Deathbed Visions

by William Fletcher Barrett

During his 50 years of psychical research, Sir William Fletcher Barrett (February 10, 1884 - May 26, 1925) observed many types of phenomena. In his reminiscences, read at a private meeting of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) on June 17, 1924, less than a year before his death, Barrett said: "I am personally convinced that the evidence we have published decidedly demonstrates (1) the existence of a spiritual world, (2) survival after death, and (3) of occasional communication from those who have passed over... It is however hardly possible to convey to others who have not had a similar experience an adequate idea of the strength and cumulative force of the evidence that has compelled [my] belief." Barrett was the prime-mover in the founding of the SPR in 1882, serving as vice-president and editor of the Society's Journal during its first year and president in 1904. He also encouraged Professor William James of Harvard to organize the American branch of the SPR in 1884. In this book, Deathbed Visions, first published in 1926, the year after his death, Barrett reported on a number of intriguing cases in which a dying person appears to see and recognize some deceased relative or friend, some of them involving instances where the dying person was unaware of the previous death of the spirit form he saw. "These cases form, perhaps, one of the most cogent arguments for survival after death, as the evidential value and veridical (truth telling) character of these visions of the dying is greatly enhanced when the fact is undeniably established that the dying person was wholly ignorant of the decease of the person he or she so vividly sees," Barrett stated in the book, now something of a classic in the field.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paranormal, Death

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1926

About the author

Sir William Fletcher Barrett (February 10, 1844 - May 26, 1925) was Professor of Physics at the Royal College of Science for Dublin from 1873-1910 and one of the distinguished early psychical researchers. He was instrumental in the founding of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in 1882, serving as vice-president and editor of the Society’s Journal during its first year and he became president in 1904. He also encouraged Professor William James of Harvard to organize the American branch of the SPR. in 1884.

Reviews

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este pequeno livro são relatos de pessoas moribundas ou saudáveis que afirmam ter visto os seus entes queridos. Há uma menina que consegue ver anjos. Um mulher que é capaz de ver o espírito desprender-se do corpo. Um surdo mudo que ouve uma bela melodia. E um céptico que presencia uma experiência psiquia. São diversas as experiências... E todos afirmam serem pessoas lúcidas e detentoras das suas capacidades mentais.
Quanto a mim... Acredito? Ou não serei capaz der expandir meus olhos? Uns anos antes diria que estas pessoas estariam a mentir. Mas hoje tenho uma mente mais aberto. E acredito que tais pessoas podem ter visto essas visões.

[Abdullah Almuslem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting, although you may doubt some of the stories presented in the book !

William Barrett spent his life doing psychical research. He was interested in proving the existence of a spiritual world. In this book, he brings very interesting stories that occurred during the last moments of certain people. He touched on a very mysterious subject, which is "what happens to us during our death?" What do people see in their last moments in this earth? Do they see their families, angles, etc? Hence, he presents various cases where he tried to prove the existence of the other life !

This is how Barret saw the matter:

I am personally convinced that the evidence we have published decidedly demonstrates (1) the existence of a spiritual world, (2) survival after death, and (3) of occasional communication from those who have passed over… It is however hardly possible to convey to others who have not had a similar experience an adequate idea of the strength and cumulative force of the evidence that has compelled my belief…. In fact I began the whole investigation of these phenomena convinced that [mal-observation or hallucination] was their true explanation, and it was not until after stretching this hypothesis to illegitimate lengths that I found the actual facts completely shattered my theory

Interesting book

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently read Deathbed Visions and I have mixed feelings about it. The book talks about people seeing visions of loved ones right before they die, which I found really interesting. Barrett, who was a scientist, tries to look at these stories in a serious way, which makes it feel more thoughtful than just a collection of ghost stories. Also, the writing style feels a bit outdated, which made it harder to get through at times.

Overall, I’d say this book is worth checking out if you’re interested in the paranormal of life after death. But if you’re looking for solid scientific research or a modern take, it might not be the best fit.

[Alice Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done

Good historical view of how the investigation into psychic activity came into being in the United Kingdom. One must admit it provokes curiosity. These folks were trying to fit it into the Scientific Model. Gluttons for punishment. There is Science and there is the Spirit Realm. One obtains information about the Latter from the Creator of Spirits (good and evil), the Most High God. Start with the Bible and read start to finish.

[Fab Prbrds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not to recommand at all. Hard read and soporific, author spends 20 pages per case blablating, we don't learnt anything at all. Cases are studied commenting on Sir D. saying that Miss T. had received a letter from her son who knew a friend who had a vision back in 1920 etc etc etc. Whole book is like that, to avoid at all cost. It's rare, but couldn't even finish that thing.

[Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Para além da qualidade da investigação que deu origem a este livro, o que me chamou mais a atenção foi o facto de o autor ter falecido 1 ano antes deste ser publicado, tendo o editor o cuidado (correcto) de o publicar como estava, ou seja, sem revisão e sem estar concluído.
Muito bom.

[Micmoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps the earliest research on the near death experiences or experiences just before dying

[Willi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very informative.I believe in life after death and spirits.I really liked this book.