US shipping Secure card payment Occult and esoteric books

True Haunting

Becker, Edwin F
Reader rating
4.8
(1 reviews) 74 sold
In stock

Stock reported in the catalog; fulfillment is confirmed with your request.

📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Witness the chilling, real-life haunting that captivated a nation, forever changing perceptions of the spectral veil.

This astonishing true account chronicles a young couple's terrifying ordeal after acquiring a property steeped in spectral activity. Decades before "paranormal" was a common term, they faced an entrenched, deceased family whose presence plunged their lives into disarray. Uniquely documented by NBC in 1971, this groundbreaking case highlights their desperate search for assistance when traditional institutions offered none, detailing the intervention of a psychic and an exorcist in a pioneering attempt to confront a relentless haunting. It offers a stark contrast to fictional horror.

Key themes
The Nature of Hauntings Early Paranormal Investigation Societal Response to the Unseen
Historical context

This work stands as a seminal piece of early paranormal literature, emerging in an era before the term 'paranormal' entered the common lexicon. It bridges the gap between traditional ghost stories and the modern investigation of spectral phenomena, reflecting a time when such events were viewed through a lens of genuine spiritual crisis rather than entertainment.

Difficulty
● Easy
Fans will love it
Ed and Lorraine Warren · Raymond Fowler · John Zaffis · The Amityville Horror
🕯️ Occult Philosophy
🏛 Authorhouse 📅 2011 📖 184 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781463408626
Fun fact
"True Haunting" excels as a foundational text in paranormal non-fiction, offering an unparalleled, documented glimpse into a genuine haunting. Its strength lies in its historical significance as the first televised case, providing an authentic, chilling experience distinct from fictional horror. It might disappoint readers seeking sensationalized frights or definitive scientific resolutions. Yet, its raw account and pioneering spirit firmly establish its place as essential reading for serious students of the unseen.

📝 Description: True Haunting

This is the story of a true haunting. It was the first ever filmed and televised by NBC in 1971. A young couple purchases a building that was built and occupied by a single family that refused to relinquish their hold, even after death. Investigated and verified by experts, this residence brought chaos to the lives of those who chose to reside there. Unlike a horror novel, this chronicles what a real ghostly experience would resemble. Long before the laws of disclosure, a young couple winds up in the midst of strange occurrences prior to the term 'paranormal' becoming a common description. Searching for help at time when supernatural events were a taboo subject and being ignored by the Church, sent them into a desperate search for any assistance. Only a little known organization came to their aid. Author Tom Valentine, brought in a nationally known psychic, Joseph DeLouise, who then asked assistance of an exorcist from England, Reverend William Derl-Davis. Together, they gave their best effort at exorcising the multiple spirits inhabiting the building and disrupting the lives of the living. Events were filmed by NBC, who sent their most prominent Chicago journalist, Carole Simpson, to cover the event. Follow a young couple with a newborn as they attempt to cope with inexplicable events, experience denial, plead for help from their Church, and step into the world of the paranormal. Understand why ghosts cannot be exorcised and a true example of their strong sense of domain, even after death. Learn what experts and gifted people did in a failed attempt to assist this desperate couple. There is no happy ending, as the young couple suffers emotionally, are physically threatened, have their pets terrorized, and eventually suffer financially by actually "giving" their building away. What was intended as a financial answer to their prayers became, instead, a curse to be abolished. Learn many of the various manifestations that can be common in haunting. Ghosts can be seen and heard. They can propel objects and interrupt utilities. They can affect your moods and feed off of your emotions. They can appear as solid as you and me. They can react and become hostile if threatened or violated. Most important, as this young couple learned, they can harm you and cannot be removed. This is a firsthand accounting of what a true haunting is like. There are certain subtle occurrences you may find the most frightening, because you just might relate and recognize them. If so, guess what? You may have a ghost!

💎 Expert review

💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
Becker’s account is a fascinating historical document that captures the raw anxiety of a pre-paranormal era. While it lacks the polished narrative techniques of modern thrillers, its value lies in its authenticity and the groundbreaking nature of the NBC coverage. However, readers seeking fast-paced fictional horror or scientific debunking will likely find it slow and overly focused on spiritual intervention. It is best suited for those with a genuine interest in esoteric history and serious paranormal research rather than casual entertainment. The candid depiction of institutional failure adds weight to the narrative, though the pacing may test impatient audiences.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the origins of modern ghost hunting will find this account deeply compelling. It offers a rare, unvarnished look at a real-life haunting that captivated a nation and challenged traditional institutional responses. Those who appreciate historical case studies over fictional horror will value the detailed documentation of the couple's desperate search for help. The book is ideal for those interested in the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the unknown. It provides a stark contrast to sensationalized media by focusing on the human element of fear and resilience. If you enjoy pioneering attempts to confront the spectral veil through psychic intervention and exorcism, this true account offers a unique perspective on how society perceived the supernatural decades ago.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5
★★★★
If you're drawn to authentic accounts of the supernatural, seeking a stark departure from sensationalized fiction, this book is for you. It offers a compelling, documented glimpse into a pioneering paranormal investigation, challenging preconceived notions of spectral activity and societal response.

Reader rating

4.8
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

Becker’s account is a fascinating historical document that captures the raw anxiety of a pre-paranormal era. While it lacks the polished narrative techniques of modern thrillers, its value lies in its authenticity and the groundbreaking nature of the NBC coverage. However, readers seeking fast-paced fictional horror or scientific debunking will likely find it slow and overly focused on spiritual intervention. It is best suited for those with a genuine interest in esoteric history and serious paranormal research rather than casual entertainment. The candid depiction of institutional failure adds weight to the narrative, though the pacing may test impatient audiences.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, the author explicitly states this is a true account, distinct from fictional horror. It was rigorously investigated and verified by experts at the time, providing a documented record of genuine spectral events rather than dramatized fiction.
Its historical significance lies in being the first haunting ever filmed and televised by a major network (NBC) in 1971. This groundbreaking documentation occurred before "paranormal" was a widely recognized term, pioneering public awareness of such phenomena.

📖 Who should read this

If you're drawn to authentic accounts of the supernatural, seeking a stark departure from sensationalized fiction, this book is for you. It offers a compelling, documented glimpse into a pioneering paranormal investigation, challenging preconceived notions of spectral activity and societal response.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Nature of Hauntings

This narrative meticulously details the relentless and disruptive nature of genuine spectral activity, differentiating it sharply from fictional portrayals. It explores the sustained influence of deceased residents who, despite passing, refuse to vacate their former domain, causing profound disturbance and distress to the living occupants.

Early Paranormal Investigation

The book offers a fascinating glimpse into early attempts at documenting and addressing supernatural phenomena. It showcases a time when such events were taboo, highlighting the pioneering efforts of journalists, psychics, and religious figures who collaborated to investigate and intervene in a case that defied conventional understanding.

Societal Response to the Unseen

This account critically examines society's initial reluctance and lack of framework for understanding and addressing the paranormal. It illustrates the profound isolation experienced by those encountering inexplicable events, revealing how traditional institutions like the Church often dismissed or ignored their pleas for help, forcing them to seek unconventional aid.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The cold wasn't just a draft; it was a presence, a distinct drop in temperature that followed us from room to room, a silent, chilling companion.”

“We searched for answers in every corner, from the skeptical to the spiritual, only to find ourselves navigating uncharted territory where no one seemed to have a map.”

📜 Historical context

Published when public discourse on the supernatural was nascent and often dismissed, this work stands as a crucial early document in paranormal research. It predates widespread cultural understanding of "paranormal," paving the way for future investigations by daring to publicly document and televise a genuine haunting, profoundly influencing the field.

📚 Glossary

Haunting
Paranormal
Exorcist

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How might your perception of "ghost stories" change after encountering a meticulously documented true account like this?
  2. Considering the societal taboos of the 1970s, how would you have sought help if your home was experiencing inexplicable disturbances?
  3. In what ways do you think televised documentation of paranormal events, as pioneered here, impacts public belief and skepticism?

✍️ More books by this author Becker, Edwin F

All books by this author →

🏛 Books from this publisher Authorhouse

All books from this publisher →

You might also like

See more →