Reviewed by Jeanne
Yes, there is a “for Dummies” book for just about anything,
including Ghost-Hunting.
Bagans, the host for Ghost
Adventures and curator for The Haunted Museum, has produced a guide for all
those who wish to seek out spirits. Divided
into four major sections, the book begins with “The Basics of Ghost Hunting.” This includes a brief history of spirit
beliefs going back to the ancient Egyptians, and then follows up with retellings
of some of the most famous ghost tales including The Bell Witch. He then goes through some of the history of
ghosts, including scientific exploration, early researchers and believers, etc.
The second section deals with getting ready to search for
ghosts, offering tips on where to look (cemeteries are a good option), researching
reputably haunted places, equipment (FYI: BPL has a thermal imager for checkout
in our Library of Things), and –perhaps most importantly—what dangers a ghost
hunter might face. These are not limited
to angry spirits or trespassing charges, but also things like mold, asbestos,
and histoplasmosis. He also advises to
take a first aid-kit, leave children at home, and don’t chew gum while
recording.
The next section brings it all together, when it’s time to
start the real investigations. Bagans covers capturing ghosts on film,
evaluating evidence, contacting ghosts (Ouija boards, ghost boxes, table
tipping, automatic writing, and so forth), interviewing witnesses, building
case reports, “building a presence” in the ghost hunting community (don’t know
if pun was intended or not), and what to do when things go wrong.
The final section contains lists of haunted places and signs
that your own house is haunted.
Even if you don’t decide to open your own paranormal
investigations, you’ll have a better idea of what these intrepid souls have
gone through when you watch Ghost
Adventures or Ghost Hunters or
other such programs.
