Simeon Edwards. Stated first U.K edition. London: The Aquarian Press, 1961. Both unclipped dust jacket (in a mylar wrapper) and hardcover are in Very Good+ and Near Fine condition, respectively. No writing or markings found in this well-preserved copy, 180 pp.
Hypnotism and the Supernormal by Simeon Edmunds is a serious study of hypnotism written from the perspective of psychical research and skeptical inquiry. The book was originally published by Aquarian Press in 1961 and explores both hypnotic phenomena and claims of supernormal (i.e., paranormal or psychic) effects connected with hypnotic states.
📘 What the Book Is About
Author & Background: Simeon Edmunds (1917–1969) was a British psychical researcher, member of the Society for Psychical Research and College of Psychic Science, and also worked as an associate editor for Tomorrow magazine. He was known for his skeptical approach to spiritualist claims, meticulously examining cases of purported paranormal phenomena.
Scope & Content:
The book examines hypnotism scientifically and historically, including how hypnotic states have been interpreted or misinterpreted in discussions of psychic or paranormal powers.
It investigates the relationship between hypnotic phenomena and supernormal claims—like extrasensory perception or unusual mental capabilities—while aiming to distinguish genuine psychological effects from misunderstood or fraudulent paranormal interpretations.
Edmunds wrote it based on research commissioned by the British Parapsychological Society, intending to clarify hypnotism’s mechanisms so that supposed psychic events wouldn’t be confused with hypnotic phenomena.
