Description

Book Synopsis
Chemist and illusionist John Henry Pepper (1821â1900) lectured at the Royal Polytechnic Institution in London, and incorporated experiments, illusions and magic lanterns into his popular science lectures. In 1862 he developed a stage-show illusion called 'the ghost'. This involved using strategically placed pieces of glass and specific lighting in order to create the illusion of ghostly figures on stage. The illusion was immensely popular in the second half of the nineteenth century - it was visited by royalty, and Pepper's show toured to America, Canada and Australia. In this book, first published in 1890, Pepper details the history of 'the ghost' and the process of carrying out the illusion. 'Pepper's Ghost' is considered to be a precursor to cinema, and this book will be of interest to those studying the development of popular nineteenth-century culture, the 'entertainment industry', and the origins of cinema.

Table of Contents
The true history of the ghost.

True History of the Ghost And All About Metempsychosis Cambridge Library Collection Spiritualism and Esoteric Knowledge

Product form

£23.49

Includes FREE delivery

Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 18 Dec 2025.

A Paperback by John Henry Pepper

15 in stock


    View other formats and editions of True History of the Ghost And All About Metempsychosis Cambridge Library Collection Spiritualism and Esoteric Knowledge by John Henry Pepper

    Publisher: Cambridge University Press
    Publication Date: 2/16/2012 12:00:00 AM
    ISBN13: 9781108044349, 978-1108044349
    ISBN10: 1108044344
    Also in:
    Theatre: technical 3D images and optical illusions

    Description

    Book Synopsis
    Chemist and illusionist John Henry Pepper (1821â1900) lectured at the Royal Polytechnic Institution in London, and incorporated experiments, illusions and magic lanterns into his popular science lectures. In 1862 he developed a stage-show illusion called 'the ghost'. This involved using strategically placed pieces of glass and specific lighting in order to create the illusion of ghostly figures on stage. The illusion was immensely popular in the second half of the nineteenth century - it was visited by royalty, and Pepper's show toured to America, Canada and Australia. In this book, first published in 1890, Pepper details the history of 'the ghost' and the process of carrying out the illusion. 'Pepper's Ghost' is considered to be a precursor to cinema, and this book will be of interest to those studying the development of popular nineteenth-century culture, the 'entertainment industry', and the origins of cinema.

    Table of Contents
    The true history of the ghost.

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account