The Haunting of the Presidents: A Paranormal History of the U.S. Presidency

by Joel Martin

Experience America's secret history in the untold phenomena of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...  The scandals of the White House have always commanded attention, but little has been acknowledged of the documented paranormal events that have shaken its stately porticos for more than a century. They are in fact, part of declassified, substantiated records dating back from George Washington through the Clinton administration. Now, complete with actual transcripts of channeling sessions and séances, the history of the paranormal presidency is revealed for the first time in a fascinating exploration of the country’s most famous portal to the unknown.• What were the chilling revelations of the séances conducted by Mary Todd Lincoln, Martha Washington, and Eleanor Roosevelt? • What secrets did John F. Kennedy reveal—after his death? • Why was Hillary Clinton compelled to channel the spirits of past First Ladies? • Which presidents admitted in private to have had UFO encounters? • What’s the source of the strange light emanating from the Rose Room? • Who—or what—is playing the haunted strains of phantom music in the private halls of the White House?   Featuring a comprehensive see-for-yourself tour guide to the Presidential Haunted Places.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Paranormal, Ghosts, Historical, Spirituality, Horror

481 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: this page contains works by multiple authors with the same name.

Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly dated, but not a bad read at all; felt I learned a bit. Some of the events I'm sure were residual energy "film loop" impressions rather than actual spirits present - sort of like viewing a "home movie" (for us old folk).

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a different genre for me. Pretty interesting read. this book involves the presidents of the USA, the first wives. and many other people who may have anything to do with the presidents. this one is a bit different. It involves the presidents who have died, including their wives. there have been many presidents and their families who have lived in the White House.over the years there is also the possible ghost sitings of these presidents some seen by current president families, the staff that works at the white house. I think one of the most famous ghosts {or spirits} has been Abraham Lincoln. his bedroom is famous for other people seeing him. Other presidents and their first ladies have also been seen. this includes the children of the presidents. such as "Willie" Lincoln who died at 11 when living at the white house. other chapters focus on presidents and their wives who may be seen at their own homes that they lived in before or after the white house. this is is pretty interesting. I think it has to be possible that this famous residence may have some ghosts hanging around. there are other chapters that write about seances, mediums who claim to bring back the dead. I wanted to read something different. this is not a trashy book,actually gives some interesting information. I would give this a 3.5.

[Shanna Swenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and spooky look into our history! I learned a lot and enjoyed it immensely!

[Lizzie J Barron Cantu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I liked some parts of this book and others I didn’t care for. The ufo and anything Clinton or bush related I don’t want to read

[Rosa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was silly.

[Sally Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Although I got pretty bogged down in the channeling interviews at the end of the book....

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author takes the reader on a trip through time and share every paranormal tale and occurrence involving past Presidents, their wives, families and acquaintances. They bring out legends and historical events. Among the best sections are those on the Tenskwatawa Curse, Andrew Jackson and the Bell Witch Curse, the Kennedy Curse, various hauntings at the White House, the interaction between the Fox Sisters (Famous spiritualists) and several Presidents, seances at the White House, Lincoln's involvement in spiritualism, and the paranormal obsessions of the Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton. The author takes the reader on a trip through time and share every paranormal tale and occurrence involving past Presidents, their wives, families and acquaintances. They bring out legends and historical events. Among the best sections are those on the Tenskwatawa Curse, Andrew Jackson and the Bell Witch Curse, the Kennedy Curse, various hauntings at the White House, the interaction between the Fox Sisters (famous spiritualists) and several Presidents, seances at the White House, Lincoln's involvement in spiritualism, and the paranormal obsessions of the Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton. The book includes myths, verified sightings and numerous interactions with the 'other' world but manages to remains a comprehensive study of the paranormal connection to the presidency. The last chapter is speculative in that several seers provide presumed answers of great presidential mysteries via channeling. These pseudo-prophecies are entertaining but dilute the truth factor of the book. Overall, it is a 'tongue-n-cheek' book that does not push one into believing.

[Mike Dirksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like inspiring and spiritual polit5ical non fiction this is the book for you. If you like a good old fashioned scary story, set in one of the most famous buildings in the country, and the world, this is also the book for you! If you would like to read some of both this is definitely the book for you ! This book not only looks at many times of crisis the country was going through, with some being from the fairly recent past, but shows how ghosts or, spirits of departed Presidents have always appeared to lend their presence and encouragement.
Concentrating especially on the Lincoln and Washington administrations, there are many never before disclosed incidents of these presidential hauntings both inside and outside the White House.
I often found myself more inspired than chilled by the storys, but each one is well worth checking out, and the entire book really does keep your interest going. The very generous discounts available on this really good book is also an added bonus.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written very well and I beg to differ with the people who didn't like it. It was very informative when tying in the ghost stories which I like. Although the first part was a little boring and didn't hold my interest real well. It is a book that I think people should read if they like history and ghost stories combined.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned alot about the presidents' private lives reading this book.Their paranormal lives while they were alive and in the afterdeath.I'd say it is a great book for people who believe in the paranormal and interesting for those who want to learn about the presidents' history.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this MINUS stars if possible. One of the worst books I have ever read - hours of my life I'll never get back. It's not even worth the ink that was used to print it. The author should be embarrassed. Horrible.

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review deleted.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting look at the paranormal happenings in the White House. Who knew so many presidents returned after death?

[Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical facts and stories were good. Too many suppositions, innuendos and vague assumptions. Some parts seemed a bit redundant

[Sidney Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating book discusses how many United States presidents living in the White House felt the presence of the Spirits of former deceased presidents. It is a very common experience!

[S. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great Book, Wish I could visit and talk to some of the staff about their experiences.