Customer Reviews

The Enigma of Borley Rectory

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While not perfect, currently the best source available for the complete chronicle. Over 40 photographs and illustrations. Author declares neutrality in his introduction, but seems to support at least some of the phenomena by the end. Not all researchers agree with all of his conclusions. Refuses to accept Marianne "as the villainess in the Borley story." Excellent bibliography. Notwithstanding the occasional unevenness, if you can obtain only one book on Borley, this should be the one.

Borley Rectory gained a reputation before the Second World War as "the most haunted house in England," thanks in large part to the efforts of controversial ghosthunter Harry Price. Price was considered by some to be a humbug and opportunist. Over the years, Price's notoriety has sullied the Borley investigation. In this fascinating book, however, author Ivan Banks argues that Price did a better ghosthunting job than his critics allowed and that the Rectory was indeed a very spooky place. In perhaps the most intriguing chapter (the one on Katie Boreham), Banks looks into the allegation that the Reverend Bull helped conceal an illegitimate birth at the rectory, adding to the foreboding atmosphere of the unlovely Victorian house. This theory may be a bit of a reach, but it's a wonderful take on the evidence. Great illustrations and photos.

Initailly facinating, with comprehensive maps and history of the area.

Unfortunately,The Enigma of Borley Rectory soon loses credibility through the authors extremely subjective and credulous approach.
No theory is too far fetched for the writer to buy into and the plethora of " perhaps" & " maybes" soon palls.

Nevertheless, a fun read if taken with a mighty
dash of salt !

I shall be heading out to Borley to check out the ghostly happenings forthwith

i bought this book on the advice of vincent o'neil. it is wildly thorough. fabulous photographs, too, but a bit hard to follow for the american reader. i understand "odour" + "petrol", but "spammers"? like i said, it's exhaustively comprehensive. i was thrilled to find a new book on this most fascinating subject, but by the seance section it had become something of a chore. still, an a+ for effort.