For many people, October includes activities around spirits, ghosts and supernatural beings. On a related theme, although not to take away from the fantasy and fun of autumn, this month’s recommended book is Spirit Sleuths, How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes. Author Gail Jarrow invites readers to investigate the history behind particular supernatural activities.
This account begins in 1848 with two sisters in upstate New York who claimed that mysterious tappings in their house were communications from ghosts. As this story grew and traveled to nearby communities, the girls gained popularity, as did the séances they held. The author provides narrative detail that describes the experiences of their family. Jarrow continues her account to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when other people such as Ira and William Davenport, Henry Keller, and William Mumler claimed supernatural powers. The stories of their mystic experiences are documented in narrative form and include particular seemingly magical events, such as spirit cabinets, spirit photographs, planchette which led to the Ouija Boards, mind reading and fortune-telling. Each chapter ends with a section titled “How Did They Do It?”
These fraudulent spiritualists traveled nationally and internationally, holding meetings and giving false hope to grieving individuals that they could communicate with their dead loved ones. Eventually, suspicion of these experiences led to exposure of spiritual mediums and the fraudulent opportunities they provided emotional people.
Harry Houdini became a leader in recognizing the scams and taking action to expose it. This may be a surprise for readers who recognize him as a magician known for his escape from locks and chains in precarious situations, an ability achieved through skill and training — not trickery. This well documented account of his involvement also brings in another potential surprised — that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as a staunch believer in spiritualism of the time. Eventually a riff came between their friendship due to another scam. Houdini’s work was out of concern for the victims of spiritualists as he continued working with the NYC police and beyond. Rose Mackenburg is introduced to readers as one of many undercover agents who is remembered for her continuing exposure of those charging for bogus séances or other fake communication with the deceased.
Connections for readers today are powerful as the chapters weave throughout historical events such as world wars, epidemics and technology developments, as well as telling compelling biographical information. How can the minds of people be manipulated to the point of believing fraudulent tales of the supernatural, losing money and lives? Jarrow closes with insights to contemporary fraudulent psychics of the 21st century showing that such scams are occurring today and cautioning readers to think critically about situations that might create more exploitation. The twenty-five pages of back matter are valuable in showing documentation as well as evidence of excellent research. Also included is a timeline, glossary, extensive source notes and a bibliography. -Recommended by Janelle Mathis, Professor Emeritus, University of North Texas
Title: Spirit Sleuths, How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes
Author/Illustrator: Gail Jarrow
ISBN: 978-1662680236
Pub. Date: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Calkins Creek
Each month a committee of Worlds of Words advisors recommends a book published within the last year. Our hope is to spark conversations on our website and on social media about the book that expand global understandings and perceptions. Please join us by leaving a comment. You can also share your thoughts with us by using the hashtag #WOWRecommends on social media.
- Themes: Gail Jarrow, Janelle Mathis, Spirit Sleuths
- Descriptors: WOW Recommends