Ghosts

Ghosts traces the cultural and literary origins of the paranormal, reveals the secrets behind many mysterious myths and legends, and analyzes our continued fascination with visitors from the other side. With chapters on the origins of ghosts, poltergeists, ghosts from around the world, exorcism, haunted houses, and more, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Belief in ghosts is nothing new. Uncertainty surrounding death is part of the human condition and the existence of an afterlife is deeply rooted in most worldwide cultures and religions. In Taoism and Buddhism, the Hungry Ghost Festival celebrates the belief that, once a year, ghosts and spirits are released from the afterlife and walk among the living. In the west, ghost stories were established in ancient folklore and tend to embrace the same classic themes as today's horror movies: romance, tragedy, and terror. Writers of antiquity used ghosts and hauntings as a way to provide background information or foretell com