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Encyclopedia of Ghosts
Covering haunted houses, poltergeists, animal ghosts, spirit guides, walking corpses, and other ghostly phenomena, this guide recounts the history of each ghost and describes the investigations that have at times been undertaken to establish the reality of the phenomena
307 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
4 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Cohen
204 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Daniel Edward Cohen was born on March 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents divorced when he was very young and his mother, Sue Greenberg, married Milton Cohen, a veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Daniel Cohen attended Chicago public schools and was a "hanger-on" in the bohemian community around the University of Chicago while in high school in the early 1950s. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where he abandoned an interest in biology for journalism. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in journalism in 1958. Cohen married Susan Handler, a writer, on February 2, 1958. He briefly worked as a proofreader for Time, Inc. in Chicago; but, demoralized by the paternalistic organizational culture, he took a job as assistant editor of Science Digest magazine in 1959. He was transferred to New York City shortly after being hired.
In addition to his editorial work, Cohen wrote articles for Science Digest and for other publications. Encouraged by praise of his articles on paranormal subjects, Cohen published his first book, Myths of the Space Age, a collection of skeptical essays on paranormal creatures and phenomena, in 1967. The Cohens moved to a farmhouse in Forestburgh, New York, in 1969 so Daniel could write full time. He originally planned to write popular science books, but the demands of the market led him to concentrate on books about ghosts, monsters, UFOs, and psychic phenomena. Since then, Daniel Cohen has written on an astonishing variety of subjects beyond just the paranormal: historical and current biographies; advice for teenagers; world history; science and technology; animals and nature; urban legends; and popular television, music, film, and sports personalities. He has noted that he writes mass-market paperbacks for children who are reluctant to read and not especially gifted. Thus, he chooses subjects of interest to such readers.
Susan Cohen was born on March 27, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Martin and Ida (Goldman) Handler. She earned a B.A. degree from the New School for Social Research in 1960 and an M.S.W. degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, in 1962. She worked as a social worker in the mid-1960s before writing The Liberated Couple, a feminist tract, in 1971. She wrote eleven gothic romances and mysteries under the penname Elizabeth St. Clair between 1974 and 1981. Susan and Daniel Cohen began collaborating on books in 1982 to help alleviate Daniel's workload. They have written books primarily on popular entertainment, advice for teenagers, and animals. The Cohens currently live in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
Daniel Edward Cohen was born on March 12, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents divorced when he was very young and his mother, Sue Greenberg, married Milton Cohen, a veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Daniel Cohen attended Chicago public schools and was a "hanger-on" in the bohemian community around the University of Chicago while in high school in the early 1950s. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where he abandoned an interest in biology for journalism. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in journalism in 1958. Cohen married Susan Handler, a writer, on February 2, 1958. He briefly worked as a proofreader for Time, Inc. in Chicago; but, demoralized by the paternalistic organizational culture, he took a job as assistant editor of Science Digest magazine in 1959. He was transferred to New York City shortly after being hired.
In addition to his editorial work, Cohen wrote articles for Science Digest and for other publications. Encouraged by praise of his articles on paranormal subjects, Cohen published his first book, Myths of the Space Age, a collection of skeptical essays on paranormal creatures and phenomena, in 1967. The Cohens moved to a farmhouse in Forestburgh, New York, in 1969 so Daniel could write full time. He originally planned to write popular science books, but the demands of the market led him to concentrate on books about ghosts, monsters, UFOs, and psychic phenomena. Since then, Daniel Cohen has written on an astonishing variety of subjects beyond just the paranormal: historical and current biographies; advice for teenagers; world history; science and technology; animals and nature; urban legends; and popular television, music, film, and sports personalities. He has noted that he writes mass-market paperbacks for children who are reluctant to read and not especially gifted. Thus, he chooses subjects of interest to such readers.
Susan Cohen was born on March 27, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Martin and Ida (Goldman) Handler. She earned a B.A. degree from the New School for Social Research in 1960 and an M.S.W. degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, in 1962. She worked as a social worker in the mid-1960s before writing The Liberated Couple, a feminist tract, in 1971. She wrote eleven gothic romances and mysteries under the penname Elizabeth St. Clair between 1974 and 1981. Susan and Daniel Cohen began collaborating on books in 1982 to help alleviate Daniel's workload. They have written books primarily on popular entertainment, advice for teenagers, and animals. The Cohens currently live in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 23, 2022
So yes, in order for a reader to enjoy Daniel Cohen's The Encyclopedia of Ghosts wholly and unreservedly, he or she will need to in my humble opinion also have a totally uncritical personal belief in the existence of ghosts, he or she must accept without much if any doubting and skepticism that ghosts are real and that stories and legends of haunted houses, spiritual apparitions and the like therefore and in fact always do represent total reality and not possible fantasy.
For indeed, in ALL of the ghost tales featured and textually presented by Daniel Cohen in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts there is absolutely no doubt entertained by the author that ghosts really do exist and that the tales he (Cohen) is representing correspond to individuals telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, that they demonstrate real and bona fide occurrences and not ever figments of the imagination or hoaxes and tricks. And most definitely, Daniel Cohen's pretty well and absolutely iron-clad belief in the reality of ghosts, this certainly is and presents something that I as very much a skeptic with regard to whether ghosts are real or not do have major trouble accepting without a massive level of caveats and criticisms (and in particular since quite a number of the ghostly tales featured in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts, such as for example the Amityville Horror scenarios have now in fact been pretty much proven to be fake, to be made-up, but that still, Daniel Cohen textually describes them in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts as "real" and does not ever in my opinion even somewhat entertain doubts regarding ghostly realities, which I do find both uncomfortable for me as a reader and also just not all that interesting and enlightening, as constantly reading that Daniel Cohen believes in ghosts also gets rather tedious and pretty draggingly monotonous).
And finally, while I do to a point appreciate that The Encyclopedia of Ghosts contains a bibliography, let's face it, said bibliography has been rendered by Daniel Cohen to be so annoyingly user and research unfriendly that checking Cohen's sources is so ridiculously difficult that I almost have to wonder whether this has been deliberate, that Daniel Cohen might not even want readers to verify and do research on ghosts and on their possible reality (as the text of The Encyclopedia of Ghosts certainly does feel as though Cohen is definitely rather allergic to anyone doubting his attitude towards ghosts and that ghosts are real, that they do exist).
For indeed, in ALL of the ghost tales featured and textually presented by Daniel Cohen in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts there is absolutely no doubt entertained by the author that ghosts really do exist and that the tales he (Cohen) is representing correspond to individuals telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, that they demonstrate real and bona fide occurrences and not ever figments of the imagination or hoaxes and tricks. And most definitely, Daniel Cohen's pretty well and absolutely iron-clad belief in the reality of ghosts, this certainly is and presents something that I as very much a skeptic with regard to whether ghosts are real or not do have major trouble accepting without a massive level of caveats and criticisms (and in particular since quite a number of the ghostly tales featured in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts, such as for example the Amityville Horror scenarios have now in fact been pretty much proven to be fake, to be made-up, but that still, Daniel Cohen textually describes them in The Encyclopedia of Ghosts as "real" and does not ever in my opinion even somewhat entertain doubts regarding ghostly realities, which I do find both uncomfortable for me as a reader and also just not all that interesting and enlightening, as constantly reading that Daniel Cohen believes in ghosts also gets rather tedious and pretty draggingly monotonous).
And finally, while I do to a point appreciate that The Encyclopedia of Ghosts contains a bibliography, let's face it, said bibliography has been rendered by Daniel Cohen to be so annoyingly user and research unfriendly that checking Cohen's sources is so ridiculously difficult that I almost have to wonder whether this has been deliberate, that Daniel Cohen might not even want readers to verify and do research on ghosts and on their possible reality (as the text of The Encyclopedia of Ghosts certainly does feel as though Cohen is definitely rather allergic to anyone doubting his attitude towards ghosts and that ghosts are real, that they do exist).
May 22, 2016
A really intriguing and quite comprehensive digest of accounts of ghostly phenomena and parapsychology,Well researched, and both rational and written in an exciting and deliciously spine chilling way. they take us from accounts in Ancient times right up to the 1980s. Covers
Famous Ghosts and the Ghosts of the Famous
This chapter includes accounts of Abraham Lincoln's ghost, Harry Houdini's connection to the paranormal, the story of Lady Howard's ghost and even the Biblical account of King Saul's visit to the with of Ein Dor where he summoned the Spirit of the Prophet Samuel.
The Chapter on Classic Cases
involves stories such as the Drummer of Tedworth and the Hydesville Haunting.
There are also chapters on Animal Ghosts and Poltergeist Hauntings
The accounts of the Armherst Hauntings where a poltergeist terrorized a young girl by the name of Esther Cox and the story of the violent 'Bell Witch'.
Revenge, Warnings and Crisis Apparitions include stories of spectres appearing at the time of someone's death at the very moment of their passing, and psychic premonitions of death, including several accounts from various wars.
Ghostly Phenomena and Ghostly Legends deal with some of the most persistent and recurrent parapsychologist happening and hauntings, including , including ghostly figures on the road some of which actually attack people, and a recurrent ghostly hitch-hiker who takes a rid with a young man, gives him her address and then disappears mysteriously out of the car.
When the young man reaches the girls home, her mother answers the door and confirms that the girls in question is her daughter who died in car accident on the spot where she hitch-hiked some years before.
These chapters include the 19th century tradition of ghost stories told at Christmas and the Christmas ghost story annuals that were issued at the time, and the mournful Mexican ghost woman La Lorna.
Famous Ghosts and the Ghosts of the Famous
This chapter includes accounts of Abraham Lincoln's ghost, Harry Houdini's connection to the paranormal, the story of Lady Howard's ghost and even the Biblical account of King Saul's visit to the with of Ein Dor where he summoned the Spirit of the Prophet Samuel.
The Chapter on Classic Cases
involves stories such as the Drummer of Tedworth and the Hydesville Haunting.
There are also chapters on Animal Ghosts and Poltergeist Hauntings
The accounts of the Armherst Hauntings where a poltergeist terrorized a young girl by the name of Esther Cox and the story of the violent 'Bell Witch'.
Revenge, Warnings and Crisis Apparitions include stories of spectres appearing at the time of someone's death at the very moment of their passing, and psychic premonitions of death, including several accounts from various wars.
Ghostly Phenomena and Ghostly Legends deal with some of the most persistent and recurrent parapsychologist happening and hauntings, including , including ghostly figures on the road some of which actually attack people, and a recurrent ghostly hitch-hiker who takes a rid with a young man, gives him her address and then disappears mysteriously out of the car.
When the young man reaches the girls home, her mother answers the door and confirms that the girls in question is her daughter who died in car accident on the spot where she hitch-hiked some years before.
These chapters include the 19th century tradition of ghost stories told at Christmas and the Christmas ghost story annuals that were issued at the time, and the mournful Mexican ghost woman La Lorna.
October 19, 2020
Ah, the good ol' 70s and 80s, when you could read a book about ghost stories told in a lighter manner without overdoing it, but sometimes underdoing it. For the most part the entries are pleasant enough and easy to read through. It's obvious that some stories really interested the author and therefore got 3-5 pages of coverage (and some may have required extra explanation) while others that had little substance to them he either liked enough to stuff them in or needed space filler so found one short enough to fit the bill. Though some famous tales and legends are included, you're not likely to learn much new about them, though there are enough lesser known legends you may find intriguing.
November 14, 2017
Kind of dry. Had a few entertaining spots.
February 25, 2025
It wasn't bad. It was just average. As its title suggests, it's an Encyclopedia for a few ghost tales in the past centuries. My only gripe is that it oversimplifies a lot of the tales to a fault. Though if you're looking for inspiration for a game or just interested in some folk tales this is the book for you.
June 11, 2014
Interesting tales in small sections and even better this book isn't one of those books written about investigations which promises so much.
These are the sorts of ghost stories I love to read, especially about places I know, or would love to visit.
Do enjoy sitting on the night shift where I work and telling the new staff which parts of the hospital have ghosts. The little girl in A+E, the West Indian nurse seen on one of the wards, the operating theatres where staff have seen things etc
These are the sorts of ghost stories I love to read, especially about places I know, or would love to visit.
Do enjoy sitting on the night shift where I work and telling the new staff which parts of the hospital have ghosts. The little girl in A+E, the West Indian nurse seen on one of the wards, the operating theatres where staff have seen things etc
February 17, 2017
Ghosts a fascinating topic for anyone I imagine. This novel gives a good history of stories through out the ages so if u like history this book is right up your alley.
Ruining the whole exorcist movie for me by divulging the true count it originated from was discouraging but good to know.
Ruining the whole exorcist movie for me by divulging the true count it originated from was discouraging but good to know.
December 20, 2020
This is a family favorite. We had this book in our house growing up, and I remember a few occasions reading it when I was home alone or up late. I remember even the cover evoking eerie feelings. Now, as an adult it still has a special power to unsettle me. Cohen’s matter of fact/journalistic writing isn’t gripping horror story telling, but it is nevertheless effective. After a dozen stories about Victorian ghosts, one puts down this book, remembers the quiet of their apartment and can’t help but think: Dang, there sure are a lot of Victorian boy ghosts out there...
After reading some Carmen Maria Machado, I made sure to find this book (and buy a copy for a friend!). Machado folds folklore into her stories with grace and emotional heft. Reading her is to experience emotional superposition— I am my present self, enamored with the craft of her writing, and I am my young self, aghast at the grisly unknown. I imagine a book like this siting on her night stand like a Bible.
I’ve kept this on my night stand, dog-eared and loved.
5/5 stars. Here’s to the stories I hope this collection inspires in my friend and in myself.
After reading some Carmen Maria Machado, I made sure to find this book (and buy a copy for a friend!). Machado folds folklore into her stories with grace and emotional heft. Reading her is to experience emotional superposition— I am my present self, enamored with the craft of her writing, and I am my young self, aghast at the grisly unknown. I imagine a book like this siting on her night stand like a Bible.
I’ve kept this on my night stand, dog-eared and loved.
5/5 stars. Here’s to the stories I hope this collection inspires in my friend and in myself.
November 5, 2023
Puts you on edge.
October 14, 2015
I read this book over and over as a kid (frequently while eating snacks). Really engaging stories, such as Abraham Lincoln dreaming about his assassination and funeral, the ghosts parading around the blood-soaked Tower of London, and the creepy moving coffins of Barbados. Most memorable was the Brown Lady and her empty eye sockets, as well as the photo of Tulip Staircase ghost, which I never looked at properly -- I always focused on the center of the photo, assuming the ghost was glowing, until YEARS later when I finally noticed the figure lunging up the stairs with horrifying urgency. Eieeee!
May 7, 2016
I was mildly disappointed by this book. One thing that really stood out was the editing of the text. There were several typos. This is particularly annoying for me since I am THE world's worst speller & have a HORRIBLE command of grammar & punctuation. The most common offense was, yes they were using spell check but, using the wrong word in the text. Thought instead of though, it instead of its, just to name a few. I was also disappointed by a story I'm familiar w/ & was not accurately conveyed. It makes me wonder if there are more discrepancies.
August 3, 2016
I loved this book a lot. I miss it at the library as I can't find it anymore due to my library being a little weird. I loved the stories of haunted stretches of roads like the notorious Route 666 in the western US. And the phantom hitchhikers, the most notorious of whom is Chicago's Resurrection Mary, named because she is interred in Resurrection Cemetery, is outstanding. Just a good book.
July 4, 2008
References include The Grey Lady of Raynham Hall and Borley Rectory
Read
July 28, 2011This book is out of print (I think) but if you can get your hands on a copy (not mine!) it is a fun read.
October 13, 2012
A nice collection of spooky stories!
September 21, 2014
Another fun encyclopedia of unexplained phenomena from Daniel Cohen. The longer entries are the more interesting.
February 19, 2009
A fun must-have for YA lovers of horror.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews