Extraordinary Beliefs: A Historical Approach to a Psychological Problem
"Outstanding clarity, penetrating argument and a series of fascinating examples make this an accessible and profoundly insightful read, whether for academics and their students or the legendary general reader. As well as its obvious relevance to historians and psychologists, it has much to offer to social scientists."--Barry Barnes, former Professor of  Sociology, University of Exeter"Lamont offers a thought-provoking and sophisticated examination of the way that debates about claims to paranormal abilities rely on their historical context as much as scientific evidence. He makes a compelling case for the value of historical scholarship in psychological research, and raises important questions about the status of psychology as a science."--Professor Robin Wooffitt, Department of Sociology, University of York"...consists of rich descriptions of the alleged 'phenomena', and above all of the debates they evoked -- both make fascinating reading. The author's interpretations of this material are often contentious, sometimes illuminating, and always thought-provoking.  The work is to be welcomed as a highly original approach to the problem of (irrational ?) beliefs."--Gustav Jahoda, Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Metapsychology Online Reviews"...This volume concentrates on mesmerism, seances, psychic phenomena, and parapsychology.... The writing style is clear, engaging, and free of technical jargon....Recommended..."--R.H. Cormack, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, CHOICE