Hunting Ghosts and Seeing Apparitions

Are ghosts the spirits of the dearly departed communicating from beyond the grave? At least some early modern theologians were skeptical about the idea. In this episode of Historia Mortis, we delve into early modern beliefs around ghost sightings, their connections to one's mental state, and the "science of the dead" -- thanatology! Historian and host Kimberly Sherman is joined by fellow historian Emily Betz. Emily is a final-year PhD student at the University of St Andrews. Her thesis focuses on the various ways that melancholy shaped identity in early modern England, c. 1580-1780. She is particularly interested in the impact that medical discourse had on the way mental illnesses were discussed, defined, and diagnosed. Find out more and review show notes at www.historiamortispodcast.com Keep up with podcast news and more on Instagram: @historiamortis Learn more about our host, Dr. Kimberly Sherman at kimberlybsherman.com and follow her on Twitter: @kb_sherman *** This episode is sponsored by Ghost Hill Press, Wilmington, NC's newest independent booksellers***