Ghosts (Informania ) (The World of the Unknown)

by Christopher Maynard

Various (Illustrator)

First published in 1977, this cult classic has been reissued for a new generation of ghost-hunters. This book is for anyone who has shivered at shadowy figures in the dark, heard strange sounds in the night, or felt the presence of a mysterious ‘something’ from the unknown.

Ghost stories are as old as recorded history and exist all over the world. Many of the different kinds of ghosts that are thought to haunt the Earth and their behaviour are described here. You will meet haunting spirits, screaming skulls, phantom ships, demon dogs, white ladies, gallows ghosts and many more.

This book also explains the techniques and equipment of ghost hunting and tells how lots of ‘ghosts’ have been exposed as fakes or explained away as natural events. Also included are some theories that attempt to explain the possible existence of ghosts.

With a brand new foreword by BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and actor Reece Shearsmith, otherwise the book remains unchanged from the original.

• ISBN10: 1474976689
• ISBN13: 9781474976688
• Publish Date: 3 October 2019 (first published 14 October 1977)
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 16 August 2023
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: Usborne Publishing Ltd
• Edition: New edition
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 32
• Language: English

Reviews

[pamela]

Honestly, there's very little not to love about Usborne's The World of the Unknown Series. All About Ghosts was one of my favourite books when I was a kid. I think I almost permanently had it on loan from the library (sorry fellow children of Elwood!) and would devour it under my blankets with a torch.

When a Change.org petition started to have this out of print gem re-issued, I was among the first signatures. And the second the re-release was announced, I was one of the first to pre-order. It's shorter than I remember, but isn't that always how childhood memories go?

I think what I love about this the most (despite the pleasant nostalgia that comes with it) is the fact that it's neither full-believing nor completely sceptical. It simply gives an overview of the different types of ghosts that a child might hear stories about, their origins, and where they might be found. It's incredibly matter-of-fact and doesn't pass any judgement as to the veracity of ghostly claims. Because of that, it appeals both to the sceptics among us, and the true believers. There's something in here for everyone!

There's not a lot of depth - it is a children's reference book, after all - but it gives enough information for a decent snapshot, and encourages readers to learn more. It even provides a handy little reference list.

I am certainly not disappointed by my purchase of this re-issue. It's nice to have my own copy of it now, and who knows, maybe one day my children will derive the same, chilling joy from All About Ghosts as I did as a child.