Exploring America's spiritualist roots

Those serious about understanding America and Americans will find Occult America a fascinating and indispensable addition to their libraries. This book fills in some puzzling blanks in the nation's history as it is usually told, exploring the realities and personalities behind the Burned-Over District, Mesmerism, the importation of Eastern philosophy, and even the Ouija Board. Horowitz argues convincingly that spiritualism and mysticism never served as mere sideshows as American society developed, but rather they shaped profoundly the way we think today.
The book will perhaps find its most appreciative audience among readers who, like me, are "not typically given to occult enthusiasms" (as the author describes one mid-20th century writer), yet hope to understand the origins of the New Age philosophies that now run through so much of American thinking. Listening to Occult America, I was repeatedly impressed at Horowitz's ability to recount the course and effects of spiritualism in America without falling into either of the side-by-side traps of open-minded credulity or of snooty dismissiveness. The writing is lively and witty, and Paul Michael Garcia's narration matches the style and the subject well.

18 people found this helpful

Informative and well written.

Informative and well written. My grandmother told stories of and believed in the faith-healers, seances and spiritualism that were commonplace in her youth (US during the late 1800's and early 1900's). These were not "out there", but commonly held beliefs in the lower middle class of America during this time.

9 people found this helpful

Very Informative!

This book was not what I expected, but nonetheless I found it very informative. I've always known America was not created as a "Christian nation" at least as we have been taught. Our country has since 'Day 1' always had an occult history, most of which has been suppressed.

I was not very thrilled with the 'narrator's voice, ' finding it at times a hindrance to getting through this read, luckily the 'content ' is what got me to the finishing line. There were a few sections in the middle of the book which I found to be 'dull. ' Otherwise I may have very well have given this book a '5 star' rather than overall 4 star rating.

If you're interested in something 'different' I'd recommend this book. If you're into 'history, ' again I'd also recommend this book. Especially knowing how most of what we've been 'taught in schools is wrong!'

6 people found this helpful

Fascinating Summary

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to friends because it summarizes the roots of the occult in America.

What did you like best about this story?

I saw the roots of what is now the occult. I also learned details that I had not know before.

Any additional comments?

I was curious to hear about the darker side of the occult as I know its out there and most likely related to what was discuss. I know there is a whole practice related to Aliester Crowley, which is only mentioned in passing in this book several times. There are other occult practices that have large followings as well that were not discussed and, again, most likely come out of what was discussed.

6 people found this helpful

Insightful timeline of American spirituality

I loved this book. The author presents historical facts and accounts in such a way that it illustrates the evolution of American spirituality and mysticism and how these things were both impacted by, and left an impact on society.

4 people found this helpful

Very Interesting and Thorough.....

Where does Occult America rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Since books on occultism are very rare in audiobook form, it is difficult to find good ones. The chapters in this book seemed like it might have been dull, but it was not. Even to someone well versed in occult history, there was a wealth of information explored very intimately here. A good achievement in esoteric literature.

What other book might you compare Occult America to and why?

Peter Levenda's "The Secret Temple" is very similar. It is also somewhat juicier and written from a more esoteric perspective. "Cults, Conspiracies, and Secret Societies" by Arthur Goldwag covers more material but is not quite as in-depth.

What does Paul Michael Garcia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is sort of the ideal narrator because he reads in a way that is very matter-of-fact without too much inflection to influence the tone f the actual text.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Little known streams of occult philosophy and activity operating within infuential circles and movements in occult history."

8 people found this helpful

Loved It.

So far, the best esoteric book I've found here yet.

Just wish it was longer and went into even greater depth. Some times it seems like it is giving a Cliff Notes overview, other times it goes into exhaustive depth.

Will buy the book when it comes out in paperback this October.

Wish someone would make 'Secret Teaching Of All Ages' an audio book.

10 people found this helpful

Fantastic!

I’ve read several books on US and World History and nothing touches on the kinda weird and quirky thoughts that certainly influenced large groups of people throughout history. This book tackles topics that I’ve never seen covered in a history book (just touches on each subject) and does it in a coherent chronological way. I really liked it and I recommend it to anyone interested in US History and esoteric subjects!

2 people found this helpful

my review of this book.

very interesting. I learned new historical things. one belief puts another down while at the same time taking aspects from it.

2 people found this helpful

very eye opening

the way the author unfolds the narrative makes it a compelling argument. I'd recommend and will be following up a few small stories that were very fascinating.

2 people found this helpful