✍️ Author Biography
🌍 British
📚 3 free books
⭐ Known for: The Jacobites and the Supernatural (2010)
Geoff Holder is a British author specializing in books about the paranormal, folklore, and unexplained phenomena.
Geoff Holder is a British author who has authored over twenty non-fiction books focusing on the paranormal, as well as unusual and unexplained events and objects across Britain. His extensive body of work delves into subjects such as folklore, archaeology, local history, parapsychology, ghosts, Forteana, neo-antiquarianism, witchcraft, gargoyles, and graveyards. Holder is also an active participant in paranormal investigations and is associated with The Ghost Club.
Born in Cardiff, Wales, Holder later relocated to Perthshire. His academic background includes studies in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Popular Culture from the Open University, followed by a degree in Film and Media studies and a postgraduate diploma from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. His diverse career has included various jobs before he established himself as a writer, contributing to local newspapers and working as a scriptwriter and producer for a production company. His literary output includes titles like 'The Jacobites and the Supernatural,' '101 Things to Do with a Stone Circle,' and numerous entries in 'The Guide to the Mysterious...' series.
Literary Focus and Themes
Geoff Holder's extensive bibliography centers on the exploration of the paranormal and the unexplained. His published works delve into a wide array of esoteric and historical subjects, including folklore, archaeology, parapsychology, ghosts, and witchcraft. He has a particular interest in local history and unusual phenomena, as evidenced by his numerous regional guides to mysterious locations across Britain, such as 'The Guide to Mysterious Perthshire,' 'Paranormal Dundee,' and 'The Guide to the Mysterious Lake District.' His writings often bridge the gap between historical accounts, local legends, and unexplained occurrences, providing readers with insights into the hidden histories and spectral presences of various locales.
Academic and Creative Background
Holder's academic journey provided a foundation for his diverse writing interests. He pursued qualifications in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Popular Culture through the Open University, later earning a degree in Film and Media studies from the University of Stirling. His postgraduate studies at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design included creative projects, such as a stop-motion film adaptation of the Garden of Eden using science fiction figurines. This blend of academic study and creative exploration likely informs his approach to researching and presenting his subjects, adding a unique perspective to his non-fiction works.
Paranormal Investigations and Journalism
Beyond his written works, Geoff Holder actively engages with the paranormal community as a member of The Ghost Club, indicating a hands-on approach to his subject matter. His early career included journalistic endeavors, such as a weekly column titled 'Mysterious Perthshire' for the Perthshire Advertiser, alongside pieces on travel and motorbike culture. He also gained experience as a scriptwriter and producer for Speakeasy Productions, contributing to documentary series and other broadcast works. This background in both investigative fieldwork and media production likely enhances the depth and accessibility of his books on the paranormal and unexplained.