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Extrasensory Perception Books: A Curated Reading List

Books on extrasensory perception trace its study from early investigations of psychic phenomena to philosophical explorations. Works like William Walker Atkinson's 'Clairvoyance and Occult Powers' and H. P. Blavatsky's 'Isis unveiled' offer foundational perspectives. Andrew Lang's 'The Making of Religion' provides historical context. This guide presents key texts for understanding ESP, from beginner introductions to advanced philosophical treatments.

Top Extrasensory Perception Books

25 Extrasensory Perception books
Four Weird Tales
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Four Weird Tales
Blackwood, Algernon
4.3
69
The Feather
📖
The Feather
Ford, Ford Madox
4.2
69
MUST READ
Witching Hill
📖
Witching Hill
Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)
4.2
68
Skull-face
📖
Skull-face
Howard, Robert E. (Robert Ervin)
4.2
69
Daemonologie.
📖
Daemonologie.
James I, King of England
4.3
71
CLASSIC
The radio ghost
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The radio ghost
Kline, Otis Adelbert
4.2
68
Clairvoyance
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Clairvoyance
Leadbeater, C. W. (Charles Webster)
4.3
69
SCHOLAR'S PICK
Invisible helpers
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Invisible helpers
Leadbeater, C. W. (Charles Webster)
4.2
69
Satan
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Satan
Lewis Sperry Chafer
4.6
82
The Timeless Ones
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The Timeless Ones
Long, Frank Belknap
4.2
68
Nature Mysticism
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Nature Mysticism
Mercer, John Edward
4.3
69
The Gates Between
📖
The Gates Between
Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart
4.2
69
TRENDING
Within the Gates
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Within the Gates
Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart
4.2
68
❤️ HEARTBREAKER
The Green Mouse
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The Green Mouse
Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
4.4
75
MUST READ
The Tempest
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The Tempest
Shakespeare, William
4.3
69
Aryan Path Vol. 4
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Aryan Path Vol. 4
Theosophy Company (Mysore) India
4.4
73

What is Extrasensory Perception?

Extrasensory Perception (ESP) refers to the ability to acquire information not through the recognized senses but by means unknown to current science. This encompasses phenomena such as telepathy (mind-to-mind communication), clairvoyance (seeing distant objects or events), precognition (knowing future events), and psychokinesis (influencing physical objects with the mind). The study of ESP often intersects with parapsychology, exploring the boundaries of consciousness and its potential beyond physical limitations.

Best Books for Complete Beginners

For those new to extrasensory perception, starting with accessible overviews is key. William Walker Atkinson's 'Clairvoyance and Occult Powers' provides a practical introduction to developing psychic abilities. Andrew Lang's 'The Making of Religion' offers a broad historical survey of belief systems and psychic phenomena, setting a wider context. Robert W. Chambers' 'The Green Mouse' presents a fictionalized exploration of psychic influence that can spark curiosity about the topic's potential.

Intermediate Reading

Moving beyond introductory concepts, intermediate texts delve deeper into the nature and investigation of ESP. H. P. Blavatsky's 'Isis unveiled' (Volumes 1 & 2) offers a comprehensive, albeit complex, exploration of occult sciences and psychic phenomena, challenging conventional scientific and religious paradigms. Jiddu Krishnamurti's 'Education as Service' touches on the nature of consciousness and perception that can inform an understanding of ESP. Edgar Thurston's 'Omens and Superstitions of Southern India' provides ethnographic insights into culturally recognized forms of ESP.

Classical / Advanced Texts

Advanced study of ESP requires engaging with foundational philosophical and historical documents. Immanuel Kant's 'Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals' and 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics' offer rigorous philosophical frameworks for understanding the limits of human perception and reason. J. L. Kennon's 'The Planet Mars and Its Inhabitants, a Psychic Revelation' presents a specific, albeit unusual, claim of psychic communication. The 'Preliminary Report of the Commission Appointed by the University of Pennsylvania to Investigate Modern Spiritualism' offers a historical account of early scientific attempts to validate spiritualist claims.

Reading Order — Step by Step

Begin with William Walker Atkinson's 'Clairvoyance and Occult Powers' for practical insights. In Month 1, follow with Andrew Lang's 'The Making of Religion' for historical context. Month 2 should include H. P. Blavatsky's 'Isis unveiled' (Volume 1) to grasp broader occult theories. For Month 3, explore Edgar Thurston's 'Omens and Superstitions of Southern India' for cultural perspectives. Advanced readers can then tackle Immanuel Kant's 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics' and the Seybert Commission report in subsequent months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ESP book should I read first?

For beginners, 'Clairvoyance and Occult Powers' by William Walker Atkinson is a strong starting point, offering practical exercises and foundational concepts in a clear manner.

Are fictional books helpful for understanding ESP?

Yes, fictional works like Robert W. Chambers' 'The Green Mouse' can introduce complex ideas about psychic influence and unseen forces in an engaging narrative format, sparking curiosity.

What is the difference between telepathy and clairvoyance?

Telepathy involves direct mind-to-mind communication of thoughts or feelings, while clairvoyance is the ability to perceive information about people, places, or events through means beyond the known senses.

How do classical philosophers like Kant relate to ESP?

Kant's work, such as 'Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics,' explores the limits of human perception and reason, providing a philosophical framework to question what can be known and how, which is relevant to ESP studies.

Is the Seybert Commission report still relevant?

The 'Preliminary Report of the Commission Appointed by the University of Pennsylvania to Investigate Modern Spiritualism' is historically significant, showing early academic attempts to scientifically validate spiritualist claims and ESP.

Where can I find information on the historical study of psychic phenomena?

Andrew Lang's 'The Making of Religion' offers a broad historical survey of beliefs and phenomena, while Edgar Thurston's 'Omens and Superstitions of Southern India' provides ethnographic details on cultural manifestations.

What are the core principles of Hermetic philosophy related to ESP?

The Kybalion outlines principles like 'Mentalism' (The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental), suggesting that consciousness is fundamental and can influence reality, a concept central to many ESP theories.

Why Each Book Matters

Body Types Journal

Body Types Journal

'Body Types Journal' is a general title, but in an esoteric context, such a journal might explore the hidden connections between physical constitution and spiritual or psychological traits. It could touch upon intuitive understanding of human nature or unseen energetic influences on the body, expanding the idea of perception beyond the purely physical.

Paganini

Paganini

This biography, 'Paganini,' explores the life of the legendary violinist Niccolò Paganini, whose virtuosity was so extraordinary that many attributed it to a pact with the devil. Published anonymously, it captures the aura of mystery and almost supernatural talent that surrounded the musician, suggesting a mastery that seemed to defy ordinary human capabilities.

Four Weird Tales

Four Weird Tales

by Blackwood, Algernon

'Four Weird Tales' by Algernon Blackwood, published in 1922, showcases the author's mastery of atmospheric horror and psychological mystery. Blackwood's stories often feature characters who experience profound shifts in perception, encountering unseen entities or forces that evoke a sense of the sublime and the terrifying, pushing the limits of human experience.

A rogue's tragedy

A rogue's tragedy

by Capes, Bernard

'A rogue's tragedy' by Bernard Capes is a dramatic novel from 1899, filled with suspense and moral complexity. The narrative often hinges on characters' hidden pasts, secret intentions, and intuitive understandings of each other's true natures, exploring the subtle psychological perceptions that can shape destiny.

The Feather

The Feather

by Ford, Ford Madox

Ford, Ford Madox's 'The Feather' is a nuanced novel that subtly explores the psychological depths of its characters and the intricate social dynamics of its setting. While not overtly about Extrasensory Perception, it delves into unspoken understandings, hidden motives, and the often-unseen currents of human relationships that influence perception and action.

The Lake

The Lake

by George Moore

'The Lake' by George Moore is a poignant novel from 1905 exploring the inner life and spiritual journey of Father Oliver Gogarty, a priest in rural Ireland. The narrative subtly touches upon themes of intuition and hidden emotions, as characters grapple with unspoken desires and the profound influence of their surroundings, hinting at perceptions beyond the obvious.

Witching Hill

Witching Hill

by Hornung, E. W. (Ernest William)

'Witching Hill' by E. W. (Ernest William) Hornung is a collection of mysterious tales set in a seemingly idyllic English village where strange events unfold. Published in 1913, these stories often hint at hidden forces, uncanny coincidences, and a pervasive sense of the inexplicable, challenging characters to perceive beyond the ordinary.

Skull-face

Skull-face

by Howard, Robert E. (Robert Ervin)

Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard's 'Skull-face' is a thrilling pulp adventure featuring the sinister character Kathulos, an ancient sorcerer who manipulates events from the shadows. This 1929 story explores themes of ancient evil, psychic influence, and the struggle against forces that operate beyond conventional understanding, appealing to those interested in unseen powers.

Mopsa the Fairy

Mopsa the Fairy

by Ingelow, Jean

'Mopsa the Fairy' by Jean Ingelow is a enchanting children's fantasy novel from 1869, following a boy named Jack who journeys to a magical land of fairies. The story encourages readers to imagine unseen realms and beings, fostering a sense of wonder about perceptions that extend beyond the everyday world.

Daemonologie.

Daemonologie.

by James I, King of England

James I, King of England's 'Daemonologie.' (1597) is a philosophical dissertation on demonology and witchcraft, reflecting the monarch's personal beliefs and the prevalent fears of his era. This historical text provides a crucial insight into how supernatural phenomena, including what might now be termed Extrasensory Perception, were understood and feared in the late 16th century.

Faust — Part 1

Faust — Part 1

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's 'Faust — Part 1' (1808) is a foundational work of German literature, depicting the scholar Faust's pact with the demon Mephistopheles. It profoundly explores themes of knowledge, spiritual striving, and the unseen forces of good and evil that influence human destiny, touching upon the esoteric pursuit of ultimate understanding.

The radio ghost

The radio ghost

by Kline, Otis Adelbert

'The radio ghost' by Otis Adelbert Kline, a pulp fiction story from 1927, ingeniously combines nascent radio technology with supernatural phenomena. It explores the idea of unseen entities communicating through new mediums, challenging the boundaries of perception and suggesting how technology might bridge the gap to the spectral realm.

Clairvoyance

Clairvoyance

by Leadbeater, C. W. (Charles Webster)

'Clairvoyance' by C. W. (Charles Webster) Leadbeater, published by the Theosophical Publishing House, is a seminal work detailing the nature and development of clairvoyant powers. This 1899 text explains different types of clairvoyance, such as simple, intentional, and astral, offering a structured approach to understanding this form of Extrasensory Perception.

Invisible helpers

Invisible helpers

by Leadbeater, C. W. (Charles Webster)

'Invisible helpers' by C. W. (Charles Webster) Leadbeater, published in 1912, explores the concept of non-physical entities that assist humanity. This Theosophical text details how these 'helpers' operate on subtle planes and how individuals, particularly those with developed Extrasensory Perception, can perceive and interact with them for spiritual growth.

Satan

Satan

by Lewis Sperry Chafer

In 'Satan,' Lewis Sperry Chafer presents a theological examination of the adversary, delving into his origin, nature, and influence. Published in 1919, this work explores the unseen spiritual forces that, from a Christian perspective, impact human lives and the world, touching upon the unseen spiritual battles that might require a form of spiritual discernment.

The Timeless Ones

The Timeless Ones

by Long, Frank Belknap

'The Timeless Ones' by Frank Belknap Long is a cosmic horror story from 1952, characteristic of the Cthulhu Mythos. It features ancient, unfathomable entities that exist beyond human comprehension and time, suggesting a reality where perception is utterly inadequate to grasp the true nature of existence and unseen forces.

Nature Mysticism

Nature Mysticism

by Mercer, John Edward

'Nature Mysticism' by John Edward Mercer delves into the spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world. This 1913 work explores how individuals can achieve heightened states of consciousness and a deeper, intuitive understanding of the cosmos through communion with nature, suggesting a form of Extrasensory Perception through environmental immersion.

The Gates Between

The Gates Between

by Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart

'The Gates Between' by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, published in 1887, is another of her influential spiritualist works. It narrates a man's experience of death and his attempts to communicate with his wife, providing a fictional exploration of post-mortem communication and the possibilities of Extrasensory Perception across the veil of life and death.

Within the Gates

Within the Gates

by Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart

'Within the Gates' by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, published in 1901, is a spiritualist novel exploring the journey of a soul into the afterlife. It vividly portrays communication between the living and the dead, offering imaginative insights into what might constitute a form of Extrasensory Perception, bridging the divide between physical and spiritual realms.

The Green Mouse

The Green Mouse

by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers

'The Green Mouse' by Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers, published in 1910, is a whimsical and often uncanny tale blending romance with elements of science fiction and the bizarre. The narrative subtly introduces unusual perceptions and unexplained occurrences, hinting at a reality more complex than it appears on the surface.

The Tempest

The Tempest

by Shakespeare, William

This edition of 'The Tempest' by William Shakespeare, a masterpiece from the early 17th century, focuses on the exiled Duke Prospero's use of enchantment and his control over Ariel, a spirit of the air. It vividly portrays a world where unseen magical forces dictate the fate of characters, offering a timeless meditation on power, perception, and the supernatural.

Aryan Path Vol. 4

Aryan Path Vol. 4

by Theosophy Company (Mysore) India

'Aryan Path Vol. 4' from Theosophy Company (Mysore) India, likely published in the 1930s, is a collection of articles exploring spiritual, philosophical, and esoteric topics from a Theosophical perspective. These essays often touch upon the development of inner senses, the nature of consciousness, and the subtle workings of the universe, all relevant to Extrasensory Perception.

Blind Love

Blind Love

by Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins's 'Blind Love' is a gripping sensation novel, published posthumously in 1890, weaving a complex tale of intrigue, deception, and hidden identities. The plot often relies on characters' intuitive leaps and the uncovering of unseen truths, illustrating how perception can be clouded or sharpened by emotional attachments and secret motives.

The Tempest

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's 'The Tempest,' believed to be one of his last solo plays (circa 1610–1611), tells the story of Prospero, a sorcerer duke who uses magic to control spirits and manipulate events on a remote island. This play is a classic exploration of magical power, illusion, and the unseen forces that can shape human destiny, a powerful metaphor for Extrasensory Perception.

DESCENT V 1999

DESCENT V 1999

by descent

'DESCENT V 1999' is a digital artifact or publication from 1999. Without further context, its connection to Extrasensory Perception is speculative, but esoteric digital works often explore themes of hidden information, virtual realities, and new forms of perception or consciousness in the digital age, suggesting unseen layers of experience.

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