Colin Dickey delves into the collection of unusual objects and hidden histories across the country. As a writer, speaker, and academic, he explores lesser-known aspects of American folklore and culture. His work often focuses on peculiar places and strange occurrences, revealing deeper truths about our society. Dickey's approach is rooted in a profound interest in how the past shapes the present and the stories that lie beneath the surface of the seemingly ordinary.
Exploring the after-death experiences of renowned figures like Franz Joseph Haydn, Ludwig Beethoven, and Swedenborg, this book offers a detailed and vivid account of their posthumous journeys. It delves into the unique narratives surrounding these iconic individuals, shedding light on their spiritual encounters and reflections after death, which have remained largely untold until now.
Dickey, piqued by a house hunt in Los Angeles that revealed derelict foreclosures and "zombie houses", embarks on a journey across the continental United States to decode and unpack the American history repressed in our most famous haunted places. With boundless curiosity, Dickey conjures the dead by focusing on questions of the living -- how do we deal with stories about ghosts, and how do we inhabit and move through spaces that have been deemed haunted? Paying attention not only to the true facts behind a ghost story, but also to the ways in which changes are made to those facts and why, Dickey paints a version of American history left out of the textbooks, one of things left undone and crimes left unsolved
Mythical Monsters, Alien Encounters, and Our Obsession with the Unexplained
Exploring America's intriguing unexplained phenomena, the author combines cultural history with a captivating narrative style. Through a thoughtful examination of various mysteries, the book delves into the eerie and unsettling aspects of these phenomena, offering readers a unique perspective on the cultural significance behind them. Rich in detail and insight, it invites readers to reflect on the mysteries that persist in the American landscape, making for a compelling journey into the unknown.
Exploring the after-death experiences of renowned figures like Franz Joseph Haydn, Ludwig Beethoven, and Swedenborg, this book vividly recounts their unique stories. It delves into the spiritual journeys and insights of these influential individuals, presenting a detailed and engaging narrative that brings their posthumous tales to life. Through rich storytelling, it offers readers a deeper understanding of the intersection between creativity, spirituality, and the mysteries of life after death.
The author, an Associate Professor at Penn State, specializes in Comparative Literature and English. He has previously explored the intersection of surrealism and crime in his work, "Surrealism and the Art of Crime." This background informs his insights into literary themes and cultural contexts, making his contributions to the field noteworthy.