The Book of Dreams and Ghosts

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Book of Dreams and Ghosts

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Andrew Lang's *The Book of Dreams and Ghosts* explores the mysterious edges of human experience, blending folklore with early psychical inquiry. This haunting collection examines apparitions, dreams, and ghostly encounters, offering a balanced view between scientific skepticism and the enduring belief in supernatural phenomena.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The Book of Dreams and Ghosts*, Andrew Lang investigates the nature of apparitions, arguing that while modern science classifies ghosts as hallucinations rather than actual spirits, these experiences possess profound psychological and social significance. Lang categorizes narratives ranging from ordinary illusions and impostures to rare, veridical cases occurring in sane, healthy individuals. He contrasts historical perspectives, noting the shift from ancient views of ghosts as freed spirits to Reformation-era demonological interpretations and Enlightenment dismissals of apparitions as dreams or hoaxes. Lang posits that while modern psychology accepts hallucinations, it struggles to explain if they originate from external psychical influences. The text presents compelling evidence, including the famous story of Campbell of Inverawe. In 1755, Campbell received a ghostly warning in Scotland from his murdered foster-brother, who prophesied a meeting at Ticonderoga. Years later, during the French and Indian War, Campbell fought at the Battle of Ticonderoga, where he and his son were killed, exactly as the ghost had predicted. Simultaneously, witnesses in Scotland reportedly saw a siege in the sky, identifying specific regiments and casualties, a vision later corroborated by contemporary gazettes. Lang also analyzes the 'Tyrone Ghost' and possession cases, tracing the evolution of ghost stories from simple dramatic narratives to complex legends. Lang addresses the difficulties in collecting evidence, noting how social stigma and religious principles often silence witnesses. He critiques the credulity of those seeking to prove 'new forces' while acknowledging the fallacies that can impose on common sense. Ultimately, the book serves as both an illustrative collection of evidence and a thoughtful inquiry into humanity's myth-making faculty. Lang suggests that the rarity of purposeful ghosts today may stem from a dwindling capacity for such belief rather than a lack of supernatural reality. He maintains a balanced stance, admitting belief in hallucinations but remaining in a state of doubt regarding whether they are caused by psychical influences from the minds of others, alive or dead.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/andrew-lang_book-of-dreams-and-ghosts.epub

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Categories

• Paranormal