Alas, Poor Ghost!: Traditions of Belief in Story and Discourse

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, informative, original.
Review: Belief in supernatural phenomena ranging from poltergeists to telepathy remains strong and pervasive in an otherwise rational, modern, secular, science oriented world. Especially common is belief in continuing contact with (or the continuing presence of) deceased family members. Gillian Bennet interviewed women in Manchester, England, asking them questions about ghosts and other aspects of the supernatural. "Alas, Poor Ghost!" lays out her rather impressive research methodology and techniques, as well as her findings, analysis. Of special interest is supplemental material assisted by Kate Bennett, a gerontological psychologist who presents and discusses new research with a group of women in Leicester, England. "Alas, Poor Ghost!" concludes with Bennett placing her work in historical context through a discussion of case studies in the history of supernatural belief. "Alas, Poor Ghost!" will prove fascinating, informative, original reading for students of folklore, occultism, metaphysics, cultural traditions and beliefs.