Intrusions: Society and the paranormal

Intrusions by John Evans explores how ordinary people have regarded the paranormal and how society has attempted to deal with it. It discusses questions such as what Shakespeares audience felt about Hamlets father's ghost, why a renewed interest in magic followed the age of enlightenment, and how Victorian science responded to spiritualism. It demonstrates that society has been badly served by the intellectual establishment in matters relating to the paranormal and that there is still a reluctance to investigate and accept these phenomena.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1982, Intrusions delves into a comprehensive examination of a diverse array of historical cases, showcasing how ordinary individuals have perceived the paranormal in contrast to 'official attitudes' and how society as a whole has grappled with occurrences that defy current scientific or religious explanations. He explores thought-provoking questions such as: What did Shakespeare's audience think about Hamlet's father's ghost? Why did a resurgence of interest in magic emerge after the 'age of enlightenment'? How did Victorian science respond to spiritualism, and why has scientific psychical research, when it finally emerged, faced persistent opposition? Drawing upon extensive reports and accounts of extraordinarily generous individuals, Mr. Evans presents an authentic portrayal of prevailing attitudes, focusing for the first time directly on the experiences and perspectives of ordinary people. He compellingly demonstrates that society has been, and continues to be, inadequately served by the intellectual establishment in matters concerning the paranormal. While there are indications of improvement, there remains a disheartening reluctance, even to investigate, let alone accept, these phenomena, yet they persist and people continue to seek explanations for them. This book holds immense interest for anyone intrigued by the enigmatic realm of the paranormal, as well as students of parapsychology, history, and literature.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032391854