What do you think?
Rate this book
Between Two Worlds
Now, for the first time, one of the most famous and celebrated investigators in the history of psychic research opens his private files to the world. Here are true-life stories, fully documented, of strange phenomenon - invisible bells, modern vampires, reincarnations, telepathic experiments, magic spells, dreams that reveal the future, hauntings and healings that science can't explain!
- GenresParanormalNonfiction
297 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1964
1 person is currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Nandor Fodor
24 books9 followersNandor Fodor was a British and American parapsychologist, psychoanalyst, author and journalist of Hungarian origin.
Fodor was one of the leading authorities on poltergeists, haunting and paranormal phenomena usually associated with mediumship. Fodor, who was at one time Sigmund Freud's associate, wrote on subjects like prenatal development and dream interpretation, but is credited mostly for his magnum opus, Encyclopedia of Psychic Science, first published in 1934. Fodor was the London correspondent for the American Society for Psychical Research (1935-1939). He worked as an editor for the Psychoanalytic Review and was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Fodor in the 1930s embraced paranormal phenomena but by the 1940s took a break from his previous work and advocated a psychoanalytic approach to psychic phenomena. He published skeptical newspaper articles on mediumship, which caused an opposition from spiritualists.
Fodor was one of the leading authorities on poltergeists, haunting and paranormal phenomena usually associated with mediumship. Fodor, who was at one time Sigmund Freud's associate, wrote on subjects like prenatal development and dream interpretation, but is credited mostly for his magnum opus, Encyclopedia of Psychic Science, first published in 1934. Fodor was the London correspondent for the American Society for Psychical Research (1935-1939). He worked as an editor for the Psychoanalytic Review and was a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Fodor in the 1930s embraced paranormal phenomena but by the 1940s took a break from his previous work and advocated a psychoanalytic approach to psychic phenomena. He published skeptical newspaper articles on mediumship, which caused an opposition from spiritualists.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 27, 2019
I originally picked this book up solely for the section in it on "The Talking Mongoose." Loathe to get a book only to read a single chapter, however, I ended up reading it from start to finish. I'm glad that I did. Nandor Fodor has a wry humor to his writing that can easily elicit a chuckle, and sometimes so corny a joke comes from him that it's difficult not to groan. His humor shines through even in the most interesting study, and his sharp mind studies the widest variety of subjects you're ever likely to find.
While his psychoanalysis work might leave a bit to be desired by today's standards, it still is an interesting case study for the time. That perspective is of particular interest when he delves into ghosts and poltergeists and how they are likely simply manifestations of strong emotions, of disturbed minds. It's an intriguing sort of thought, and one I haven't seen studied much. Likewise for his take on crisis apparitions.
This book was great from start to finish. It's evident how many authors were inspired by his writing, among others such as Charles Fort and his musings. These are classic books, half forgotten nowadays, but such a trip to travel down. Can't wait to read more.
While his psychoanalysis work might leave a bit to be desired by today's standards, it still is an interesting case study for the time. That perspective is of particular interest when he delves into ghosts and poltergeists and how they are likely simply manifestations of strong emotions, of disturbed minds. It's an intriguing sort of thought, and one I haven't seen studied much. Likewise for his take on crisis apparitions.
This book was great from start to finish. It's evident how many authors were inspired by his writing, among others such as Charles Fort and his musings. These are classic books, half forgotten nowadays, but such a trip to travel down. Can't wait to read more.
May 18, 2024
A WIDE RANGE OF ESSAYS ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND METAPHYSICAL TOPICS
Nandor Fodor (1895–1964) was a Hungarian-born journalist, lawyer, psychoanalyst and psychical researcher.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1964 book, “This book represents a lifetime of adventure and research. I would feel hard put to answer the question as to what has enthralled me most. It appears to me that in the wonders of the human mind no scale of comparison exists. Time, place and mental disposition are the decisive factors in fascination. In this volume there is enough to choose from for the most delicate taste. The reach is open from Heaven to Hell. Ample room exists for every kind of approach: the psychological, the philosophical, the psychoanalytical, and occult and the religious. I have no drums to beat, no isms to serve… I sat before the unknown, and sailed into it, for the best years of my life. I can only say that my three score and ten years have been marvelous lit up by the excitement and unceasing wonder of this quest. I have worked my way through orthodox religions, Spiritualism, psychical research to psychoanalysis, mainly in the hope of finding the missing answers. Some I have found, many more I have missed… Parapsychology… has made a significant inroad but hardly covered more than the initial part of a long journey. But, every journey begins with the first step, and the outlines of a new ultra-science are perhaps already discernible along the path… All I know is that human destiny will be profoundly affected by it and that eventually, and hopefully, we shall understand the meaning of human life.”
He says of ghosts, “Increasing knowledge of the unconscious mind of man has furnished us with some keys to this ancient mystery… Let us approach the subject by saying that the ghost is a product of the mind, conscious, or unconscious (and, perhaps, even of the impersonal unconscious—on the line of Jung’s archetypes).” (Pg. 58)
He says of telepathy, “The basic question … has been worded in a twofold manner: Is it a survival of an archaic, pre-lingual communication or is it developmental, a faculty that may be shared in the future by the majority of the race, and may even take the place of, or occasionally substitute for, normal communication?... the thought should not be ignored that telepathy may yet turn out to be the cohesive force that will hold humanity together in a far distant future.” (Pg. 72-73)
He suggests, “There is reason to suppose that every act, physical or mental, leaves an indelible record in the universe; that everything living or dead has a ghostly counterpart, the design of which was formed by the forces of the cosmos. This is the basis of the Great Memory, In the East it is called Akashic Records. In the West sometimes it is described as the Cosmic Picture Gallery. It is the Memory of the Universe or, at least, of our Planet, impersonal, beyond our comprehension, but not beyond our ability to catch glimpses of it when Nature appears to be in a ‘reminiscent’ mood, or contact it if we have the immense mental development that some people claim to have reached.” (Pg. 98)
He explains, “People engaged in the investigation of the paranormal must be prepared for everything. They are natural targets for the discharge of emotions caused by strange experiences or a psychotic attack. They must be prepared to investigate stories however odd they appear and regardless of their own reservations.” (Pg. 142)
He states, “For those who are weak to firth the battle of life on their own, Spiritualism offers a wonderful escape from reality. The spirits of the dead are always willing to guide and succor. A direct contact with them appears to be open to those who can hear voices, see, visions, or write automatically with a pencil held in a dreamy hand. They have probably no idea that they suffer from a dissociation of the personality as the result of a shock. The conscious mind is too monopolistic to allow belief in the existence of a separate mental development. The suggestion that the dissociated person is in contact with another plane of life is almost inescapable.” (Pg. 195)
Of a case he investigated of bogus ‘spirit raps,’ he comments, “Here, again, was the lesson: no phenomena should be accepted on authority. The ‘Danish Wonder’ was reputed to be one of the last great mediums! Miracle-mongering produced queer perversions of the mind. Daughters cheat their fathers and wives their husbands. Neither friendship nor social standing can guarantee authenticity.” (Pg. 249)
Of weeping Madonnas, he says, “Against the inroads of parapsychology into religious mysticism the Catholic Church used to defend itself by ascribing mediumistic phenomena to the agency of the Devil while those of the saints and religious ecstatics were claimed to be due to divine grace. Most of the phenomena were the same, only the interpretation differed. The Catholic evaluation always had the recommendation of simplicity. A miracle needs no explanation, it is self-sufficient; but it requires a religious setting and a certain magnitude of the phenomena claimed before scrutiny is granted to it. However, once accepted nothing can change the commitment. Miracles permit no compromise or alternatives…. Hence a parapsychological approach could be expected to make an impression on the Church… Attempts at reconciliation have been unthinkable.” (Pg. 264)
This book ranges very wide in its selection of topics. It will appeal to those seeking parapsychological mixed with psychological perspectives on puzzling phenomena.
Nandor Fodor (1895–1964) was a Hungarian-born journalist, lawyer, psychoanalyst and psychical researcher.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 1964 book, “This book represents a lifetime of adventure and research. I would feel hard put to answer the question as to what has enthralled me most. It appears to me that in the wonders of the human mind no scale of comparison exists. Time, place and mental disposition are the decisive factors in fascination. In this volume there is enough to choose from for the most delicate taste. The reach is open from Heaven to Hell. Ample room exists for every kind of approach: the psychological, the philosophical, the psychoanalytical, and occult and the religious. I have no drums to beat, no isms to serve… I sat before the unknown, and sailed into it, for the best years of my life. I can only say that my three score and ten years have been marvelous lit up by the excitement and unceasing wonder of this quest. I have worked my way through orthodox religions, Spiritualism, psychical research to psychoanalysis, mainly in the hope of finding the missing answers. Some I have found, many more I have missed… Parapsychology… has made a significant inroad but hardly covered more than the initial part of a long journey. But, every journey begins with the first step, and the outlines of a new ultra-science are perhaps already discernible along the path… All I know is that human destiny will be profoundly affected by it and that eventually, and hopefully, we shall understand the meaning of human life.”
He says of ghosts, “Increasing knowledge of the unconscious mind of man has furnished us with some keys to this ancient mystery… Let us approach the subject by saying that the ghost is a product of the mind, conscious, or unconscious (and, perhaps, even of the impersonal unconscious—on the line of Jung’s archetypes).” (Pg. 58)
He says of telepathy, “The basic question … has been worded in a twofold manner: Is it a survival of an archaic, pre-lingual communication or is it developmental, a faculty that may be shared in the future by the majority of the race, and may even take the place of, or occasionally substitute for, normal communication?... the thought should not be ignored that telepathy may yet turn out to be the cohesive force that will hold humanity together in a far distant future.” (Pg. 72-73)
He suggests, “There is reason to suppose that every act, physical or mental, leaves an indelible record in the universe; that everything living or dead has a ghostly counterpart, the design of which was formed by the forces of the cosmos. This is the basis of the Great Memory, In the East it is called Akashic Records. In the West sometimes it is described as the Cosmic Picture Gallery. It is the Memory of the Universe or, at least, of our Planet, impersonal, beyond our comprehension, but not beyond our ability to catch glimpses of it when Nature appears to be in a ‘reminiscent’ mood, or contact it if we have the immense mental development that some people claim to have reached.” (Pg. 98)
He explains, “People engaged in the investigation of the paranormal must be prepared for everything. They are natural targets for the discharge of emotions caused by strange experiences or a psychotic attack. They must be prepared to investigate stories however odd they appear and regardless of their own reservations.” (Pg. 142)
He states, “For those who are weak to firth the battle of life on their own, Spiritualism offers a wonderful escape from reality. The spirits of the dead are always willing to guide and succor. A direct contact with them appears to be open to those who can hear voices, see, visions, or write automatically with a pencil held in a dreamy hand. They have probably no idea that they suffer from a dissociation of the personality as the result of a shock. The conscious mind is too monopolistic to allow belief in the existence of a separate mental development. The suggestion that the dissociated person is in contact with another plane of life is almost inescapable.” (Pg. 195)
Of a case he investigated of bogus ‘spirit raps,’ he comments, “Here, again, was the lesson: no phenomena should be accepted on authority. The ‘Danish Wonder’ was reputed to be one of the last great mediums! Miracle-mongering produced queer perversions of the mind. Daughters cheat their fathers and wives their husbands. Neither friendship nor social standing can guarantee authenticity.” (Pg. 249)
Of weeping Madonnas, he says, “Against the inroads of parapsychology into religious mysticism the Catholic Church used to defend itself by ascribing mediumistic phenomena to the agency of the Devil while those of the saints and religious ecstatics were claimed to be due to divine grace. Most of the phenomena were the same, only the interpretation differed. The Catholic evaluation always had the recommendation of simplicity. A miracle needs no explanation, it is self-sufficient; but it requires a religious setting and a certain magnitude of the phenomena claimed before scrutiny is granted to it. However, once accepted nothing can change the commitment. Miracles permit no compromise or alternatives…. Hence a parapsychological approach could be expected to make an impression on the Church… Attempts at reconciliation have been unthinkable.” (Pg. 264)
This book ranges very wide in its selection of topics. It will appeal to those seeking parapsychological mixed with psychological perspectives on puzzling phenomena.
April 17, 2025
I heard about Gef the Talking Mongoose a while back and am completely obsessed. What luck then to find a copy of Nandor Fodor's book that includes his chapter on Gef, the one, the only, extra extra clever mongoose.
Fodor was a psychoanalyst and a paranormal researcher. I greatly appreciated how many of the cases of hauntings turned to be more mental disturbances than other-wordly ones. It is generally thought, for example, that a poltergeist is not an entity on its own side, but more a psychic discharge from an agitated mind, most often of a teenager.
I love that he was keen on debunking fraudsters and he sure met some creative and wildly talented fraudsters!
Also dear to my heart, he had a chapter about the artist and the creation and the flow process, especially for fiction writers whose characters become real enough to have conversations with. Charming reference to Charles Dickens being distracted in church by a character from Martin Chuzzlewit who whispered funny and distracting comments--I can just picture the stern looks from fellow parishioners and attempting to explain the fit of the giggles in church!
This book reads like you're having a conversation with a friend--very accessible and pleasant.
I'm off to a massive used book store tomorrow and will be on the hunt for some of his other books.
Greatly enjoyed this.
Fodor was a psychoanalyst and a paranormal researcher. I greatly appreciated how many of the cases of hauntings turned to be more mental disturbances than other-wordly ones. It is generally thought, for example, that a poltergeist is not an entity on its own side, but more a psychic discharge from an agitated mind, most often of a teenager.
I love that he was keen on debunking fraudsters and he sure met some creative and wildly talented fraudsters!
Also dear to my heart, he had a chapter about the artist and the creation and the flow process, especially for fiction writers whose characters become real enough to have conversations with. Charming reference to Charles Dickens being distracted in church by a character from Martin Chuzzlewit who whispered funny and distracting comments--I can just picture the stern looks from fellow parishioners and attempting to explain the fit of the giggles in church!
This book reads like you're having a conversation with a friend--very accessible and pleasant.
I'm off to a massive used book store tomorrow and will be on the hunt for some of his other books.
Greatly enjoyed this.
October 11, 2018
Very cool to see all the different cases this fantastic researcher investigated ! My favorite by far is the talking mongoose ! So fascinating ! Definitely recommend !
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews