This two-volume history of the supernatural, first published in 1863, is a staggering feat: extending his work across almost a thousand pages, William Howitt attempts to describe the engagement with the supernatural in all ages and all parts of the world in order to identify a common link between them. Howitt (1792-1879), a well-known writer in his day, published over 50 books in his lifetime, some in collaboration with his wife, writer and translator Mary Howitt. His interest in the supernatural was precipitated by the untimely deaths of two sons.

This first volume begins with an apology for faith in the 19th century and continues with spiritualist histories of Europe, the Bible and apocrypha, the ancient world, the East, and Scandinavia, emphasizing the persisting legacy and presence of human engagement with the supernatural in each case.

Chapter I. "Magic in Its Relation to the Supernatural"

Chapter II. "The Supernatural in the Greek and Other Eastern Churches"

Chapter III. "Supernatural in the Waldensian Church"

Chapter IV. "The Supernatural Amongst the So-Called Heretics and Mystics of the Middle Ages"

Chapter V. "The Spiritualism of Luther and the Early Reformers."

Chapter VI. "The Supernatural and the Church of England."

Chapter VII. "Present Materialised Condition of the Church of England"

Chapter VIII. "The Miracles in the Churchyard in Paris, 1731 and Subsequently."

Chapter IX. "The Supernatural and the Church of England Continued."

Chapter X. "Spiritualism in North America"

Chapter XI. "Spiritualism in England"

Chapter XII. "Opposition to New Facts"

Chapter XIII. "The Philadelphian Brethren"

Chapter XIV. "Spiritualism Amongst the Dissenters"

Chapter XV. "George Fox and the Friends"

Chapter XVI. "Madame Guyon and Fenelon"

Chapter XVII. "The Prophets of the Cevennes"

CONTINUES...