|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
UK Holidays - The Ghost That Haunted Itself: The Story of the McKenzie Poltergeist
|
List Price: $15.00
Our Price: $15.00
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Mainstream Publishing
|
Average Customer Rating:  
|
|
Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 133.1294134
EAN: 9781840184822
ISBN: 1840184825
Label: Mainstream Publishing
Manufacturer: Mainstream Publishing
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 208
Publication Date: 2001-07-01
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
Studio: Mainstream Publishing
|
|
|
|
|
|
Editorial Reviews:
|
Greyfriar’s Cemetery in Edinburgh has a centuries-old reputation for being haunted. Its gruesome history includes witchcraft, body-snatching, desecration, corpse dumping, and live burial. In 1998, something new and inexplicable began occurring in the graveyard. Visitors encountered “cold spots,” strange smells, and banging noises. They found themselves overcome by nausea, or cut and bruised by something they couldn’t see. Over a period of two years, 24 people were knocked unconscious. Homes next to the graveyard were plagued by smashing crockery, moving objects, and unidentified laughter. Witnesses to these incidents ran into the hundreds. The section of Greyfriars where the attacks occurred is now chained shut, but the poltergeist still grows stronger.
|
|
|
Spotlight customer reviews:
|
Customer Rating:
Summary: when does the scary part start?
Comment: I found this book disappointing.
I was looking for a nonfiction ghost story.
Instead, I got some really good history (hence the 3 stars) mixed with some first person accounts of things that didn't seem at all tangible. People passing out, people getting scratched (although I googled and found the photos lackluster) and not a lot of credibility.
The most disappointing part is that there is no conclusion in this book.
It starts off saying that during the early 2000's many things happened, but the end of the book didn't even "wrap" it all up.
There was no part of this book where I felt any fear, or really, belief, of this poltergeist's existence.
Although the author does crack a few jokes which were nice relief from the boring accounts of people being touched or shoved.
All in all, not the best book.
BUT I would like to visit as the history was nice.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good but a bit repetitive...
Comment: I was very excited about this book! I love Edinburgh and the last time I was there, went on the City of the Dead tour with my husband. Ever since then, I've tried to get my hands on anything to do with Greyfriar's, etc, so I ordered this book.
I must say that I am a bit disappointed with it. Okay, I know I am a word freak but I am bothered by the author talking about a poltergeist "materializing" as that would mean that it was a standard ghost and not a poltergeist, if I understand correctly. But that aside, the book was very repetitive. I think that after reading about four witness accounts, one comes to the realization that the others are going to be exactly the same. Lastly, I found some of the history a bit watered-down and simplistic. Of course, this was not primarily a history book so I can forgive that just a tad...
However, for those who have read the book (or not!) definately go on the City of the Dead tour! Even if you don't believe in the poltergeist, it is extremely fun and informative and who can resist Greyfriar's at night?
Customer Rating:
Summary: Intrigue Mixed With a Bit of Fear
Comment: When I first bought this book I thought, "Oooh...creepy ghost stories...just my type". I didn't realize however that I was about to open a book that was full of more than just "creepy" ghostly happenings. The story of Greyfriar's cemetary is one that is widely known throughout the area, yet I knew very little, but this book changed that. While explaining the events and happenings that surrounded the MacKenzie poltergeist it also explained all the scientific, historical, and otherwise basic information. There were times when the book fell a little slow, but it almost came back in full swing with another frightening story of the poltergeists abilities. This book isn't about to scare you into hiding under your covers, but it'll sure give you the creeps. I, myself am finding that I'd love to visit the cemetary and take the City of the Dead tour myself just to see what happens...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Comment: I've been on the City of The Dead tour twice and it's everything this book describes it to be. I got this book after my second outing to greyfriar's because I find it so interesting.
The book tells the history of the Kirkyard, the history of Mckenzie and a (dramatised) account of what the guides encountered. by dramatised I mean it's told in story form as opposed to a basic statement. However, Henderson's way of telling his story is comical and I found his comments about his guides (and incidentally the ones who took me on the tours) highly amusing. I like the bit where one visitor had his new leather coat ripped in the Black Mausoleum by something he didn't see or feel. Henserson went on to tell us how alarmed the guides were to hear this. Not because of the cuts bruises and collpses, but because they all wear long leather coats as part of ther uniform.
There are also statements from the guides themselves, and visitors who experienced collpases and injuries in the tomb. I remember City of The Dead being on the news, in the papers and even featured on GMTV because of what they found.
Another good point about this book is that there is absolutely no attempt made to prove the existance of the ghost. It's not as if Henderson is trying to sell his tour by exaggerating everything. He makes it clear that he is not sure what is there. If it's a ghost or not. There is something, but what it is he can't explain. There are theories put forward, both scientific and those of the guides, but none put words in the readers mouths. We are presented with what happened on the tours, and we can make up our own minds.
All I can suggest is that those who haven't done the tour do so. Even if nothing happens (nothing weird happened on either of my tours by the way) it's still a hugely enjoyable night and the book is the perfect addition.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great ghost story!
Comment: I enjoyed this book so much, that I've read it twice. If you are into the paranormal, you'll find this information very interesting. I'm dying to go to Scotland to check out the tour!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
