A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural

Discover the spine-tingling history of ghosts and the supernatural across the world in this stunningly illustrated title.

A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most intriguing and enduring subjects in the world, covering everything from Neolithic ancestor worship and ancient necromancy to modern-day ghost-hunting and “creepypasta” tales, and from the Japanese onryo to the La Llorona of Latin America.

The perfect introduction to the subject, this fascinating volume charts the various ways in which spirits and the spirit world have been depicted in myth and religion, folklore, art, literature, and cinema, and how the idea of ghosts and otherworldly beings has resonated with people through history and across the world.

In this blood-curdling book, you will find:

• More than 350 full-colour images combined with engaging, accessible text that brings the subject to life, with biographies of key figures
• Infamous tales of haunted houses and ghost ships, séances and mediumship, poltergeists, possessions, and demonic encounters
• Profiles of other unearthly and undead beings, such as werewolves and vampires, and galleries of everything from effigies and dolls to tools used in paranormal investigations
• Details of scientific theories that have attempted to shed light on the spirit phenomenon, such as “the stone tape” theory and Kirlian photography

A serious and comprehensive, but accessible guide to the subject, A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural will shock and delight you in equal measure – whether you are a believer or a skeptic.

The Esoteric Histories series

With global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK’s Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects – from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained – weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult; A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy; and A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny.

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs