Understanding the Paranormal
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Investigating Magic
by Kathryn Horsley
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Belief in magic has been around since early human civilization. Whether ancient black magic or medieval witchcraft, practices believed to call upon supernatural forces are part of nearly every culture. Even in secular societies, stage magic and children's series such as Harry Potter hold a respected place as a form of entertainment. In this title, the history of magic-both paranormal and performative-is explored in all its facets. Readers will be introduced to magical practices and the science that explains many of them away.
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Investigating Angels and Demons
by Danielle Weiner
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
This authoritative title takes an academic approach to one of the most popular religious concepts of all time-angels and demons. Included is an in-depth examination of the characteristics and source texts on angels and demons in the three major Abrahamic religions as well as parallels in Eastern traditions, as is treatment of how these beliefs have developed and changed historically. Following is a discussion of possible scientific explanations of these beings-and how science has debunked certain aspects of belief in them. Also covered is the pervasiveness of angels and demons in the arts, literature, and popular culture.
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Investigating Zombies and the Living Dead
by Mary-Lane Kamberg
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
For nearly a century, big-screen tales of zombies have fascinated viewers, shambling their way from horror films to action thrillers and comedies. In recent years, there have even been news reports of real zombie-like behavior. But few know the truth behind Haitian folklore's biggest contribution to global imagination. These pages get to the bottom of the origins of the zombie legend and its changes and development over time. The possible sources of "zombification," including tropical drugs and poisons, are examined, and real stories of zombies are debunked. Real or not, zombies have invaded pop culture and there's no escape.
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Investigating Ghosts and the Spirit World
by Susan Henneberg
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Whether or not you believe in them, the scientific investigation of ghosts is big business. Reality television shows that follow ghost hunters at work and the popularity of ghost tours in many U.S. cities prove that we are fascinated by the possibility that the dead may still be with us. This book examines evidence of the existence of ghosts and takes a critical look at what the scientific findings might actually mean. It also delves into the history of ghosts in cultures around the world and attempts to explain why the idea of being haunted by spirits of the dead continues to captivate us.
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Investigating Hypnosis and Trances
by Kristen Rajczak Nelson
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Everybody has seen it in movies and on television: A hypnotist swings a pocket watch and, like that, an audience member falls into a deep trance. But is hypnosis real? Does it work? This skeptical approach explores the history of hypnotic practices and trance-like states, differentiating between real therapeutic techniques and hypnosis as entertainment. The facts are presented, without eschewing an appreciation for the role myths have played in solidifying hypnosis's place in popular culture including in books, movies, and stage shows.
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Investigating Atlantis and Other Lost Cities
by Philip Wolny
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
For millennia, tales of lost civilizations have captivated humanity, and foremost among them is the legend of Atlantis. In this guide to Atlantis and other lost lands, readers will learn to sort through fact and fiction, learning about the historical origins of lost-city legends, the lessons they teach us, archaeological digs for the truth, and-perhaps closest to home-their place in popular culture. The main focus is on the tale of Atlantis, with sidebars that highlight similarly "lost" mythical societies. For fans of the paranormal or seekers of the truth, this is the definitive book to read.
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Investigating ESP and Other Parapsychological Phenomena
by Jeanne Nagle
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, a popular belief system known as Spiritualism took the world by storm. People sought other realms of existence through mediums, séances, and other parapsychological means. While many of popular figures in the Spiritualist world were proven to be frauds, their practices have left their mark-in entertainment, in popular culture, and on true believers. This comprehensive title dives into the spirit world to separate fact from fiction and get to the bottom of ESP and other forms of parapsychology.
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Investigating UFOs and Aliens
by Therese Shea
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Given the vastness of the universe, it is not difficult to imagine the possibility of life-even intelligent life-beyond Earth. Yet whether any extraterrestrial beings have ever made contact with us and if any evidence of this contact exists, remains widely debated. Evaluating tales of alien encounters and UFO sightings with a critical eye, this absorbing volume considers the possibility of extraterrestrial life by carefully separating scientific fact from fiction, hoaxes, and the unprovable. It also examines "ufology" and alien life in popular culture, surveying the books, movies, TV shows, and more inspired by the idea of intergalactic contact.
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Investigating Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and Other Cryptids
by Heather Niver
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Bigfoot, Nessie, and mermaids: what do these cryptids share in common? No matter how doubtful we are of their existence, a part of us persists in asking, "Could they be real?" With a skeptical tone, this title tracks the most popular cryptozoological creatures from their mythological origins to modern attempts to prove their existence. Scientific explanations-including archaeological records and alleged physical evidence-are presented and assessed. Regardless of their veracity, the place these beasts hold in television, movies, and books is a cherished one, and it merits a thorough investigation.
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Investigating the Abominable Snowman and Other Legendary Beasts
by Jeanne Nagle
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Hear "abominable" and you may well think disgusting, detestable, disagreeable. Hear "snowman" and you think adorable. But put the two words together-Abominable Snowman-and you get a mystery. In this page-turner, students will read about people who claim to have seen the creature-even to have preserved body parts. Yikes. Other people and groups included in this book aim to debunk what they see as baseless myths. Readers will learn about both views of the Abominable Snowman as well as other legendary beasts in this provocative and riveting account. They can then come to their own conclusions.
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Investigating Witches and Witchcraft
by Therese Shea
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
The Wicked Witch of the West's cackling threat, "I'll get you, my pretty. . ." from the Wizard of Oz might be as memorable and instantly recognizable as a witch's iconic pointy-hatted crone image. This volume delves into the stereotypical image of witches and their newts, caldrons, and headwear and investigates their historical origins. Historical fact and imaginative fiction are carefully sorted through, with reference to literature, films, and other forms of pop culture. Modern-day news stories and events remind readers that witches and witchcraft are by no means a thing of the past, though they are ripe for reappraisal.
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Investigating Miracles
by Lewis Steinberg
Part of the Understanding the Paranormal series
Humans have been fascinated by miraculous works since time immemorial. In the Hebrew Bible, they proved the power of an almighty God. In early Christianity, they were the mark of Jesus's divinity. In Islam, the Qur'an itself is considered a great miracle. Later, the Enlightenment and rationalism called miracles into question, but believers still wonder, "Could some miracles be real?" This comprehensive text presents the history of miracles in the world's major religions and the scientific attempts to debunk or prove them. Factuality aside, miracles hold a relevant place in popular culture, a topic also addressed in this must-read title.
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