Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
December 4, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
John W. Martin asked:
Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
http://www.yallways.com
Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.
Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.
Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.
Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.
Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.
Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.
Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained
http://www.yallways.com
Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.
Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.
Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.
Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.
Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.
Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
May 31, 2009 by admin
Filed under Uncategorized
John W. Martin asked:
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
http://www.yallways.com
The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.
Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.
Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.
Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.
Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.
The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science
http://www.yallways.com
The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.
Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.
Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.
Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.
Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.
