A list of recommended books, with links to available on-line booksellers
Picture Yourself Ghost Hunting.
Balzano, Christopher.
Course Technology PTR, 2008. ISBN: 1598634984
Picture Yourself Ghost Hunting: Step-by-Step Instruction for Exploring Haunts and Finding Spirits, Spooks, and Specters introduces novice paranormal explorers to the history, techniques, and equipment used in the search for proof of life after death, or simply, ghosts. Written like a field guide to ghost hunting, the book begins by examining what a ghost is, and isn't, and presents a brief history of ghosts and the pioneers of the ghost hunting field. You'll review what has already been discovered and the tried and true methods and tricks that have been successfully used by seasoned ghost hunters and their outcomes. You'll also take a look at the different types of equipment used to both search for and communicate with ghosts, as well as how to approach the hunt depending on the location. Finally, you'll learn how to assess the evidence that you've gathered and what it all means, and how to avoid the pitfalls that are the stuff of popular ghost legends. Written by an avid and experienced paranormal researcher, "Picture Yourself Ghost Hunting" is filled with firsthand tips and advice, including a 90-minute interactive DVD featuring tutorials and interviews, and is both a reference and a source of helpful inspiration for any aspiring ghost hunter.
Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search For Scientific Proof Of Life After Death.
Blum, Deborah.
Penguin Press, 2006. ISBN: 1594200904
"Ghost Hunters: William James and the Search for Scientific Proof of Life After Death is the story of a small group of scientists who launched a determined scientific investigation into the "unexplainable" incidences of clairvoyance and ghostly visitations that had suddenly become national obsessions. What began as a matter of curiosity became for the investigators an all-consuming, lifelong quest for evidence of the existence of the supernatural realm. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Deborah Blum uses her scientific insight and extraordinary storytelling skills to explore nothing less than the ever relevant nexus of science and religion, as it played out in the personal and professional lives of some of the greatest thinkers at the turn of the twentieth century."
The Night-Side of Nature (Or, Ghosts and Ghost-Seers.
Catherine Crowe.
Kessinger Publishing, 2017. ISBN: 9356783675
Originally published in English in 1848, this collection of ghostly sketches and anecdotes by novelist, children's author, and spiritualist, Catherine Crowe. The Night-Side of Nature was a Victorian best-seller and the first published work of its kind to consider the scientific inquiry of paranormal phenomena with seriousness and rigor. In it, Crowe not only adopted the contemporaneous research being done in Germany—her inclusion of “Poltergeist” being the earliest known usage of the word in an English language text—she made bold applications of it, devising a classification system for spirits and phenomena that, even today, remains relevant.
In Search of the Multiverse.
Gribbin, John.
Trade Paper Press, 2010. ISBN: 1684424607
Touching on the newest research on quantum physics, thermodynamics, string theory, and even the nature of God, Gribbin provides an overview of the current state of cosmology, going beyond the realm of settled science to the astonishing questions theoretical physicists that investigators into the paranormal, and "ghost" phenomena in particular, have begun considering as applicable theories.
The Encyclopedia Of Ghosts and Spirits.
Guiley, Rosemary Ellen. 2nd ed.
Facts on File, 2000. ISBN: 0816040850
The second edition of this encyclopedia (1st ed., CH, Dec. 1992) contains alphabetically arranged entries on ghosts, spirits, and related activities such as ghost hunting and spiritualism. The entries also treat such subjects as death and celebrations, beliefs, and customs surrounding the afterlife. The choice of entries is inclusive, thorough, and academic. The entries are very well written in an accessible and interesting style, are frequently illustrated or contain photographs, and never descend to sensationalism. The entries are cross-referenced and supply lists of further readings. This encyclopedia can be used for ready reference or as a guide for further study. Highly recommended for undergraduate libraries or libraries supporting interest in death, the occult, spirits, and related topics.
Ghost Hunting: True Stories Of Unexplained Phenomena.
Hawes, Jason and Grant Wilson, with Michael Jan Friedman.
New York: Pocket Books, 2007. ISBN: 9781416541134 ($14.00)
The heads of The Atlantic Paranormal Society and hosts of the popular Ghost Hunters television show present an in-depth look at some of their investigations while offering insight into the tools and methods applied to noteworthy cases.
Ghosts: True Encounters With the World Beyond.
Holzer, Hans.
Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, 1997. ISBN-13: 978-1579124014
Join paranormal expert and storyteller extraordinaire Hans Holzer as he explores ghostly manifestations of every variety and delves into the true nature of "the other side." In this groundbreaking book--featuring eye-opening photographs of ghostly apparitions and visitations--Holzer presents hundreds of case histories, tips on interpreting sounds and other signals from the beyond, and more.
PSIence: How New Discoveries In Quantum Physics and New Science May Explain the Existence Of Paranormal Phenomena.
Jones, Marie D.
New Page Books, 2007. ISBN: 1564148955
This edition introduces readers to the latest discoveries in quantum physics and New Science that may explain the existence of paranormal phenomena--UFOs, ghosts, poltergeists, mysterious apparitions, time anomalies, the Bermuda Triangle, energy vortices, and psychic abilities.
A Ghosthunter's Guide: To Haunted Landmarks, Parks, Churches, and Other Public Places.
Myers, Arthur.
Contemporary Books, 1993. ISBN: 0809242885
Is America haunted? This travel guide to haunts in several U.S. towns should be enough to convince even the hard-nosed skeptics. Believing in the supernatural adds to the enjoyment, but it is not a prerequisite. Pick an area of the country--be it New England, the Central/Southern states, or the West--and go exploring. Former inhabitants (a.k.a. ghosts) from a variety of eras are popping up in inns, libraries, gardens, theaters, churches, docks, schools, and the like. Each documented sighting includes the witnesses, personalities, and names of ghosts and the best times to visit. Some of the ghosts are friendly, some are not, and some want to go home with you. Some still don't believe that they have really died. A truly fascinating, memorable romp and unique vacation experience, this book is fun for believers, fantasy for skeptics.
Darkness Walks: The Shadow People Among Us.
Offutt, Jason.
Anomalist Books, 2009. ISBN: 1933665378
Jason Offutt sheds light on the world of the shadow anomalies through the lens of science, religion, and metaphysics: are they ghosts, demons, hallucinations, or something else entirely? Brad Steiger praises Offut's books as an “excellent study of the phenomenon presents us with the most thorough and complete work yet written regarding the mysterious beings that we have come to call collectively, the Shadow People…Jason may not have any ultimate answers, but no one has done a better job of defining who or what these shades might be.”
The Complete Idiot's Guide To Ghosts and Hauntings.
Ogden, Tom.
2nd ed. Alpha, 2004. ISBN: 1592572502
A guide to ghosts and haunted places covers such topics as urban legends, poltergeists, spiritualism, séances, ghost hunters, haunted houses, mediums, and ghost writings.
Ghost: Investigating the Other Side.
Ramsland, Katherine M.
St. Martin's Press, 2001. ISBN: 0312261640
Ramsland (author of numerous books on Anne Rice, vampirism and other ghoulish subjects) is just the sort of person you'd want to tell you a ghost story: credible, smart, sane and funny, neither a believer nor a skeptic. Cast as an adventure in "participatory journalism," the book begins with Ramsland's chance acquisition of a haunted silver ring. Determined to extract its secrets, she sets out on a quest that gradually turns into a full-blown investigation of psychic aberration in America. She plunges into the vast culture of ghost detection, sleeping in haunted bed-and-breakfasts from Salem to Sedona, familiarizing herself with the latest technology while also consulting conventional occult modes tarot, palm, Ouija. Charmingly understated at all times ("I never quite know how to talk to someone who lives simultaneously in two time periods"), Ramsland admits to being impervious to the spirit world; while psychics and sensitives of every description reel and recoil at the mere sight of her ring, she at first feels and sees nothing. Her gradual conviction, as she delves deeper and deeper into the realm of the unseen, that "something is out there" is all the more spine-tingling. Ramsland is a master of foreboding, and as her tale unravels, an explosive climax seems inevitable. What results more a creepy certainty than a frightful resolution may disappoint some readers. But whatever its payoff, the book will find avid fans among X-Files watchers, amateur ghost hunters, and the vast majority of those who feel that things that go bump in the night should be heard rather than seen.
The Demon-Haunted World: Science As a Candle In the Dark.
Sagan, Carl.
Ballantine Books, 1996. ISBN: 0345409469
Carl Sagan muses on the current state of scientific thought, which offers him marvelous opportunities to entertain us with his own childhood experiences, the newspaper morgues, UFO stories, and the assorted flotsam and jetsam of pseudoscience. Along the way he debunks alien abduction, faith-healing, and channeling; refutes the arguments that science destroys spirituality, and provides a "baloney detection kit" for thinking through political, social, religious, and other issues.
Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places.
Steiger, Brad.
Visible Ink Press, 2003. ISBN: 1578591465
More than a collection of true ghost stories, this book offers a defining work on spirit phenomena written by renowned "ghost-writer" Brad Steiger, who investigates and classifies the full range of ghostly manifestations and haunted locations, reporting the details in 30 topical chapters; 125+ spooky photos.
The Ghost Hunter’s Guide Book: The Common Sense Guide to Paranormal Research.
Taylor, Troy.
Whitechapel Productions Press, 1999. ISBN: 9781892523044
Author, ghost researcher and American Ghost Society founder Troy Taylor returns once more to the field of paranormal investigation with the 10th Anniversary Edition of his bestselling guide to investigating ghosts and hauntings. With this new, updated edition, Taylor has expanded on all of the original material from past volumes and has added new information on investigation techniques, detection equipment, spirit communication, cameras and photo analysis, historical research and more.
Strange Frequencies.
Telesha, Craig.
Whitechapel Productions Press, 2008. ISBN: 1892523574
The Haunted Field Guide Series continues with an essential guide to everything a ghost researcher needs to know about using technology to track down evidence of the paranormal. In this compelling and highly readable guide, the author uncovers the real science behind ghost research; offers a wealth of information on the uses of a wide variety of equipment; and offers in-depth instructional knowledge on the best ways to use technical equipment during an investigation. The book explores how to use temperature equipment, EMF meters, recording devices, cameras, video equipment, and offers a hard look at the use of "ghost boxes", which have become so popular in the paranormal community. With this volume, the reader will not only learn to use just about every type of paranormal tech device on the market, but will also learn how to build his own EMF meters, "ghost boxes", temperature detection equipment, and more, through the use of photographs and detailed schematics. This is a must-have book for every ghost hunter and for anyone who wants to properly use his or her equipment. It is an essential guide to paranormal research.
How To Hunt Ghosts: A Practical Guide.
Warren, Joshua P.
Simon & Schuster, 2003. ISBN: 0743234936
Warren presents the perfect guide for those who suspect they live in a haunted house and want to verify or exorcise a ghost, are seriously interested in pursuing a career as a ghost-buster, or are simply curious about paranormal activity.
Pet Ghosts: Animal Encounters from Beyond the Grave.
Warren, Joshua P.
Weiser, 2006. ISBN:1564148882
Haunted U.S.A.
Wetzel, Charles.
Sterling, 2008. ISBN: 9781402737350
All across the U.S., there’s a strange kind of American “spirit” surfacing: the ghosts, specters, and wraiths that make up the country’s phantom population. They’re the native citizens of Haunted U.S.A., and they come in every size, shape, type, and personality. Meet these spine-tingling characters, from the creatures occupying Washington D.C.’s most hallowed halls (including a demon cat that prowls Congress) to apparitions that materialize in graveyards and once-bloody battlefields. Find out about the nation’s most haunted houses; a mammoth cave that’s the site of more than 150 encounters; and Hawaii’s “Lava Lady,” a goddess who bubbles up from the depths of the earth with the lava that created the islands. Fun sidebars provide extra information.
The Haunted Whaley House, II.
Wlodarski, Robert and Anne Powell Wlodarski.
G-Host Pub, 2004. ISBN: 0964908875
Shadows Of the Dark.
Zaffis, John.
iUniverse, Inc., 2004. ISBN: 0595325092
John Zaffis is a world-renowned psychic researcher who has investigated thousands of reports of alleged hauntings and witnessed and assisted in over 85 exorcisms to date. He has witnessed and documented levitating furniture, physical attacks by unseen entities and many other inexplicable actions encompassing the supernatural and preternatural. Zaffis also has accumulated thousands of artifacts from case studies including haunted Voodoo dolls, sacrificial swords, and other eerie artifacts from the field. Shadows of the Dark is John Zaffis' extraordinary life story as documented through his case files. This written work is the life, testimony, and frightening recollection of one of today's top ghost busters.
