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Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes
Table tipping, rapping, and glowing spirit trumpets were some of the tactics used by 19th - and early 20th-century spiritualists to convince customers that they were a conduit to the dead. This account of spiritualists provides explanations of how they created these and other phenomena before discussing the efforts of Harry Houdini and Rose Mackenberg, who were dedicated to discrediting the charlatans. Houdini and Mackenberg exposed some of the most well-known mediums of the era. A final chapter focuses on more contemporary psychic frauds. An author’s note places the historical popularity of spiritualism within the current context of misinformation and propaganda. Plentiful photographs, newspaper excerpts, and archival illustrations provide a visual accompaniment to the lively text. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 12 and older
Age Range:
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Substantial Narrative Non-Fiction
Subjects:
19th Century
20th Century
Death and Dying
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Rumor, Myth and Misinformation
Publishers:
Calkins Creek, Astra
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 173
ISBN: 9781662680236
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 793 Jarrow