Main description:

In this enthralling book, Ben Alderson-Day explores one of the most curious experiences known to humankind: the universal, disturbing sense that someone or something is there when we are alone - the feeling of an unseen presence.

When and why do presences emerge? What does this feeling mean and where does it come from? And how can we even begin to understand a phenomenon that can be transformative for those who experience it and yet so hard to put into words? The answers to these questions lie in this fascinating exploration through cutting edge research in contemporary psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience and philosophy.

A riveting and emotional journey, Presence takes us alongside Ernest Shackleton's expedition crossing South Georgia in 1916, to meet mediums and robots and step through real, imagined and virtual worlds. This compelling story will stoke the fascination of sceptics and ardent believers alike who are drawn to the mystery of the unseen. -- .

Contents:

Preface: what is there?
Part I: Phantom others
1 A thickness in the air
2 'Things which can never be sooken of'
3 The double
4 Luke
5 The presence robot
6 'I'll set the table for three people when it's just me and my wife'
Part II: Fellow travelers
7 The walnut of reality
8 The marathon monk of Billingham
9 Seeing darkness
10 Spirit
11 In two minds
12 You never asked
Index -- .