Jess Stearn

Jess Stearn, born in 1914 and passing in 2002, was an American journalist and prolific author who penned over thirty books, with nine achieving bestseller status. His career began in journalism, including roles at the New York Daily News and as an associate editor for Newsweek, experiences he believed contributed to his success as an author. Stearn's writing often delved into speculative non-fiction, initially focusing on marginalized groups like prostitutes, drug addicts, and gay men.

Later in his career, Stearn shifted his focus to subjects of spirituality, the occult, and psychic phenomena. He became particularly well-known for his biographies of the American psychic Edgar Cayce, for whom he was a conference speaker and proponent of his theories. Stearn's 1965 book, "Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation," is noted as a potential early work that introduced Eastern thought to Western audiences. He passed away in 2002 from congestive heart failure and opted against a funeral due to his beliefs in reincarnation.

Jess Stearn began his professional life as a journalist, working for the New York Daily News and later serving as an associate editor at Newsweek. He attributed his subsequent success as an author to the rigorous training he received in journalism. Stearn's early literary efforts concentrated on exploring the lives of individuals on the fringes of society, including prostitutes, drug addicts, and gay men, as seen in works like "The Sixth Man." This initial focus on outsiders provided a foundation for his later, more widely recognized explorations into the realms of spirituality, the occult, and psychic phenomena.

Stearn's later work gained significant traction for its engagement with psychic phenomena and spirituality. His most celebrated contributions were two biographies dedicated to the American psychic Edgar Cayce. Stearn was an active participant in the Association for Research and Enlightenment, serving as a conference speaker and a vocal advocate for Cayce's teachings and theories. His 1965 bestseller, "Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation," is considered a significant publication that may have played a role in introducing Eastern philosophies and practices, such as yoga, to a broader Western readership, potentially marking him as an early figure in bridging these cultural and spiritual divides.

Throughout his life, Stearn demonstrated a sustained interest in concepts beyond the material world, particularly reincarnation. This belief informed his personal decisions, as evidenced by his choice to forgo a funeral service upon his death in 2002, citing his conviction in reincarnation. His personal life included two marriages and two children. He also maintained a notable friendship with actress Arlene Francis, sharing interests in yoga and weightlifting, and their connection was indirectly highlighted in media mentions related to his books.