Thomas B Allen

Thomas B. Allen (1929–2018) was an American author and historian who lived in Bethesda, Maryland. He contributed to National Geographic as an editor and co-authored many books with Norman Polmar. Allen also penned numerous mystery novels.

His most recognized work, "Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism" (1993), investigated the 1949 exorcism of a teenage boy. Allen researched the case extensively, interviewing a participant and consulting diaries. The book was later adapted into a cable film and led to Allen's frequent appearances on media discussing exorcism and possession. Allen himself acknowledged that definitive proof of possession was elusive, suggesting possibilities like mental illness or fabricated events, and noted that one of the exorcism participants also expressed skepticism.

Despite the book's popularity, "Possessed" faced criticism for factual inaccuracies, including misidentifying the location of the events. Allen also wrote on historical topics, military affairs, and espionage, with notable collaborations with Norman Polmar and his son, Roger MacBride Allen.

Thomas B. Allen's book "Possessed: The True Story of an Exorcism" brought significant attention to the 1949 exorcism of a young boy from Maryland. Allen identified the boy by the pseudonym Robbie Manheim and extensively researched the case, locating and interviewing Father Walter Halloran, one of the exorcism team members, and examining the diary of the team leader, Father William S. Bowdern. The primary source material included a diary by Father Raymond J. Bishop, S.J., who had gathered the Jesuit team for the rite. This case served as the basis for William Peter Blatty's novel "The Exorcist." Allen's book, first published in 1993, was reissued in 2000 to coincide with a film adaptation. Following its publication, Allen became a frequent guest on various shows discussing exorcism, demonic possession, and the specific case he detailed.

In his research and writings, Thomas B. Allen maintained a degree of critical distance regarding the supernatural claims surrounding the exorcism case he documented. He stated in 2013 that conclusive evidence of malevolent spirit possession was unattainable, positing that the boy might have suffered from mental illness, sexual abuse, or even fabricated the experience. Allen also mentioned that Father Halloran, a key figure in the exorcism, had expressed skepticism about paranormal aspects before his death. However, Allen's book "Possessed" encountered criticism from Mark Opsasnick, who pointed out questionable or inaccurate details, such as the incorrect identification of the primary location of the events as Mount Rainier, Maryland, instead of Cottage City, Maryland.

Beyond his work on "Possessed," Thomas B. Allen had a prolific career as an author and historian, often collaborating with other writers. He co-authored numerous books with Norman Polmar, covering topics ranging from military history and strategy, such as "Code-Name Downfall: The Secret Plan to Invade Japan," to espionage in "Spy Book: The Encyclopedia of Espionage." Allen also wrote mystery novels and contributed to National Geographic. His other notable works include "War Games: The Secret World of the Creators, Players, and Policy Makers Rehearsing World War III Today," "The Blue and the Gray" with Sam Abell, and books on historical figures and events like Harriet Tubman and the Civil War. He also co-authored books with his son, Roger MacBride Allen, including "Mr. Lincoln's High Tech War."

“emphasized that definitive proof that the boy known only as 'Robbie' was possessed by malevolent spirits is unattainable. Maybe he instead suffered from mental illness or sexual abuse — or fabricated the entire experience.”

“expressed his skepticism about potential paranormal events before his death.”