Pioneers of the Spiritual Reformation: Biographical Sketches [Paperback]

The biographies of two pioneers of spiritualism in Germany and England, Justinus Kerner and William Howitt, first published in 1883.This double biography of two nineteenth-century pioneers of spiritualism in Germany and England, Justinus Kerner and William Howitt, was first published in 1883. As a record of the experiences and beliefs of the spiritualists this book provides much essential information about early Victorian attitudes to this world and beyond.This double biography of two nineteenth-century pioneers of spiritualism in Germany and England, Justinus Kerner and William Howitt, was first published in 1883. As a record of the experiences and beliefs of the spiritualists this book provides much essential information about early Victorian attitudes to this world and beyond.Anna Mary Howitt Watts (18241884) was a painter and writer, and the daughter of William Howitt (17921879), one of the subjects of this double biography. Justinus Kerner (17861862) was an inspiration to both Howitt and his daughter. A German poet, trained as a doctor, he became famous both as a patron of the arts and an early pioneer of the spiritualist movement. This account of Kerner's life is full of vivid descriptions of ghostly apparitions and supernatural events. Howitt, a popular writer and radical local politician who was raised a Quaker, became increasingly attracted to spiritualism after the deaths of two of his sons. Watts' book, written after her father's death and first published in 1883, is more than a memoir of a beloved parent. As a record of the beliefs of the spiritualists it provides essential information about early Victorian attitudes to this world and beyond.Preface; Life of Dr. Justinus Kerner: 1. Birth and parentage; 2. At college; 3. In the Black Forest and in the Welzheim Forest; 4. At Weinsberg; 5. The last days of Justinus Kerner; 6. Kerner's home; 7. Specimens from the works on psychology of Dr. Kerner; William Howitt and his Work for Spiritualism: 1. His childlSÏ