The History of Spiritualism, Vol. I (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Origins, Séances, Mediums, and the Rise of Modern Spiritualist BeliefBy Arthur Conan Doyle
Length12h 31m
About this audiobook
Arthur Conan Doyle's The History of Spiritualism, Vol. I is a sweeping historical and apologetic account of the rise of modern Spiritualism, tracing its origins from early manifestations and mesmerist influences to the celebrated Fox sisters and the movement's nineteenth-century expansion. Written in a lucid, documentary style, it combines narrative history, biographical portraiture, case evidence, and polemical defense. The work belongs to the broader Victorian and Edwardian literature of psychical inquiry, where scientific aspiration, religious doubt, and empirical testimony met in uneasy but fascinating alliance. Doyle, best known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, brought to Spiritualism the habits of a trained physician, public controversialist, and storyteller. His experiences of bereavement, especially after the First World War, deepened a conviction already formed through years of investigation into séances, mediums, and psychical research. The book reflects both his evidential zeal and his desire to present Spiritualism as a consoling, rational religion for an age shaken by loss. This volume is recommended to readers interested in religious history, Victorian culture, occult movements, and Doyle's intellectual life beyond detective fiction. Whether approached critically or sympathetically, it remains an essential document of modern Spiritualism's self-understanding.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
Rating★★★ 3.1 (11)
Includes Goodreads
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length12 hrs 31 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateDec 13, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The History of Spiritualism, Vol. I (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Author Biography
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6PREFACE
7I. — THE STORY OF SWEDENBORG
8II. EDWARD IRVING: — THE SHAKERS
9* * * * *
10III. — THE PROPHET OF THE NEW REVELATION
11IV. — THE HYDESVILLE EPISODE
12V. — THE CAREER OF THE FOX SISTERS
13VI. — FIRST DEVELOPMENTS IN AMERICA
14VII. — THE DAWN IN ENGLAND
15VIII. — CONTINUED PROGRESS IN ENGLAND
16IX. — THE CAREER OF D.D. HOME
17X. — THE DAVENPORT BROTHERS
18XI. — THE RESEARCHES OF SIR WILLIAM CROOKES (1870-1874)
19XII. — THE EDDY BROTHERS AND THE HOLMESES
20XIII. — HENRY SLADE AND DR. MONCK
21XIV. — COLLECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS OF. SPIRITUALISM
22APPENDIX
23EVIDENCE OF THE HAUNTING OF THE HYDESVILLE HOUSE BEFORE THE FOX FAMILY OCCUPIED IT
24STATEMENT OF MRS. HANNAH WEEKMAN
25STATEMENT OF MICHAEL WEEKMAN
26EXTRACT FROM HORACE, GREELEY'S ARTICLE IN THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE GIVING HIS OPINION OF THE FOX SISTERS AND THEIR MEDIUMSHIP*
27THE MYSTERIOUS RAPPINGS
28PEN-PICTURE OF LAKE HARRIS BY LAURENCE OLIPHANT
29ADDITIONAL TESTIMONY OF PROFESSOR AND MRS. DE MORGAN
30WERE THE DAVENPORTS JUGGLERS OR SPIRITUALISTS?
31THE END
32Analysis
33Reflection
34Memorable Quotes
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