Foreword
A word on the felicity of a most excellent haunting
In an era where the mysteries of the unseen world, heretofore referred to as “Beyond,” intertwine with the happenings of our everyday existence, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce what may very well become a seminal work in the realm of Spiritualist inquiry. As private and sole sponsor of the Society of Hesitant Mediums, I am honored to offer my humble endorsement to this remarkable text, which guides those recently haunted through the experience.
Informed by numerous case studies and personal experiences across much of Europe, the pages which lie before you are not merely a compilation of anecdotes or conjectures. They are, rather, a representation of the rigorous and systematic exploration of paranormal phenomena that captivates the brilliant mind of our very own Sir Hubert Preston, and maintains the busy schedule of our Director of Mediums, Mrs. Tessa Preston-Steele. Through meticulous notetaking, clever observation, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of Beyond, Sir Hubert will illuminate the obscure and unexplained, helping you, dear Reader, become as accustomed to hauntings as those in the Hesitant Mediums.
Should you require some convincing, please be aware that the study of Spiritualism stands as a beacon of hope for those left behind by loved ones. Indeed, it is through the lens of Spiritualism that we are afforded the many different experiences of Life Beyond Death, and as such can surely only be welcomed.
Let us not mistake the study of Spiritualism for mere superstition or idle speculation. As we immerse ourselves in this text, let us approach the subject matter with the same spirit of intellectual and emotional inquiry, and open-mindedness, that led Sir Hubert in his endeavors.
After much discourse, the Society of Hesitant Mediums settled upon releasing a guide for the public rather than our scholarly compatriots, in the hopes of supporting a greater audience than simply those who may already have a Sense of Beyond, whether through Hearing, Seeing, or as recently discovered, Touching. Those of a scholarly bent will benefit from perusing this text as well, but the Society of Hesitant Mediums has made explicit choices to make this publication both edifying and most importantly, entertaining.
In closing, I extend my commendations to Sir Hubert for his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of Beyond, and his invaluable contributions to the Spiritualist movement. May this text serve as an informative, entertaining, appeasing guide for those who have been touched by the spirits of Beyond.
Yours in pursuit of the uncanny,
Dame Aurelia Hartwell
Sponsor, Society of Hesitant Mediums, London