Let the dead speak

Matt Tomlinson is Associate Dean (Research) and Professor of Anthropology at the Australian National University.Andrew Singleton is Professor of Sociology and Social Research at Deakin University.

‘Rich, perceptive, and engaging. Let the dead speak provides a brilliant, concise introduction to Spiritualism through the contours of its Australian story. Clearly written, its sharp interdisciplinary analysis provides fresh insights into Spiritualism’s past, influence, and broader significance, and crucially its character as a resilient living tradition.’—Geoff Troughton, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington‘Tracing the story of Spiritualism across continents and centuries, Singleton and Tomlinson portray a community convinced that the dead want to continue to connect with their loved ones. This is a form of faith grounded in doubt rather than brash conviction, where members work to bridge radically different worlds.’— Debra McDougall, University of Melbourne

• 1 The Age of Aquarius 2 An Ever-Widening Circle of Interest3 The Victorian Spiritualists’ Union and the Changing Face of Twentieth Century Australia4 The Service5 Healing and Perfection6 Metaphysical Therapy7 The Theatre for Belief8 A Little Outpost9 Typically Spiritualist10 Race and Ethnicity in the Spirit World11 How Australian Is Australian Spiritualism?Afterword. Here and HereafterAppendix A: Emma Hardinge Britten in Australia, 1878–1879Appendix B: Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Wanderings of a Spiritualist: Missionary Work in Australia, 1920–1921Appendix C: Transcript of the Canberra Spiritualist Association Service of 6 August 2017Index