Discover your next great read with our book reviews
Cover of A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural

A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural

by DK

Book Details

Publisher:Penguin
Published:2024-09-10
Pages:903
Format:BOOK
Language:en
ISBN:9780593958414

Reading Info

About This Book

Discover the spine-chilling history of ghosts and the supernatural across the world in this illustrated guide. A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most fascinating and controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from Neolithic ancestor worship and ancient necromancy to modern-day ghost-hunting and creepypasta tales and from the Japanese onryo to the La Llorona of Latin America. The perfect introduction to the subject, th

Our Review

This comprehensive guide offers a truly global exploration of supernatural beliefs, tracing ghost lore from Neolithic ancestor worship through ancient necromancy practices to contemporary creepypasta and paranormal investigation. The book's strength lies in its cross-cultural approach, examining spectral traditions from Japanese onryo to Latin America's La Llorona with equal scholarly attention, creating a fascinating timeline of humanity's enduring fascination with the afterlife.

Visually rich and meticulously researched, this volume stands out by treating supernatural beliefs as serious cultural history rather than mere campfire tales. Readers who enjoy anthropology and folklore will appreciate how it contextualizes ghost stories within their historical periods and societies, while paranormal enthusiasts will find thorough coverage of modern ghost-hunting methodologies. The result is a compelling reference that illuminates why these stories continue to haunt our collective imagination across centuries and continents.

Themes

Body, Mind & Spirit

Subjects

Body, Mind & Spirit