A biography of the legendary 16th-century astrologer and physician, Nostradamus.

"In 1848 the Fox sisters, living near Rochester, New York, began modern spiritualism by producing a series of "raps" or "knocks," supposedly from the spirit world, through which communication could be maintained. The public's interest was captured, and soon an overwhelming desire to communicate with departed loved ones led to the devising of other methods of communicating with spirits."--BOOK JACKET. "Spiritualism spread rapidly both in Britain and...

The author describes his life and career as a professional mentalist and magician, revealing how he convinced people of his psychic ability and exploited believers.