a critical yet open-minded account that illuminates the evolving understanding of inexplicable events. Scholars of esoteric history will appreciate the meticulous chronicle of scientific scrutiny directed at these claims, offering a foundational perspective on how the human mind grappled with phenomena that defied conventional explanation during this pivotal era.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

For those captivated by the historical intersection of science and the uncanny, or seeking to understand the roots of psychical research, this book is essential. It offers a critical yet balanced perspective on spiritualism's past, perfect for exploring early efforts to comprehend unexplained…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This book serves as an essential historical examination for those studying the surge in psychic phenomena and spiritualist practices of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, it does not suit readers seeking modern supernatural thrillers or uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims. Those expecting definitive proof of life after death may find the scientific scrutiny and societal analysis too dry. It is best appreciated by historians of philosophy and psychology who value a candid exploration of consciousness and extraordinary experiences without sensationalism. The text’s strength lies in its open-minded yet critical approach, making it a rigorous resource for academic or serious personal study rather than casual entertainment.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Podmore's work likely focuses on the spiritualist movement as it evolved in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by organized societies, specific mediums, and growing public and scientific scrutiny, differing from earlier, less formalized practices.

Podmore is known for his critical, investigative approach. While he documented phenomena without outright dismissal, his methodology leaned towards skepticism, seeking empirical evidence and exposing fraud where found, rather than simply promoting belief.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Evolution of Spiritualism

The book offers a comprehensive look at the rise and transformation of the spiritualist movement, distinguishing between its earlier manifestations and the "newer" forms that captured public imagination. It explores the cultural and philosophical underpinnings that fueled belief in communication with spirits, examining both genuine conviction and the prevalence of fraud during its peak.

Mind's Unseen Potentials

Podmore critically engages with the then-emerging ideas about the extended capabilities of the human mind, often linked to experiences like near-death states. The work contributes to the historical discourse on consciousness, exploring how these phenomena challenged conventional scientific understanding of biology and the perceived limits of human perception and influence.

📜 Historical context

Frank Podmore was a foundational figure in the Society for Psychical Research, active when spiritualism captivated Victorian and Edwardian society. His work represents a crucial early attempt to apply rigorous scientific inquiry to paranormal claims, contrasting sharply with purely anecdotal accounts. It's a key text in the intellectual history of how the occult was first systematically examined.

📚 Glossary

Spiritualism
Psychical Research
Near-Death Experience (NDE)

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might our understanding of consciousness change if evidence of psychic phenomena were undeniably proven today?
Reflect on a personal experience that challenged your conventional understanding of reality or the limits of the human mind.
In an age of skepticism, what is the value of historical investigations into the occult and spiritualism, even if their conclusions remain debated?