Lights and Shadows of Spiritualism

A colourful discussion of mediums and their abilities, by the self-proclaimed 'Grandfather of English Spiritualism', first published in 1877.

Daniel Dunglas Home (1833–1886) was a charismatic medium whose seances were attended by European royalty and numerous Victorian celebrities. This volume, first published in 1877, is an evocative examination of spiritualism, simultaneously attacking fraudulent mediums and celebrating 'true' practitioners. A fascinating encounter with the self-proclaimed 'Grandfather of English Spiritualism'.Daniel Dunglas Home (1833–1886) was a charismatic medium whose seances were attended by European royalty and eminent Victorians like Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Thrown out by his aunt because of the paranormal events which plagued him since childhood, Home became a 'professional house guest' and medium at the age of 17. During seances he purportedly levitated, handled hot coals and channelled the voices of the dead. This volume, first published in 1877, is an evocative examination of spiritualism which explores the history of the practice via the Greeks, the Romans, and Joan of Arc. Simultaneously attacking fraudulent mediums while celebrating 'true' spiritualist practitioners, this fascinating work details both the criticism and support received by Home and features reproductions of numerous fan letters. Although colourful and impassioned, Home's polemic is written in an amiable style and provides fascinating insights into the life and work of the self-proclaimed 'Grandfather of English Spiritualism'.