Ghostology: A True Revelation of Spirits, Ghouls, and Hauntings

Ologies #15

by Lucinda Curtle, Dugald A. Steer, Garry Walton (Illustrator)

Just in time for Halloween! Find sundry novelties, flaps, facsimiles, and more in a haunting--or is it haunted?--volume that gives new meaning to the term ghost writer.

Have you been hearing strange footsteps and knocks, whispers and rattling chains? Perhaps the early-twentieth-century author of this newly discovered tome has some secrets to share. Within the book's weathered pages you'll hear of a headless French pirate in search of his missing noggin, a vanishing pair of young trickster twins, a ghostly woman who screams for attention, and other communications from the "fun side." Readers who wish to plumb the mysteries of the paranormal will find some hands-on challenges to lift their spirits, along with tips on a range of spectral subjects, such as what to pack in a ghostologist's field kit, how to distinguish the types of ghosts, the best ways to hunt them, and spotting the unfortunate fakes and frauds. Too bad the late author never got to see her guide find its way into the world! But wait--what are those strange and scratchy asides that appear in odd places throughout the book?

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Halloween, Childrens, Ghosts, Middle Grade, Ghost Stories

30 pages, Hardcover

Published August 17, 2020

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My granddaughters (11 and 9) browsed this book, and made a promise to read through a few pages each week when they visit. I have read others of these by Dugald Steer, like the first one which I have, Dragonology. They fascinate with their approach to offering real information in an imaginative way. Each has a fictional author. This time readers are introduced to Lucinda Curtle whose letter from 1922 is on the back of the book, telling that she has written in order to "dispel the wide array of misinformation around the study of ghosts and spirits." Evidently, it is told, the book was found through a number of strange occurrences that led under the floorboards of a certain house's daughter's room. This released more frightening sounds and odd moving of cutlery and books in the home. There is a letter included in an envelope to Candlewick Press explaining about this book from an expert in "ghostology". Other messages penciled on a page copy of the cover read "Learn about ghosts at your peril!" There are flaps to raise and small pieces that will help test one's capacity for ESP.
Readers will first find an introduction to ghostology itself. Later, a map showing "ghosts of the world" made us very excited because it included The Stanley Hotel that is here in Colorado. I have been on their 'ghost tour', have stayed there, and eaten in their fine restaurant - fascinating! Other pages concern ships at sea and an exciting one showing a ghostologist's field kit. The illustrators Anne Yvonne Gilbert, Doug Sirois and Garry Walton have added to the information in fabulous pictures, all looking as if they've come from antique books, capturing images of creatures people in the world swear that they've seen. Enter the book, as written, at your peril, but with the curiosity of one who may begin to become an expert!
Thanks, Candlewick Press, for this copy!

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very cool especially as Halloween approaches: did you ever wonder what to pack in ghost hunter's field kit? This book will answer lot's of questions ghost curious children will find fascinating. This book covers things like types of ghosts, haunted houses, hotels and forts, how to hunt ghosts, psychics and mediums, fakes and frauds and a history of ghosts and ghost hunters.

The layout of this book is very interesting and engaging and, there are a few pullouts and interesting inserts as well. The illustrations are wonderful but, it's definitely targeted for ages 10 or older. It's a beautiful book unlike any I've seen in recent years.

[Stephanie Tournas]

The newest in the Ologies series, this “scrapbook” is full to bursting with flaps, folds and inserts containing tickets, letters, photographs, maps, timelines and more, to guide the young ghost hunter in everything relating to ghosts. Like other books in the series, it is appealing in it’s large size and evocative design, complete with a red “templar ruby” on the cover. It is fashioned as a book written by the president of G.H.O.S.T.S. (Ghosts, Hauntings & Other Spectral Trouble Solved), who is specific in her warning that ” …common sense dictates it is not recommended to allow the book in children’s bedrooms at night.” Clever and mysterious, this will of course by devoured by kids who cannot get enough information about ghosts.

Although ghosts from non white cultures are described, all images of people present as white. Too bad. And, although this series is immensely popular in libraries, the parts never hold up to many circs.

A fun, if formulaic, offering for ghost loving kids, ages 8-12.

[Sundee Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the newest Ology book, and it was right up my alley (and, honestly, triggered the "complete the Ology series" quest). This book was a lot of fun. Written during the Spiritualist era, it's an argument between the author when she was alive and then her little quips while she's dead and haunting the book. There is some fun examples of how to communicate with spirits, some history about it, and some examples of hauntings around the world. I definitely feel like it wouldn't be too scary for children, despite the topic. If anything, the little quips make it more fun than scary. Definitely enjoyed myself with this one.

[Penny Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young I received many of the 'ologies' (ology's?) for Christmas. Now, nearly 30, I received this one for Christmas of 2022.

These books were always magic to me and it brought back a spark of that childhood magic to me now. Beyond the nostalgia this was a lot of fun and even sent a shiver or two down my spine!

I give two ratings to each book I read. A score out of 5 for the quality of the writing and a score out of 5 for how much I enjoyed reading it.
Writing  2.5/5
Enjoyment  5/5
I recommend you read it (or gift it to a young bookworm!)

[Drucilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was tempted to give this 3.5 stars because, while it provides a solid bit of information on a topic that's very, let's say ephemeral, and it does provide an extremely interesting frame story, I feel like it leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger. We never find out what the dead want to keep from the living or what the missing page of the book was about. That being said, I did bump it up to 4 stars because the frame story is so interesting.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as enjoyable as the Wizardology book but still good.

[Carrie Wills · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not what me or the kids were expecting. Very boring and didnt keep their attention.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved these books since I was a child. The quality of them is just the same now. They are really fun to read, very imaginative and the interactive elements are lovely.

[Grace Vollmert · Rating 1 out of 5]

i am actually scared

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a bunch of these ology books as a kid but not this one. It was a fun read: classic ology notes and ‘mysteries’. Very nostalgic.