The book explores various aspects of occultism, including spiritualism, psychic phenomena, and the practice of magic.Willson was a proponent of the idea that the study of the occult could be approached through a rational and scientific lens. In the book, he argued that the study of occultism could be integrated with the principles of common sense and rationality, and that the practices of the occult were not necessarily at odds with scientific inquiry.Willson also explored the idea of spir...

In this book, Beckles Willson presents a compelling examination of the intersection between occult practices and rational thought within the late 19th-century cultural milieu. Emphasizing clarity and accessibility, Willson employs a distinctive literary style that blends scholarly analysis with vivid illustrations, drawing from a rich tapestry of historical and philosophical sources. The book critically explores the prevailing superstitions of the time, juxtaposing them against an emerging...

Every evening since 1928, the Last Post is sounded in the town of Ypres in West Flanders, and the local fire brigade turn toward the Menin Gate as the local traffic stops. This Mark of respect to the Allied soldiers who fell defending the Ypres salient has been a tradition in the town for almost one hundred years. Tens of thousands of British, French, Canadian, Australian, Indian, New Zealand, South African and other Dominion troops came, fought and died to hold this little outpost of Belg...

In the Ypres Salient provides a vivid and harrowing account of life on the Western Front during World War I. Focused on the infamous Ypres Salient, the book chronicles the struggles, bravery, and endurance of soldiers amid relentless bombardment and harsh trench conditions. Beckles Willson offers a firsthand perspective on the chaos and humanity within one of the most contested areas of the war, highlighting the camaraderie and sacrifices of those involved.Through a mix of personal anecdot...

Nearly four centuries ago, in the spring of the year, the banks of the river Thames from Windsor to Greenwich were lined with a multitude of gaily-dressed lieges. Artisans and their wives, tradesmen and apprentices, farmers in smock frocks, gentlemen in doublets and hose, and ladies in farthingales, all came out to snatch a peep of a brave spectacle. From lip to lip ran the news that at last the royal barge in its crimson and gold trappings had set out from Windsor. Bluff "King Hal," as th...

Those of us who took part in the foundation of the Society for Psychical Research were convinced from personal investigation and from the testimony of competent witnesses that, amidst much illusion and deception, there existed an important body of facts, hitherto unrecognised by science, which, if incontestably established, would be of supreme interest and importance. It was hoped that by applying scientific methods to their systematic investigation these obscure phenomena might eventually...

First published in 1908, "Occultism and Common-Sense" by Beckles Willson tries to answer a key question: Is there any scientific basis to occultism?That's what author Beckles Willson set out to discover, and the results of each of his experiments are set forth in the series of thoughtful essays collected in this work.Whether you're a cynical skeptic or a true-blue mystic, you'll be drawn in by Willson's open-mindedness and generosity of spirit.

Beckles Willson's 'Occultism and Common-Sense' offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between esoteric practices and rational thought. Delving into the historical and cultural underpinnings of occultism, Willson adopts a clear and accessible literary style, making complex ideas approachable for both scholars and lay readers. Rich with examples and anecdotes, the text serves as a critical commentary on the societal views toward the supernatural, encouraging readers to reconside...

In "Occultism and Common-Sense," Beckles Willson presents a compelling examination of the intersection between occult practices and rational thought within the late 19th-century cultural milieu. Emphasizing clarity and accessibility, Willson employs a distinctive literary style that blends scholarly analysis with vivid illustrations, drawing from a rich tapestry of historical and philosophical sources. The book critically explores the prevailing superstitions of the time, juxtaposing them ...

Certainly the everyday processes of the development, nutrition, and repair of our body and brain, which go on automatically and unconsciously within us, are far beyond the powers of our conscious personality.

CONTENTSINTRODUCTIONI. SCIENCE'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE "SUPERNATURAL"II. THE HYPNOTIC STATEIII. PHANTASMS OF THE LIVINGIV. DREAMSV. HALLUCINATIONSVI. PHANTASMS OF THE DEADVII. ON "HAUNTINGS" AND KINDRED PHENOMENAVIII. THE DOWSING OR DIVINING RODIX. MEDIUMISTIC PHENOMENAX. MORE PHYSICAL PHENOMENAXI. THE MATERIALISATION OF "GHOSTS"XII. SPIRIT-PHOTOGRAPHYXIII. CLAIRVOYANCEXIV...

In "The Great Company," Beckles Willson crafts a compelling narrative exploring the dynamics of human ambition and enterprise against the backdrop of early 20th-century capitalism. This novel intricately weaves themes of social class, industrial progress, and personal aspiration, using a rich and evocative prose style characterized by vivid imagery and incisive character development. Willson's literary context reflects the era's socio-economic transformations, offering readers a nuanced ex...