Psychology Consciousness Studies

The Medium, The Mystic and the Physicist - Toward a General Theory of the Paranormal

by Lawrence LeShan Review by David Lorimer, April 2004

Published: 2003
Publisher: Helios Press (imprint of Allworth Communications)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 299
ISBN: 9781621535935

Publisher’s description

First published in 1974, this groundbreaking volume relates field theory of altered states of consciousness and compares the surprisingly similar views of mediums, mystics, and physicists. When renowned psychologist Lawrence LeShan first explored clairvoyance and precognition it shook his belief in everyday reality. As a result, it led him to postulate other states of consciousness, which he calls “Clairvoyant Reality” and “Transpsychic Reality.” Although LeShan was trained in the traditional scientific method, he discovered that these altered realities—including the knowledge of future events, the ability to heal from great distances, and other paranormal phenomena—operated according to their own laws. Filled with mesmerizing case examples, quotations, and observations from LeShan’s own personal experience, The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist includes LeShan’s essay, “Human Survival on Biological Death,” where he brings a fresh perspective to the theory of the afterlife. A classic guide for the study of parapsychology, readers will be intrigued by this collection of unique ideas. • A classic in the field, often thought of as the author’s best work • Author is renowned as a psychologist and a leader in the modern study of mind-body interaction Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

This classic work was first published nearly 40 years ago and I must have Read it myself about 20 years ago. In the book LeShan usefully distinguishes between sensory and clairvoyant reality, insisting that one cannot be explained in terms of the other. The new preface explains how sceptical he had been before collaborating with Eileen Garrett, wondering how a dozen Nobel laureates could have been fooled. Then, he says, he made the mistake of looking at the data! 'This is a mistake you must never make if you wish to hang on to your beliefs and prejudices'. If you haven't already read this book now is your chance!

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