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Title details for Chasing Ghosts by Marc Hartzman - Available

Chasing Ghosts

A Tour of Our Fascination with Spirits and the Supernatural

by Marc Hartzman
ebook
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1 of 1 copy available
“A fantastic book.”—Ben Kissel, co-host of Last Podcast on the Left
Take a spirited tour through the supernatural history of America—from haunted sites and famous ghosts to the paranormal investigations of The Conjuring’s real-life Ed and Lorraine Warren.
Ghosts are everywhere—whether you believe in them or not. Every town has its local legends, and countless books, movies, and TV shows are haunted by their presence. But our obsession with ghosts runs deeper than we know—and is embedded in the very fabric of American history.
 
Writer and historian Marc Hartzman dons the mantle of tour guide, taking readers on a fascinating journey through supernatural history, including:
 
 • The Fox Sisters and the rise of Spiritualism 
 • The supernatural obsessions of famous figures like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 
 • Haunted Sites: Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia; LaLaurie House in New Orleans
 • Famous Ghosts: Bell Witch of Tennessee; Greenbrier Ghost of West Virginia
 • Paranormal Investigators: Ed and Lorraine Warren  
Deeply researched and highly entertaining, with archival images and black and white illustrations, Chasing Ghosts will satisfy believers and skeptics alike.
“If you care about ghosts . . . this is the guide you've been waiting for.”
—Grady Hendrix, New York Times bestselling author of The Final Girl Support Group

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    September 28, 2021

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9781683692782

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9781683692782
      • File size: 82918 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Booklist

      September 1, 2021
      Self-proclaimed "weird historian" Hartzman here explores the history of the haunted and the human captivation with ghosts and the afterlife. Beginning with records of ancient and medieval ghost sightings, he shows that many beliefs about ghosts--that they are stuck in a state of purgatory; that they need to deliver a message to a loved one before moving on; that they are paying for their sinful ways during their life--originated very early and are similar around the globe. In the next and longest section, he focuses on the rise of spiritualism in the nineteenth century that spurred the rise of mediums, many of whom were shown to be frauds, though this did little to sway their devotees. Hartzman then takes readers on a mini-tour of some of the most famous haunted places, from the Amityville house to the Gettysburg Hotel. Finally, he shows how ghost hunters and nonbelievers use technology to solidify their respective stances. Injected with humor and pop culture references, and featuring many pictures and illustrations, this is a breezy and fun rollick through supernatural history.

      COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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