The Spiritualists' Reader is an anthology compiled by Arthur Conan Doyle, subtitled A Collection of Spirit Messages from Many Sources. In this volume, Doyle curates a variety of purported communications from the spirit world – transcripts of seances, automatic writings, and mediumistic messages – which he believed offer proof of life beyond death. Each entry, drawn from different mediums and locales, is presented to demonstrate consistency in the voices of the departed and the comfort of their revelations. Doyle provides context and commentary, framing these ethereal missives as evidence supporting the spiritualist movement's claims. Didactic yet reverent, the collection serves both as a guide for believers and an introduction for the curious, showcasing what Doyle considered some of the most compelling "words from beyond" that influenced his unwavering faith in spirit communication.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) was a Scottish author, physician, and spiritualist best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where his storytelling talent began to emerge alongside his scientific education. Though initially practicing as a doctor, Doyle turned to writing to support himself, eventually achieving worldwide fame with the publication of A Study in Scarlet in 1887. Beyond detective fiction, he explored historical novels, science fiction, and supernatural themes, notably in the Professor Challenger series. A passionate advocate for justice, he was involved in several real-life legal investigations. In his later years, Doyle became deeply involved in spiritualism, dedicating much of his time and writings to life after death. His legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in literary history.