Behind the Medium's Mask:: Eileen Garrett's Shadow Self

Eileen Garrett was one of the most internationally renowned and studied psychic mediums of the twentieth century. She was also an author, publisher, and co-founder of the Parapsychology Foundation. In Behind the Medium’s Mask: Eileen Garrett’s Shadow Self, historian Elisabeth J.C. (Lis) Warwood reveals significant discrepancies in Garrett’s autobiographies. That none of her Spiritualist associates or parapsychological investigators discovered the woman behind the mask may shock those who grew up believing her origin story.A vital contribution to the historical study of psychic phenomena, Behind the Medium’s Mask sheds new light on a figure who has captivated scholars and the public alike. It is a revealing investigation into the facts of Eileen Garrett’s life. presenting new and important insights that demand a reassessment of Garrett’s abilities, motives, and influence in the world of parapsychology.Not just a genealogical unmasking, the disclosure in this new biography of Garrett’s extensive re-imagining of her early life:raises questions about the theory that heightened psychic function results from childhood trauma;highlights the implications about history formulated upon autobiography that on genealogical investigation proves to be personal myth-making and self-promotion; andbrings into consideration broader issues of interest to parapsychologists, therapists, historians, and students of literary genres. Read more