The Book of Dreams and Ghosts

About The Book of Dreams and Ghosts

"The Book of Dreams and Ghosts" by Andrew Lang is a collection of ghost stories and narratives written during the late 19th century. The work explores the idea of ghosts and dreams, presenting various accounts and theories about their nature, drawing from both folklore and psychological insights. Lang aims to entertain his readers while also delving into the concept of apparitions and illusions, discussing how these experiences may be interpreted through modern perspectives. At the start of the book, the author provides a detailed preface that sets the stage for the exploration of dreams and ghosts. Lang addresses the transition from common dreams to startling ghostly encounters, illustrating how the two phenomena are often intertwined. He introduces a number of anecdotes that indicate the blurred lines between dreams and waking experiences, hinting at the possibility that many ghost sightings may be a reflection of dreams rather than actual supernatural occurrences. In his discussions, Lang presents various examples, including dreams that coincide with real-life events and shared dreams among individuals, ultimately suggesting that these experiences may offer a fascinating glimpse into human psychology.

Opening line

“ARBUTHNOT, in his humorous work on Political Lying, commends the Whigs for occasionally trying the people with "great swingeing falsehoods".”

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