A Natural History of Ghosts: 500 Years of Hunting for Proof

by Roger Clarke

What explains ghost sightings? What do haunted people see? And what proof is there? Roger Clarke, who spent his childhood in two haunted houses, has produced the first comprehensive study of the evolution of the ghost, through the stories of the hauntings that have most obsessed the world. From religious beliefs to modern neuro-science, from haunted houses to haunted submarines, and from hoaxers to true believers, he covers the many manifestations of our fascination with ghosts and fear of the dark.

361 pages, Paperback

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise natural history of ghosts looks at the apparitions as an extension of Western culture and belief. Throughout history, ghosts have appeared, but they have subtly altered to fit the fashions and religious beliefs of the century. Since Pliny the Elder, they have stalked our waking and sleeping world, sometimes as a harbinger of death, the devil, or simply as wandering beings lost and alone on the Earth. This book brings those ideas to the forefront while also examining some of the most celebrated cases.

[Diane Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.

I was disappointed with this read. The subtitle suggests more focus on ways in which people have attempted to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts. Mostly, however, we get a recounting of some famous British hauntings. I appreciated the discussion of the connection between ghost belief and social class, but would have liked more discussion of that in the present day. I found myself getting bored a few times, which should never happen with a discussion of the paranormal. Worth reading if one moderates one’s expectations.