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The Familiar Dead: Ghosts and Spiritualism in American Culture Kindle Edition

by Megan Conte (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
"The Familiar Dead: Spiritualism and Ghosts in American Culture by Megan Weiss is a fascinating read for anyone who has an interest in the supernatural. And, let’s face it who isn’t. The author takes a pragmatic approach to this subject and details some interesting facts about what Spiritualism was and what it hoped to achieve." - Artisan Book Reviews (full review found at https://artisanbookreviews.com/2020/06/23/the-familiar-dead-spiritualism-and-ghosts-in-american-culture-by-megan-weiss/) The history of the human belief in the paranormal provides a vital lense for analyzing the evolution of cultures around the world. The current problem in this field of study is the lack of attention paid by scientists, historians, and biblical scholars to the presence and influence of ghosts throughout history. The reality, however, is that every culture across the world believes in some form of the paranormal. In America alone, three out of four people will admit to having at least one paranormal belief. In analyzing the available literature on ghosts and the history of the Spiritualist movement from historians, scientists, psychologists, writers, and anthropologists, this study has discovered that belief in the paranormal tends to align with popular trends or beliefs in culture. Considering the impact that the paranormal has had on mainstream culture over the last 500 years, this research intends to display that ignoring a topic that seems silly at first can in fact be harmful to increasing our understanding of human agency, cultural change, and the capabilities of the human mind and body.
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  1. Print length
    191 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    August 2, 2019
  4. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  5. File size
    478 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07VLWQKHK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ kindle direct publishing (August 2, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 2, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 478 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 191 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 10 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Megan Weiss

    Megan Weiss

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    Hello! Welcome to my Author page!

    I have had a passion for reading and writing since I was in junior high. Books are treasures, and knowledge is the best tool anyone can have. I remember trying to write silly little stories as a kid in elementary school, and gradually worked my way up to writing longer, more serious works. I didn't initially plan to be an author when I grew up. The more experience I gained, and the more books I read, however, pulled me farther and farther into the literary world! I like to think that I didn't find writing as a career, writing found me and taught me where I truly belong.

    I have obtained a Master's Degree in Public History from Southern New Hampshire University, and I have Bachelor's Degrees in Creative Writing and English, along with a minor in Anthropology. I particularly enjoy reading YA novels, hanging with my dog, and learning about occult history. I have lived in the Rochester, New York area my entire life.

    To learn more about me and see what I'm currently working on - visit my website! https://mweiss280.wixsite.com/profile

    See more on the author's page
  2. Megan Conte

    Megan Conte

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Megan Conte is an author and historian. She is the author of "The Familiar Dead: Ghosts and Spiritualism in American Culture"; '"Culture of Fear: Pazuzu, The Zozo Demon and the Evolution of Popular Demonology" as well as YA Fiction "The Spoken Word" and "Of Sin & Sacrifice". She has a dual bachelor's degree from SUNY Oswego in English & Creative Writing, as well as a Master's in Public History from Southern New Hampshire University and a Paralegal Certificate.

    ​

    When she is not writing her newest bestseller, Megan spends her free time reading, watching reruns of Ghost Adventures, and reviewing books. She calls Western New York home where she lives with her husband and their two very energetic Goldendoodles, Bella and Sasha.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
10 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Elle Alouette
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The Familiar Dead is a mesmerizing in-depth read on the supernatural, Spiritualism and ghosts. Anyone who is interested in this intriguing subject of communicating with the dead will discover its origins, practices and how it was once believed to help the statuses of women in their communities, lives and their finances, as well. The author takes readers back to the 1800’s when Spiritualism became a popular subject with many people seeking to connect with the supernatural realm and the deceased through devices such as the Ouija board and séances while also attempting to discover more about the afterlife. They believed, as many still do today, that it is possible to make immediate contact with spirits, ghosts and their dearly departed loved ones who could give them messages, guidance and even comfort.

    This is an enthralling, interesting and captivating book. Author Magen Weiss has obviously put considerable research into the subject of the paranormal, Spiritualism and the supernatural. I found this to be an extraordinary, unique book and very different to many others in its genre due to the fact that readers learn about the history of Spiritualism and the effects it has had on the American society throughout time. With a practical, matter-of-fact writing style, the author states many factual points with exciting information, making her book easy to read, interesting and engaging. For those who are interested and fascinated by the supernatural, ghosts and after life, this engrossing book will definitely provide a detailed account of the history of the practice of Spiritualism and its effects on our modern day viewpoints and methods, as many continue to attempt to connect with the supernatural realm. Enjoyable, captivating and highly recommended.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Pritam Sharma
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2025
    A great take on American culture and how it has been affected by spiritualism. The different kind of practices which had significant cultural and social implications has been covered well. The research on this book is top notch and if you like the history and supernatural, this will surely interest you.
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  • Maria Poroy
    5.0 out of 5 stars You will learn more than expected
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    This book was fascinating and not in small part to the history of spiritualism and its ties to the role of women and even the impact of the conduct of the Civil War. This is well-researched and documented history and yet a very accessible read...if you were expecting ghost stories, this isn't the right book. But if you want knowledge and some understanding of our fascination with ghosts, this will be your cup of tea. Loved it!
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  • Melissa
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
    This book is a fascinating read about Spiritualism and the paranormal. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about Modern Spiritualism's influence on various social reform movements, particularly Women's Rights. I found this very interesting because it was something I had never thought about before.

    The book is well written. The only negative was that there were multiple editing errors that were fairly obvious, like misspelled and missing words. However, they did not keep me from being able to understand the text.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Mike 7skin
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Dive into Spiritualism and Its Impact on American Culture
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    The Familiar Dead was an interesting and thoroughly researched look at Spiritualism and how it affected American culture. Paranormal practices such as Ouija boards and séances have significant cultural and social implications, which Magen Weiss deftly explains, focusing on the ways in which these tools helped advance women's rights and societal change. You should read this book if you are interested in the history of the supernatural or if you find the supernatural fascinating.
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  • CB
    5.0 out of 5 stars A spellbinding read about spirituality!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    Hold on for a spellbinding read for you’re about to learn things you always wanted to know about the supernatural. You’ll be introduced to spiritualism and ghosts in American culture with an in-depth analysis of the past, present, and presumptive future.

    The author, Megan Weiss has done her homework for delivering an impactful book on a topic we are all interested in – the supernatural and afterlife.

    Communication with the living across the boundary of death is defined as Modern spiritualism. This concept emerged during the highest mortality rate in history. Parallel comparison to the scientific and medical probabilities of a global pandemic.

    Spiritualism bypasses social-economic level and gender and in such was dismissed in its infancy. Yet, the concept had a profound effect on our world view today when people are looking for answers to questions about life after death.

    The insights offered about death and dying will perhaps ease your fears about what happens next in the afterlife. A well-researched and written book. A must-read for those in search of enlightenment.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Ken
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    This book offers a compelling look into how Modern Spiritualism shaped Western culture, science, and psychology. Highlighting G.W. Kates's prophecy that spiritual awareness would deepen human experience, it explores how the movement, inspired by the Fox sisters, reshaped views on life and death. Megan Conte’s work reveals Spiritualism's impact on social reform, popular culture, and the academic study of the paranormal, positioning ghost beliefs as a unique lens to trace cultural modernization. Insightful and thorough, this study is a valuable resource for cultural historians.
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  • Colin Hemmings
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Familiar Dead
    Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2024
    The book The Familiar Dead: Spiritualism and Ghosts in American Culture by Megan Weiss delves into the influence of spiritualism and ghostly beliefs in shaping American society. Weiss explores the history of spiritualism from the 19th century, examining how practices like seances and the use of Ouija boards influenced social norms and offered unique roles for women. Readers interested in the supernatural, cultural studies, or history will find Weiss’s analysis both engaging and well-researched. This book is a great pick for those curious about America's cultural fascination with the paranormal​
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