Lectures on Psychical Research - Classic Cambridge Lectures

In this review of Lectures on Psychical Research, the reviewer finds a thoughtful, scholarly account of mid-20th century attempts to apply rigorous methods to paranormal claims. Based on the Perrott Lectures delivered at Cambridge in 1959 and 1960, the book is best for readers who want a measured, academic treatment of psychical research rather than sensationalism. The single biggest reason to buy is the clear historical perspective and intellectual seriousness C. D. D. Broad brings to the subject, making it a useful reference for students of philosophy, history of science, and parapsychology.

Key Features

• Historic lectures: The text reproduces the Perrott Lectures given at Cambridge University in 1959 and 1960, preserving the original academic context and argument flow.
• Scholarly tone: Broad presents arguments with careful philosophical reasoning that benefits readers seeking rigorous analysis rather than anecdote.
• Focused subject matter: The book concentrates on the scientific investigation of alleged paranormal phenomena, which helps readers understand the methodological challenges involved.
• Routledge Revivals edition: As a revival edition, it restores an important mid-century work to circulation for contemporary readers and researchers.
• Compact coverage: The scope is limited to the lectures' content, giving a concentrated treatment that is easy to follow in one sitting or for classroom use.

Who It's For

This book is most valuable for philosophy students, historians of science, and serious readers of parapsychology who want a primary-source account of how a respected philosopher approached psychical research in the late 1950s. It suits readers who appreciate methodical argument and historical framing rather than entertaining or sensational narratives.

Readers looking for modern experimental data, comprehensive contemporary literature reviews, or a handbook of techniques for current laboratory work should look elsewhere, since the book is a record of specific lectures from 1959 and 1960 and reflects the period's concerns and available evidence.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Careful, philosophical treatment of psychical research that clarifies conceptual issues.
• Preserves the original Cambridge lectures, providing authentic historical context.
• Compact and focused, making it suitable for coursework or introductory research reading.

Cons

• Limited to the content and era of the original lectures, so it lacks modern experimental updates.

Specifications

Title	Lectures on Psychical Research (Routledge Revivals)
Author	C. D. D. Broad
Origin	Based on Perrott Lectures at Cambridge University
Lecture years	1959 and 1960
First published	1962
Edition	Routledge Revivals

Our Verdict

Lectures on Psychical Research is a worthwhile purchase for readers who want a disciplined, historically grounded examination of attempts to study paranormal phenomena. Its value lies in Broad's intellectual rigor and the preservation of the original Cambridge lectures, making it a good reference for teaching and scholarly inquiry despite lacking contemporary experimental material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these the original lectures or a summary?
They are the Perrott Lectures as given at Cambridge in 1959 and 1960, presented in the book form rather than a secondary summary.

Is the content scientific or anecdotal?
The approach is scholarly and philosophical, focusing on methodological and conceptual issues rather than anecdotal storytelling.

Is this edition updated with new commentary?
The Routledge Revivals edition restores the lectures for modern readers but does not add extensive contemporary experimental updates.