The Secret History of Poltergeists and Haunted Houses

Poltergeist phenomena, characterized by mischievous and sometimes violent actions, have been interpreted in various ways throughout history. Initially viewed as helper spirits by pagan ancestors, they were later demonized by the medieval church, which conducted exorcisms with limited success. The Age of Enlightenment dismissed these events as hoaxes, yet reports persist, often linked to troubled adolescents. Claude Lecouteux examines historical accounts and modern scientific studies, revealing how these manifestations reflect our connection to the supernatural and the need for balance with the unseen world.