Arthur Guirdham

Arthur Guirdham (1905–1992) was an English physician, psychiatrist, and prolific author whose work spanned multiple genres, including novels and extensive writings on esoteric subjects. Born into a working-class family, he overcame humble beginnings to attend Oxford University. Guirdham pursued a career in psychiatry while also dedicating himself to writing, supported by his wife. His early works explored the social and biological factors influencing disease, offering perspectives that predated some aspects of the anti-psychiatry movement.

Later in his career, Guirdham developed a keen interest in historical esotericism and the concept of reincarnation. He authored significant books on the Cathar sect and their beliefs, often linking them to reincarnation. His most widely recognized contributions were in the field of reincarnation studies, which garnered him a dedicated following and established his reputation within British paranormal research circles. Guirdham's unconventional ideas, particularly regarding psychosomatic medicine and reincarnation, attracted both interest and criticism from the medical and academic communities.

Arthur Guirdham began his professional life as a physician and psychiatrist. His early literary output included works like 'Disease and the Social System' (1942), which examined the interplay between biological illness, modern industrial society, and food. He further developed his medical theories in 'The Theory of Disease' (1957), presenting alternative views on mental health and personality that resonated with later anti-psychiatry sentiments. His wife provided crucial secretarial and editorial support throughout his writing endeavors.

Following a period of writing wartime thrillers, Guirdham's focus shifted significantly towards esoteric history and the phenomenon of reincarnation. He dedicated considerable effort to researching and writing about the Cathars, a medieval Christian sect. His books such as 'The Lake and the Castle' (1976) and 'The Great Heresy: The History and Beliefs of the Cathars' (1977) explored their faith and historical context. Guirdham also engaged with the ideas of psychoanalysts like Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung in his writings.

Guirdham achieved considerable success and recognition for his books on reincarnation, most notably 'The Cathars and Reincarnation'. These works, translated into multiple languages, cultivated a devoted readership and positioned him as a notable figure in British investigations into the paranormal and alternative approaches to mental well-being. His friend, author Colin Wilson, was an advocate of Guirdham's reincarnation theories and featured him in his own work.

“Dr. Guirdham takes the Freudian theories of repression and the unconscious and extends them to the conclusion that the three types of disease-neurosis, functional (autonomic) disorders, and organic stress diseases-result from a repression of emotion into three strata, differing in depth, of the unconscious mind. The theory appears to be supported by little enough evidence; indeed, throughout the book the factual basis for Dr. Guirdham's theories is not considerable.”

“to make sweeping assertions unsupported by evidence”

“ignore the science and embrace the supernatural”

“serious errors and inconsistencies”

“Guirdham's claims lacking any means of independent verification, must be regarded as unacceptable.”