This is the story of an unusual friendship between two of the most intriguing characters of the early 20th century--renowned escape artist Harry Houdini and celebrated mystery writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of Sherlock Holmes). Both men were fascinated by the occult practice of spiritualism, Houdini as an ardent skeptic who often publicly exposed fraudulent mediums and Conan Doyle as a true believer who became convinced that the dead could and did communicate with the living.Despite their differing perspectives the two men not only respected each other but became friends. The correspondence between them on the subject provides a fascinating glimpse not only into the personalities of two talented and interesting celebrities but also into a psychic phenomenon that is the ancestor of today's channeling craze.Based on original correspondence, photographs, and his own extensive research, Massimo Polidoro reconstructs this unusual friendship between a believer and a skeptic, which weathered mediums, seances, an apparition of Houdini's departed mother, automatic writing by Conan Doyle's wife, public debunkings, and hurt feelings. He also discusses the final rift that ended the friendship of the two strong-willed men. Fans of Conan Doyle, Houdini, magic, and the historical roots of the "New Age" will be delighted by this amazing story.

Final Séance: The Strange Friendship Between Houdini and Conan Doyle

Biographies & Memoirs

Polidoro, Massimo

Historical

Prometheus

For more than fifteen years, Italian investigator Massimo Polidoro has examined dozens of supposedly paranormal events, some of them famous historical incidents, others contemporary claims of psychics, mediums, healers, "human magnets," a "girl with X-ray eyes," and the like. This fascinating book brings together the results of his investigations, presenting in-depth discussions of the evidence and the claims for each individual case. Among the historical events discussed are the Feilding Report on Eusapia Palladino, the most valued account of séances performed by this famous medium; the relationship between renowned magician and skeptic Harry Houdini and mystery writer Arthur Conan Doyle, a firm believer in mediums and spiritualism; the case of Margery, the "blond witch of Lime Street"; and other equally strange happenings. Turning to contemporary paranormal claimants, Polidoro reveals the secrets of a Russian psychic; carefully examines demonstrations of psychokinesis; considers the evidence for some modern-day miracles; exposes the tricks of Indian gurus; and pursues many other interesting claims. In addition, he explores the psychology of psychic deception, considering mechanisms of deception and the unreliability of eyewitness testimony. This intriguing examination of the bizarre and the strange by a top-notch investigator will interest both skeptics and believers alike.

Secrets of the Psychics: Investigating Paranormal Claims

Religion & Spirituality

New Age & Spirituality

A più di cento anni di distanza dalla fatale collisione, Massimo Polidoro ricostruisce la vicenda del Titanic in un racconto corale che intreccia le storie di ufficiali e passeggeri, naufraghi e soccorritori, scienziati e avventurieri. Attraverso gli occhi dei protagonisti assisteremo all'intero svolgimento di una storia intramontabile. Saremo accolti a bordo. Visiteremo la nave e i suoi meravigliosi saloni. Incontreremo i personaggi più interessanti. Vivremo le emozioni della traversata. Fino al momento del fatale impatto, quando la nave si inclina, il panico si diffonde e la sorte distingue tra sommersi e salvati. E poi si andrà alla ricerca del relitto, ci si inabisserà nelle profondità dell'oceano per scorgerlo ancora una volta da vicino, e infine vederlo risorgere a nuova luce. A rammentarci che "la vita non è che una partita giocata con la dea fortuna".

TITANIC: Un viaggio che non dimenticherete (I libri di Massimo Polidoro) (Italian Edition)

Literature & Fiction

Genre Fiction

Independently published

An indispensable guide for those who thought they knew Milan well or for those wishing to discover another facet of the city. An exceptional guide, an opportunity for all who love Milan to leave the beaten track behind.

Secret Milan: Local Guides By Local People

Travel

Europe

Jonglez Publishing

Discover a canal lock designed by Leonardo da Vinci as well as the secrets of his Last Supper, find out where Mussolini’s hidden bunker lies, marry beneath frescoes by Tiepolo, visit artists’ houses usually closed to the public, see exceptional private collections, admire the sculpture of a young girl shaving her pudenda, look for the boxers carved on the roof terraces of the cathedral, and so much more. Far from the crowds and the usual clichés, Milan goes unrecognized as one of the Italian cities with the greatest cultural heritage. Yet it only reveals its hidden treasures to residents and visitors who venture off the beaten track. An indispensable guide for those who thought they knew Milan well or for those wishing to discover another facet of the city.

Secret Milan ('Secret' guides)

Discover a canal lock designed by Leonardo da Vinci as well as the secrets of his Last Supper, find out where Mussolini's hidden bunker lies, marry beneath frescoes by Tiepolo, visit artists houses usually closed to the public, see exceptional private collections, admire the sculpture of a young girl shaving her pudenda, look for the boxers carved on the roof terraces of the cathedral, and so much more ...

Los grandes misterios de la historia (Spanish Edition)

Occult & Paranormal

Robinbook

Atlante dei luoghi misteriosi d'Italia

Bompiani

La scienza dell’incredibile: Come si formano credenze e convinzioni e perché le peggiori non muoiono mai (Italian Edition)

Science & Math

Feltrinelli Editore

Grandi misteri della storia: Da Atlantide al Titanic, i più celebri enigmi di tutti i tempi (I libri di Massimo Polidoro) (Italian Edition)

History

Historical Study & Educational Resources

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Books by Polidoro, Massimo