Secrets of the Psychics: Investigating Paranormal Claims

by Massimo Polidoro

For more than fifteen years, Italian investigator Massimo Polidoro has examined dozens of supposedly paranormal events, some of them famous historical incidents, others contemporary claims of psychics, mediums, healers, "human magnets," a "girl with X-ray eyes," and the like. This fascinating book brings together the results of his investigations, presenting in-depth discussions of the evidence and the claims for each individual case.

Among the historical events discussed are the Feilding Report on Eusapia Palladino, the most valued account of séances performed by this famous medium; the relationship between renowned magician and skeptic Harry Houdini and mystery writer Arthur Conan Doyle, a firm believer in mediums and spiritualism; the case of Margery, the "blond witch of Lime Street"; and other equally strange happenings.

Turning to contemporary paranormal claimants, Polidoro reveals the secrets of a Russian psychic; carefully examines demonstrations of psychokinesis; considers the evidence for some modern-day miracles; exposes the tricks of Indian gurus; and pursues many other interesting claims. In addition, he explores the psychology of psychic deception, considering mechanisms of deception and the unreliability of eyewitness testimony.

This intriguing examination of the bizarre and the strange by a top-notch investigator will interest both skeptics and believers alike.

Genres: Nonfiction, Occult

302 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Scrittore, giornalista e Segretario nazionale del CICAP, è stato docente di Metodo scientifico e Psicologia dell’insolito all’Università di Milano-Bicocca. Allievo di James Randi, è Fellow del Center for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) e autore di oltre 40 libri e centinaia di articoli pubblicati su "Focus" e numerose altre testate. È all'esordio con il suo primo thriller intitolato: "Il passato è una bestia feroce" (Piemme).

Reviews

[Kenny Biddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. This is an essential addition to the library of those who investigate or simply wondered about the validity of psychic phenomenon. Massimo brings us cases he's personally worked on and details the claims and tests he (and others) devised to understand and also expose the tricks being used.

[Giulia C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carrellata non noiosa di tecniche e personaggi che hanno fatto la storia del paranormale. Di fronte ad ogni nuovo "sorprendente" potere, l'autore ripercorrendo le tappe della vicenda così come è avvenuta, ci mostra passo passo come scienziati e prestigiatori hanno in vari tentativi confutato la messinscena.

[William Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one should investigate the paranormal without owning and studying this work. Although it is slanted towards all paranormal is fake, the cases here are important so investigators can eliminate the fraudulent in their quest for the paranormal.