The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist: Toward a General Theory of the Paranormal

First published in 1974, this groundbreaking volume relates field theory of altered states of consciousness and compares the surprisingly similar views of mediums, mystics, and physicists.



When renowned psychologist Lawrence LeShan first explored clairvoyance and precognition it shook his belief in everyday reality. As a result, it led him to postulate other states of consciousness, which he calls “Clairvoyant Reality” and “Transpsychic Reality.” Although LeShan was trained in the traditional scientific method, he discovered that these altered realities—including the knowledge of future events, the ability to heal from great distances, and other paranormal phenomena—operated according to their own laws.



Filled with mesmerizing case examples, quotations, and observations from LeShan’s own personal experience, The Medium, the Mystic, and the Physicist includes LeShan’s essay, “Human Survival on Biological Death,” where he brings a fresh perspective to the theory of the afterlife. A classic guide for the study of parapsychology, readers will be intrigued by this collection of unique ideas.




‧ A classic in the field, often thought of as the author’s best work

‧ Author is renowned as a psychologist and a leader in the modern study of mind-body interaction

Lawrence LeShan is a psychologist, educator, and author of 11 books, including The Psychology of War, The Dilemma of Psychology, and the popular How to Meditate. He has worked as a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, and researcher for more than 50 years. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.