|
Basic
Bookshelf
While there are hundreds of books on the paranormal,
these are the ones that we think are the most helpful for new paranormal
investigators. They cover a range to topics that can act as a jumping
off point for further study and research. If you have a suggestion for
this list, please let us know.
|
|
An
Introduction to Parapsychology
This is a new edition of the acclaimed university textbook on
the science of parapsychology. Dr. Irwin outlines the origins
of parapsychological research and critically reviews investigations
of extrasensory perception, psychokinesis, poltergeist phenomena,
near-death and out-of-body experiences, and "survival"
of death. Also, criticisms by the skeptical are presented, and
the status of parapsychology as a scientific enterprise is assessed.
Think
of it as Parapsychology 101 - Highly recommended for those interested
in more then just "ghost hunting."
|
|
|
The
Ghost Hunter's Guidebook
Written by American Ghost Society founder and
president, Troy Taylor, this book sets the standards for all our
investigations. Nice mix of history and practical advice for ghost
hunters and paranormal investigators We never head out without
it!
|
|
|
Esp,
Hauntings and Poltergeists : A Parapsychologist's Handbook
This book is out-of-print, but it is well worth the trouble of tracking
down. Written by Bay Area Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach, this book
covers the "big three" paranormal topics. Informative
and entertaining. Highly Recommended. |
|
|
Field
Guide to Spirit Photography
Written by Dale Kaczmarek, president of the Ghost Research Society,
this book provides a good starting place for people that are interested
in spirit photography. Film, digital and video imaging are all
covered. There is also a nice section on how photo analysis
along with a list of common causes for images that are misinterpreted
as paranormal
|
|
|
Haunted
Houses of California: A Ghostly Guide to Haunted Houses and Wandering
Spirits
By Antoinette May, this book covers a lot of ground.
Not much depth for each location, but its an excellent jumping
off point to start your own investigations. Covers the entire
state, but has sections for Northern California, San Francisco,
East Bay, Peninsula, and the South Bay. It also has the advantage
of being one of the few books still in print!
|
|
|
Haunted
Places : The National Directory : Ghostly Abodes, Sacred Sites,
Ufo Landings, and Other Supernatural Locations
In almost every town in America there are places where strange things
happen. This revised and updated edition of Haunted Places is both
a fascinating and unusual travel guide as well as an indispensable
casebook for those interested in the paranormal.
From buildings and parks believed to have resident ghosts and poltergeists
to areas where Bigfoot or UFO sightings are most frequently reported,
Haunted Places will lead you to more than 2,000 sites of paranormal
activity across the United States.
Organized alphabetically by state, each entry is referenced to an
extensive bibliography of sources-with descriptions, addresses,
phone numbers, Web sites, and travel directions provided for all
locations.
|
|
|
The
Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits
Arranged alphabetically, this compilation of facts pertaining to
actual investigations and theories as well as the history of ghosts
and hauntings greatly expands the first edition. Entries vary between
a few sentences (Afrit , an Arabian demon) and to nearly two pages
(Hyslop, James Hervey [1854-1920], who conducted physical research).
Many entries are followed by references for further reading, including
Web sites. A few illustrations and photos are provided, and see
references are frequent. The writing style is very readable, and
borrowers may find themselves reading the entire work. |
|
|
Ghosts
Hans Holzer is a world-renowned parapsychologist and author of several
paranormal books including Are You Psychic? and Ghosts, Haunting&
Possessions, in which we learn of Holzer's earlier forays into the
world of the supernatural. His encounters with the undead are apparently
never-ending. Ghosts: True Encounters with the World Beyond is a
gigantic volume, documenting almost 200 cases of haunted houses,
ships, castles, and just about any place imaginable! The cases are
far more complex than just your average white-sheeted ghoul in the
attic. Holzer examines the differences between "real ghosts,"
who reveal themselves to living people, and psychic impressions,
which occur to many witnesses, always at the same time and place.
There is also solid advice for interpreting paranormal signals--and
even photographs of ghostly apparitions. This is an informative
read, but one that is open to personal interpretation. |
|
|
The
Source
Nighttime radio talk show host Art Bell and best-selling
author Brad Steiger address topics as varied as ghosts, ancient
civilizations, and psychic powers in The Source, a tribute to unexplained
phenomena. The Source is an easily digestible introduction to the
world of the paranormal, and offers multiple starting points for
the reader just striking out on an exploration of these fascinating
subjects. |
|
|
Ghost
Hunting: How to Investigate the Paranormal
by Loyd Auerbach
This is the latest
from Bay Area Parapsychologist
Loyd Auerbach. It is a nice consolidation of his earlier writings,
which can be hard to find, along with some newer material. This
book would make a good companion to Troy Taylor's Ghost Hunter's
Guidebook.
|
Top>>
Parapsychology
|
|
An
Introduction to Parapsychology
This is a new edition of the acclaimed university textbook on
the science of parapsychology. Dr. Irwin outlines the origins
of parapsychological research and critically reviews investigations
of extrasensory perception, psychokinesis, poltergeist phenomena,
near-death and out-of-body experiences, and "survival"
of death. Also, criticisms by the skeptical are presented, and
the status of parapsychology as a scientific enterprise is assessed.
Think
of it as Parapsychology 101 - Highly recommended for those interested
in more then just "ghost hunting."
|
 |
Parapsychology
: A Concise History
The rise of modern science forced the retreat of
magical thinking and practice, which had prevailed in Europe for
centuries. Psychologist John Beloff explores the history of parapsychology
and the continuing challenge from 20th-century parapsychologists
and metaphysical philosophers to the established scientific world-view.
|
Top>>
Paranormal Investigation
 |
The
Ghost Hunter's Guidebook
Written by America Ghost Society founder and
president, Troy Taylor, this book sets the standards for all our
investigations. Nice mix of history and particle advice for ghost
hunters and paranormal investigators We never head out without
it!
|
|
|
Field
Guide to Spirit Photography
Written by Dale Kaczmarek, president of the Ghost Research Society,
this book provides a good starting place for people that are interested
in spirit photography. Film, digital and video imaging are all
covered. There is also a nice section on photo analysis along
with a list of common causes for images that are misinterpreted
as paranormal.
|
|
|
The
Paranormal Investigator's Handbook
Get closer to the truth about anomalous phenomena! This extraordinary
volume draws together a team of experts to provide the latest
techniques for investigating cases, interviewing witnesses, researching
background information, and recognizing a hoax. Real-life studies
and actual photos are presented, along with helpful checklists,
diagrams, and instructions for leading your own investigations.
Read about documented ghost and poltergeist hauntings, and conduct
your own vigil. Delve into earth mysteries, like ley lines--locate
them on a map and prove them in the field. Try remote viewing
or use telepathy to "see" a distant place or event,
then arrange your own session.
A good addition to any investigators bookshelf
|
|
|
Investigating
the Paranormal
Investigating the Paranormal is a fascinating compilation of Tony
Cornell's most provocative, chilling, and often amusing case studies
-- among them "The Silver Street Ghost", "The Hillhaven
Medium" and "The Antique Shop Spuk". Initially
highly skeptical, the author has been convinced by his many hundreds
of investigations that there is a wealth of phenomena that cannot
be explained by normal means. However, he believes a cautious
approach -- coupled with scientific methodology -- are essential
to the proper investigation of the paranormal. Not only a great
read for the ghost enthusiastist but with deeper discussions of
instrumentation and other issues that speak to the practical concerns
of ghost hunters and other field investigators.
|
Top>>
Investigation ~ General
Exploration into the paranormal starts with solid investigative
techniques. We have found it valuable to have an understanding of how
private investigators structure their investigations and background
research . These are some of the books that we have found helpful.
 |
Practical
Handbook for Private Investigators
Topics covered include necessary skills for an investigator,
interviewing and interrogation, taking statements, computers and
the Internet, testifying in court, setting up practice, and more.
|
 |
Get
the Facts on Anyone
Looking for a long-lost friend? Perhaps siblings
separated at early ages? Or what if you'd like to know more about
a prospective tenant or employee? Get the Facts on Anyone can help.
Investigative reporter Dennis King will teach you how to unearth
useful data about your subject. King packs a lot of information
into the chapters, covering everything from basic research techniques
and the use of readily available resources to details on how to
detect "paper trippers" with false identities. You'll
also learn how to find "missing" people and how to get
background information on others through a wide range of sources:
newspapers, court records, military records, and "special methods"
including license-plate surveillance and garbage analysis. Some
of King's advice seems a bit paranoid (he advises "backgrounding"
dates, lovers, and spouses), but much of it is valuable: Knowing
the details of your lawyer's or physician's professional past would
certainly help grant peace of mind. A great bibliography and lists
of databases point you to additional sources for in-depth searches.
This book would be a useful reference to employers, landlords, and
anyone engaged in genealogical research. Journalists and other detail-oriented
researchers will find it invaluable. Get the Facts on Anyone will
teach you how to follow leads, paper trails, and your own instinct
to find the information you desire.
|
|
|
Researching
Public Records : How to Get Anything on Anybody (A Learning Annex
Book)
Parco owns a detective agency in New York and teaches
classes at the Learning Annex titled How to Get Anything on Anybody
and Researching Public Records. He shares his expertise on these
topics in this guide to accessing government records, performing
surveillance, genealogical searching, and a host of other means
of legal snooping. His techniques can be used to track relatives
or deadbeats, investigate the financial history of people or real
estate, or discover what public records tell about oneself. Not
surprisingly, clues on privacy protection make up the final chapter
of the guide. For anyone seriously in pursuit of information or
those dreaming about becoming private investigators, here's a good
start. |
 |
The
Investigator's Little Black Book 3
Author of the original Investigator's Little Black Book, Scott here
updates his "huge collection of investigative resources."
The volume contains an exhaustive amount of information on topics
private investigators might find pertinent. Wonder what state issued
a given social security number? Need information on Nevada brothels?
Scott has the answers. The volume begins with an alphabetical listing
of sources. Entries include phone numbers or Internet addresses
for further information. Graphical icons indicate whether the information
is new to the volume or restricted in some manner. The second section
of the volume includes information on warning signs of electronic
eavesdropping, caliber comparisons, a guide to concealed weapons,
and over 30 more topics essential to the P.I. Much of the information
is available via phone books and Internet sites the catch is knowing
where to look. Scott has done the legwork and fashioned a book of
practical and essential information. A great source of information
for the professional private investigator and a good read for the
armchair P.I., This is recommended for large public libraries. Karen
Evans, Indiana State Univ., Terre Haute
|
Top>>
Haunted Locations ~ General
|
Haunted
Places : The National Directory : Ghostly Abodes, Sacred Sites,
UFO Landings, and Other Supernatural Locations
In almost every town in America there are places where strange things
happen. This revised and updated edition of Haunted Places is both
a fascinating and unusual travel guide as well as an indispensable
casebook for those interested in the paranormal.
From buildings and parks believed to have resident ghosts and poltergeists
to areas where Bigfoot or UFO sightings are most frequently reported,
Haunted Places will lead you to more than 2,000 sites of paranormal
activity across the United States.
Organized alphabetically by state, each entry is referenced to an
extensive bibliography of sources-with descriptions, addresses,
phone numbers, Web sites, and travel directions provided for all
locations.
|
Top>>
Haunted Locations ~ California
/ Bay Area
Unfortunately, many of the books that contain information about the
classic Bay Area hauntings are either no longer in print, or in limited
release.
 |
Ghost
Stalker's Guide To Haunted California
By Richard Senate. Good guide book of California haunts. Some Northern
California and Bay Area locations. Nice quick reference list of
101 haunted sites at the end of the book. |
 |
Ghosts
of the Haunted Coast
Another collection by Richard Senate. Focuses on
Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo, and the
Channel Islands.
|
 |
Haunted
Houses of California: A Ghostly Guide to Haunted Houses and Wandering
Spirits
By Antoinette May, this book covers a lot of ground.
Not much depth for each location, but its an excellent jumping
off point to start your own investigations. Covers the entire
state, but has sections for Northern California, San Francisco,
East Bay, Peninsula, and the South Bay. It also has the advantage
of being one of the few books still in print!
|
Top>>
Psi
|
|
The
Conscious Universe: The Scientific Truth of Psychic Phenomena
Holding up such anomalies as ESP, psychokinesis, prayer, near-death
experiences, and reincarnation under the cool light of scientific
scrutiny can be a daunting task. Dean Radin, director of the Consciousness
Research Laboratory at the University of Nevada, rises to the challenge
in the pioneering and exhaustively researched The Conscious Universe.
Radin creates two categories: the perceiving of objects or events
beyond our ordinary sense capabilities and the triggering or influencing
of action through mental powers. Radin aims to present simply and
clearly the basic elements from science, psychology, and physics
that prove the existence psychic phenomena. Given the tacit acceptance
of psychic phenomena as "real," why do both government
and mainstream science repudiate the claims and the evidence, yet
continue to exploit them?
The
Conscious Universe challenges our most basic assumptions about
reality, those that exist in both the upper echelons of science
and in the basic daily interactions. It’s a mind-bending
exploration of how and what we see.
|
 |
Guidelines
for Testing Psychic Claimants
Wiseman (psychology, U. of Hertfordshire, England) and Morris (parapsychology,
Edinburgh U., Scotland) are not debunkers. They rue the fact that
serious researchers into psychic phenomena avoid testing people
who claim to have extraordinary abilities, and argue that more would
if a clear and widely accepted set of protocols were established.
They discuss the problem of fraud, initial meetings with the claimant,
working with likely tricksters, general policies, reporting recommendations,
proof versus process-oriented research, and other topics. Accessible
to general readers.
|
Top>>
Ouija
|
|
Ouija:
The Most Dangerous Game
The First Book To Take A Hard Look At The Phenomenon Called "The
Ouija Board"Is it just a game? When you ask the Ouija board
a question, who is it that answers? What about those stories of
Ouija-inspired prophecy and clairvoyance? What are the dangers of
the Ouija board? Do you know the stories of Ouija-inspired murders,
madness, obsession and possession? Exalted by some, condemned by
others, there's no doubt the Ouija is controversial. In this fascinating
book Stoker Hunt investigates the history and legacy of this "Mystic
Talking Oracle."
|
Top>>
Ghostly Encounters
 |
I
Never Believed in Ghosts Until... : 100 Real-Life Encounters
Good ghost stories can make your hair stand on end, but there's
nothing scarier than a true ghost story. One Halloween USA Weekend
asked readers to share their most mysterious encounters. This spellbinding
collection presents the 100 best entries and includes tales of haunted
houses, possessed objects, ghosts, unseen spirits, and more.
|
 |
The
Ghost-Hunting Casebook
8 b/w illustrations! These 99 files, from one of the world's most
sought-after ghost-hunters, will make a believer out of you! Here
are cases of levitating objects, evil spirits, noises from the past,
and visions of people long since departed--as they were reported
by reliable witnesses, investigated, and documented. Shudder as
you read studies of exorcisms, and of malevolent hauntings by poltergeists
and demons. Get the truth about Stone Tape Recordings (images and
sound recorded in stone and replayed years later); animal encounters;
famous historical cases--like Amityville and the Bell Witch; and
other eerie phenomena. Thought-provoking photos and 13 different
categories will make you realize how startlingly common these experiences
really are. |
 |
Ghosts
Hans Holzer is a world-renowned parapsychologist and author of several
paranormal books including Are You Psychic? and Ghosts, Hauntings
& Possessions, in which we learn of Holzer's earlier forays
into the world of the supernatural. His encounters with the ended
are apparently never-ending. Ghosts: True Encounters with the World
Beyond is a gigantic volume, documenting almost 200 cases of haunted
houses, ships, castles, and just about any place imaginable! The
cases are far more complex than just your average white-sheeted
ghoul in the attic. Holzer examines the differences between "real
ghosts," who reveal themselves to living people, and psychic
impressions, which occur to many witnesses, always at the same time
and place. There is also solid advice for interpreting paranormal
signals--and even photographs of ghostly apparitions. This is an
informative read, but one that is open to personal interpretation.
|
Top>>
Reference
 |
Cryptozoology
A to Z: The Encyclopedia of Loch Monsters, Sasquatch, Chupacabras,
and Other Authentic Mysteries of Nature
Cryptozoology A to Z, the first encyclopedia of its kind, contains
nearly two hundred entries, including cryptids (the name given to
these unusual beasts), new animal finds, and the explorers and scientists
who search for them. Loren Coleman, one of the world's leading cryptozoologists,
teams up with Jerome Clark, editor and author of several encyclopedias,
to provide these definitive descriptions and many never-before-published
drawings and photographs from eyewitnesses' detailed accounts. Full
of insights into the methods of these scientists, exciting tales
of discovery, and the history and evolution of this field, Cryptozoology
A to Z is the most complete reference ever of the newest zoological
science.
|
 |
Encyclopedia
of Occultism and Parapsychology
The Encyclopedia offers objective coverage of people, places, events,
and ideas in alphabetically-arranged entries that range from a paragraph
to several pages in length, depending on the importance of the subject
discussed. In certain controversial areas, the cases both for and
against are presented. In addition to a comprehensive general index,
there are nine topic indexes which include: animals, birds, insects;
demons; gems; geographical areas; Gods; paranormal phenomena; periodicals;
plants and flowers; and societies and organizations. |
 |
Encyclopedia
of Wicca & Witchcraft
This A-Z title describes the contemporary Wicca and witchcraft traditions.
Many different groups (Black Forest Clan, Blue Star Wicca, Church
of the World Tree) have entries ranging from a few paragraphs to
a couple of two-columned pages. Prominent figures from the history
of witchcraft also have entries, as do contemporary writers and
practitioners. |
 |
The
Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits
Arranged alphabetically, this compilation of facts pertaining
to actual investigations and theories as well as the history of
ghosts and hauntings greatly expands the first edition. Entries
vary between a few sentences (Afrit , an Arabian demon) and to
nearly two pages (Hyslop, James Hervey [1854-1920], who conducted
physical research). Many entries are followed by references for
further reading, including Web sites. A few illustrations and
photos are provided, and see references are frequent. The writing
style is very readable, and browsers may find themselves reading
the entire work.
|
Top>>
Miscellaneous
|
What
Survives?: Contemporary Explorations of Life After Death (New Consciousness
Reader)
Recently there has been a renewed interest in immortality,
sparked by research into altered states of consciousness and mysticism
into altered states of consciousness and mysticism. This collection
of original writings by Colin Watson. This collection of original
writings by Colin Wilson, Ran Dass, Kenneth Ring, and others allows
the reader the reader to examine the possibility of survival beyond
biological death from many viewpoints.
|
|
Philosophical
Interactions With Parapsychology : The Major Writings of H.H. Price
on Parapsychology and Survival
A representative sampling of writings on parapsychology from the
1930s to the 1970s, by the Oxford professor credited as being the
first modern Western philosopher to develop a coherent picture of
what life after death might be like. Price's main concern was making
psychic phenomena logically coherent, with his favorite topics being
the possibility of life after death and telepathy. Other subjects
include apparitions, clairvoyance, and telekinesis. No index. Annotation
copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
|
|
|
Poltergeist!
: a study in destructive haunting
Wilson, a prolific author of books on philosophy and the occult,
makes a case by case examination of a variety of poltergeist occurrences
in an attempt to synthesize a viable explanation for the poltergeist
phenomenon. After looking at evidence from cases varied by time
and location he comes to the conclusion that poltergeists are
spirit energies rather than a form of psychokinesis. His ideas
are controversial, but well argued and documented.
|
 |
Jung
on Synchronicity and the Paranormal
C. G. Jung had a lifelong interest in the paranormal that culminated
in his influential theory of synchronicity. Combining extracts taken
from the Collected Works; letters; the autobiographical Memories,
Dreams, Reflections; and transcripts of seminars, Jung on Synchronicity
and the Paranormal sets out clearly his seminal contribution to
our understanding of this controversial area.
In his introduction, Roderick Main discusses Jung's encounters with
and observations of the paranormal, the influences that contributed
to his theory of synchronicity, and the central ideas of the theory
itself. The selections include Jung's writings on mediumistic trance
phenomena, spirits and hauntings, anomalous events in the development
and practice of analytical psychology, and the divinatory techniques
of astrology and the I Ching. The book also features Jung's most
lucid account of his theory in the form of his short essay "On
Synchronicity," and a number of Jung's less-known writings
on parapsychology, his astrological experiment, and the relationship
between mind and body.
Jung
on Synchronicity and the Paranormal addresses subjects that were
fundamental to Jung's personal and professional development. Probing
deeply into the theory of synchronicity, Roderick Main clarifies
issues that have long been a source of confusion to Jung's readers.
|
 |
The
Terror That Comes in the Night : An Experience-Centered Study
of Supernatural Assault Traditions (American Folklore Society,
Vol 7)
David
Hufford's academic work, subtitled An Experience Centered Study
of Supernatural Assault Traditions, deals with the so-called 'Old
Hag' experience, a psychologically disturbing event in which a
victim claims to have encountered some form of malign entity whilst
dreaming (or awake). Sufferers report feeling suffocated, held
down by some 'force', paralyzed-and extremely afraid. It is an
experience which is surprisingly common, with Hufford estimating
that approximately 15% of people undergo it at some point in their
lives. Various cultures have their own name for the phenomenon,
and have constructed their own mythology around it; the supernatural
tenor of many Old Hag stories is unavoidable. Hufford, as a folklorist,
is well-placed to investigate this puzzling occurrence.
|
 |
What
Happens When You Die: From Your Last Breath to the First Spadeful
This intriguing
glimpse into the once mysterious aspects of death tells what happens--
step-by-step-- during the embalming and cremation processes.
Here you will find information once known only to funeral directors,
including:
o
What happens to the body when attacked by organisms it once easily
fought off.
o
The varied religious beliefs surrounding funerals and wakes
o
The evolution of embalming: From the ancient Egyptian religious
rite to embalming as we know it today, which began during the
Civil War, When bodies were shipped home for burial
o
Alternatives to embalming, including mummification... and more
|
Top>>
About
Us |
Ghosts & Hauntings | Other
Anomalies | Links & Resources | Member
Area | Site Map
|
