The Phantom World; or, The philosophy of spirits, apparitions, &c, &c

Augustin Calmet's work, The Phantom World, overviews a rich and varied selection of supernatural tales and beliefs from the stance of the logician. The author compiles testimonies from different places such as Hungary, Poland, Peru, and England and provides his stories with illustrations by famous authors. He seeks to understand the truth behind the stories. For example, what made people believe in good and bad angels, magic, apparitions, vampires, witchcraft, possession by demons, and other mystical stories.

Augustin Calmet, a renowned 18th-century French Benedictine monk, is distinguished for his scholarly contributions to theology and biblical exegesis. Born on February 26, 1672, in Ménil-la-Horgne, France, Calmet took his monastic vows in 1688 and was ordained a priest in 1696. He became one of the most respected biblical scholars of his time, with his erudition resonating notably in works such as his comprehensive 'Commentary on the Bible' and the 'Dictionary of the Holy Bible.' His inquisitive mind also ventured into the realm of the supernatural, which is best exemplified by his seminal work, 'The Phantom World; or, The philosophy of spirits, apparitions, &c, &c.' This book, published posthumously in English in 1850, was originally titled 'Traité sur les apparitions des esprits et sur les vampires ou les revenans de Hongrie, de Moravie, &c.' and first appeared in French in 1746. In 'The Phantom World,' Calmet embarked on a rational exploration of spectral phenomena, discussing ghosts, hauntings, and vampirism with academic rigor, yet without discounting the possibility of their existence. His dedication to empirical observation and historical insight place him among the precursors to paranormal inquiry. His literary style, rooted in Enlightenment principles of reason and clarity, made complex theological and metaphysical topics accessible to a broader audience. Calmet's enduring legacy lies in his meticulous scholarship and his ability to bridge the gap between the sacred and the allegedly supernatural. He passed away on October 25, 1757, in Senones, where he had been abbot of the storied Saint-Pierre Abbey.