'Outstanding clarity, penetrating argument and a series of fascinating examples make this an accessible and profoundly insightful read, whether for academics and their students or the legendary general reader. As well as its obvious relevance to historians and psychologists, it has much to offer to social scientists.' Barry Barnes, University of Exeter 'Lamont offers a thought-provoking and sophisticated examination of the way that debates about claims to paranormal abilities rely on their historical context as much as scientific evidence. He makes a compelling case for the value of historical scholarship in psychological research, and raises important questions about the status of psychology as a science.' Robin Wooffitt, University of York 'A must for anyone interested in psychology, the history of spiritualism and the mediumship in performances - fascinating and brilliantly researched.' Kindred Spirit 'A balanced, systematic framework for understanding why some people have believed in unusual things and others have not ... a challenging and thought-provoking read.' Magic Magazine

Dr Peter Lamont is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh. He is Programme Director of the MSc in History and Theory of Psychology, and Honorary Secretary of the British Psychological Society (History and Philosophy of Psychology Section). He is also a longstanding member of the Koestler Parapsychology Unit, a former professional magician, an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle and Past President of the Edinburgh Magic Circle. He has published extensively on the history and psychology of magic and the paranormal.

1. Introduction; 2. The making of the extraordinary; 3. The making of mesmeric phenomena; 4. The making of spiritualist phenomena; 5. The making of psychic phenomena; 6. The making of paranormal phenomena; 7. The making of extraordinary beliefs.