ESP, Hauntings, and Poltergeists: A Parapsychologist's Handb
Posted: 21 Nov 2014, 02:32
The following review is of the non-fiction work: ESP, Hauntings, and Poltergeists: A Parapsychologist's Handbook , by Lord Auerbach.
The title is what sucked me into giving this book a try. Initially I assumed it was a work of fiction, but as it turns out it is exactly what it states. Auerbach is a parapsychological consultant, and one of the first things he addresses in the book is how the controversy surrounding psychic (or the like) events often demeans the science behind his work and thrusts him into some witchdoctor occult category.
Right away he addresses my initial curiosities, such as: How do you know it's real? Who do you call? (Ghostbusters!) And why should I take any of this seriously? Very simply he discusses how these sorts of phenomena occur all around the world; whether or not people believe in them. He dives into distinguishing the difference between normal bumps in the night (creaky floors, etc), and things that are in fact supernatural. Another thing he addresses is how hyped up a lot of this has been made by Hollywood, and how it has been detrimental to the overall understanding of parapsychology.
Now there are a lot of books on this subject. Most of these are a brief intro into parapsychology, maybe a look into some independent studies and observations, and some are merely an analysis of various folklore/legends. The defining difference with this book is that it touches on all elements in a way to convey it for better understanding to us normal folks who think of 'Ghostbusters,' 'Poltergeist,' and expect a priest to come in speaking Latin while the walls shake. It busts ghosts as well as hoaxes, and shows how they approach everything with skepticism (regardless of the stereotype of them being crazy and imagination driven). Lastly, and most importantly to me, they give detailed instruction in conducting your own investigation and expulsion.
Overall, the book is working to address the lack of knowledge surrounding parapsychology, which results in people responding in terror and confusion when they end up in such situations. There is a subsequent section of appendixes to aid people in common questions, and who in fact to call.
I found the book to be quite comprehensive and fascinating. While I hope I don't run into anything described in the book, I now feel better prepared to handle the situation. However, I will still freak out accordingly. The book was well written and well laid out. I found myself reading the book straight through, but this might be due to my severe interest in the topic. I could definitely see how without a prior foundation of curiosity the book might lag a big. I give the book a 3 out of 4, and strongly recommend it to anyone interested in finding their own personal Boogeyman.
The title is what sucked me into giving this book a try. Initially I assumed it was a work of fiction, but as it turns out it is exactly what it states. Auerbach is a parapsychological consultant, and one of the first things he addresses in the book is how the controversy surrounding psychic (or the like) events often demeans the science behind his work and thrusts him into some witchdoctor occult category.
Right away he addresses my initial curiosities, such as: How do you know it's real? Who do you call? (Ghostbusters!) And why should I take any of this seriously? Very simply he discusses how these sorts of phenomena occur all around the world; whether or not people believe in them. He dives into distinguishing the difference between normal bumps in the night (creaky floors, etc), and things that are in fact supernatural. Another thing he addresses is how hyped up a lot of this has been made by Hollywood, and how it has been detrimental to the overall understanding of parapsychology.
Now there are a lot of books on this subject. Most of these are a brief intro into parapsychology, maybe a look into some independent studies and observations, and some are merely an analysis of various folklore/legends. The defining difference with this book is that it touches on all elements in a way to convey it for better understanding to us normal folks who think of 'Ghostbusters,' 'Poltergeist,' and expect a priest to come in speaking Latin while the walls shake. It busts ghosts as well as hoaxes, and shows how they approach everything with skepticism (regardless of the stereotype of them being crazy and imagination driven). Lastly, and most importantly to me, they give detailed instruction in conducting your own investigation and expulsion.
Overall, the book is working to address the lack of knowledge surrounding parapsychology, which results in people responding in terror and confusion when they end up in such situations. There is a subsequent section of appendixes to aid people in common questions, and who in fact to call.
I found the book to be quite comprehensive and fascinating. While I hope I don't run into anything described in the book, I now feel better prepared to handle the situation. However, I will still freak out accordingly. The book was well written and well laid out. I found myself reading the book straight through, but this might be due to my severe interest in the topic. I could definitely see how without a prior foundation of curiosity the book might lag a big. I give the book a 3 out of 4, and strongly recommend it to anyone interested in finding their own personal Boogeyman.
