A Natural History of Ghosts

Simmering as it is with personal reflections, this handsome volume ... is bursting with a giddy passion, buoyed further by an expert's thirst for abstruse facts. The main pleasure of reading this book is Clarke's own enthusiasm, intelligence and seriousness ... a deeply interesting, revealing read

Book Hugger

Splendid ... compelling ... Clarke manages to give goose-flesh and a giggle while informing the reader - an enviable feat

Scotsman

A highly enjoyable (and disturbing work) ... I am in awe of [Clarke's] intrepidity

Guardian

Outstanding ... Clarke's dissection of the shocks, sadnesses and sexiness of the seance tables from the late Victorian era is brilliantly done ... The book is deeply enjoyable, hugely informative and at times distinctly unsettling

Shade Point

Britain has over 500-years' worth of ghost stories in the cupboard and in The Natural History of Ghosts, Roger Clarke makes them dance ... the most original and readable book exploring our ghost-rich culture to appear for years ... fascinating

Fortean Times

Clarke's examination of the need people have to believe remains insightful and illuminating throughout

Observer

Roger Clarke explores the endlessly fascinating subject of the dead who won't lie down, the places they haunt, as well as the hysteria and panic they inspire. Why and how over 500 years their existence has never been scientifically proved - but at the same time, never disproved. Ghosts are masters of the elusive and ambiguous, but Clarke is a master investigator

Fay Weldon, Daily Mail

An intriguing, shivers-down-the-spine book

The Lady

Lively and absorbing ... [Clarke] has proven himself an ideal guide to this troubled and disorderly realm

Literary Review