The Spirits' Book [Paperback]

Allan Kardec (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2008

"Of the five fundamental books that comprise the Spiritist Codification, The Spirits’ Book was the first one that compiled all the teachings of high order spirits (the Spirits) through mediums the world over. It is the landmark of a doctrine that has had a great impact on the thought and life view of a considerable portion of humankind since 1857, when the first French edition was released. It is divided into four parts and has 1,019 questions asked by Allan Kardec, the Codifier of Spiritism. It rationally and logically presents the teachings of Spiritism in their scientific, philosophical and religious aspects. No matter what the religious convictions or beliefs of the reader are, reading The Spirits’ Book will be of immense value for everyone, for it addresses the issues of God, the immortality of the soul, the nature of spirits and their relations with human beings, moral laws, our present and future lives and the future of humankind - subjects of general interest and great practicality."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The Spirits' Book contains the basic tenets of the Spiritist Doctrine. Organized in the form of questions and answers, it presents a rich collection of dialogues between Allan Kardec and the spirit-instructors. The dialogues cover a broad area of human thought and spirituality. Translated into more than 45 languages, The Spirits' Book is a classic of the spiritual literature. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Author

A. Bomfim (Translator - Modern English Edition) Truly fundamental ideas, such as the ones presented here, are supposed to withstand the test of time. A language, however, is as dynamic as the people who use it, and the expressions that give live and relevance to an idea in one era tend to lose currency in the next. To continue relying on the century-old, first English edition by Anna Blackwell, would be a grave injustice--to modern readers of the work, to Kardec's impeccable reasoning, and to the guide's illuminating insights. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Conselho Espirita Internacional; First edition (January 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8598161187
• ISBN-13: 978-8598161181
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book I've ever read!, December 3, 1999

By 

Erika Kreva (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirits' Book (Paperback)

This book was given to me as a gift from a dear friend, and I could never thank her enough for being the one to introduce me to Kardec's work. Growing up with many questions and being afraid of death, his book made sense and gave me all the answers that I was looking for. As a practioner of his doctrine, I truly believe that we're here temporarily to learn and move on to other levels. His teachings about love, respect, compassion and unity shows us that the time has come for the human race to stop with the violence and help one another before it's too late. This book, and many others written by him, have showed me that there's a true meaning for everything on this world, and that we all have free will to change our lives and achieve self-actualization without hurting anyone around us. It is a must read to anyone who's doing soul searching or are seeking answers to their questions. [e-mail]

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right book, wrong version, October 12, 2007

By 

alivi "aliciavi" (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Spirits' Book (Hardcover)

Amazon, are you listening? I originally read this book in French and really loved it. It is a wonderful book for those searching for the meaning of life, spiritual truth etc...and is a very serious, credible work by someone whose main line of work was scientific study and medicine, Allan Kardec.

I was so thrilled that I ordered copies in English for friends and was disappointed to find out that this copy is the original English translation dating from the late 1800s!! The book is still worth a read, but why suffer needlessly? The language is difficult, and the typeset is even worse. Great news: a new, modern American English version does exist, and frankly, it is a huge mystery to me as to why it is not being sold here. FYI: I bought my modern copies fon the Allan Kardec Education Society's website...

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guidelines for evolution and for life, November 24, 2005

By 

E. Rossi "spiritbrighton" (Brighton - UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: THE Spirit's Book: The Principles of Spiritist Doctrine (Paperback)

When I read this book for the 1st. time, I didn't stop reading, alll week. After that, I started studying it, because, when I discover that its contain, THE PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITIST DOCTRINE on The Immortality of the soul; the nature of spirits and their relations with men; the moral law; the present life, the future life, and the destiny of the human race, I took it as my guidelines for life. Now I am a Spiritist and we run a Spiritist Group in Brighton - UK, to help people to understand their sufferings and happiness. So This book has answer for all scientific, philosophical and religious questions. Amazing. God bless all -[...]