Ghost Land
Or Researches into the Mysteries of Occultism

Published in 1876, this work purports to recount the spiritual experiences of the mysterious aristocratic occultist 'Chevalier Louis de B.'.

Emma Hardinge (Edited by)

9781108067942, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 January 2014

366 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.47 kg

A lecturer and writer on spiritualism, Emma Hardinge Britten (1823–99) acted as a medium in both England and America. Allegedly written by an enigmatic nobleman, 'Chevalier Louis de B.', Ghost Land was prepared for publication by Britten in 1876. The author's real identity is unknown, and scholars have attributed the work to various personalities, including Ernest de Bunsen, Britten's husband William, and Britten herself. The book is divided into two parts, 'The Neophyte' and 'The Adept'. Each part includes a series of sketches from the life of the author, who was initiated into the ancient mysteries of the occult. The book also describes the spiritual encounters of an Englishman referred to as 'John Cavendish Dudley'. Britten claimed to have translated the French parts of the manuscript and edited the English sections. Of enduring interest in the history of spiritualism, the work reflects a strong theosophical influence.

Part I. The Neophyte: Author's preface
Editor's introduction
1. Interesting spiritual mysteries and experiences
2. Marvel of magnetic influence
3. Professor Muller
4. Zwingler
5. Magic in England
6. Magicians and spirit mediums
7. Philosophy of obsession
8. Stray wanderers
9. The letter
10. In the wilderness
11. Awakening to real life
12. Diary of John Cavedish Dudley
13. Mr Dudley's diary (cont.)
14. Mr Dudley's diary (cont.)
15. Mr Dudley's diary (cont.)
16. Mr Dudley's diary (cont.)
Part II. The Adept: 17. Order of the universe
18. In active public service
19. The dharma sala of the vaidya
20. Occultism
21. The angel of morning
22. The enchantress
23. Black magic or vaudooism
24. Psychology
25. Diary of Lady Blanche
26. Close of the life episode.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]