[hardy-l] Spiritualism

[Rosemarie Morgan]

Betty -- this won't seem to leave my mailbox so I'm pasting it in here for 
posting
Rosemarie
__________________
__________________

Jessica -- TH seems to have been highly sceptical of spiritualism --  see below

Cheers
Rosemarie


Clodd sent him a copy of his book, ("My dear Clodd: My best thanks for "The 
Question" which I shall read with interest, as I do everything of yours") 
The book was entitled "The Question: "If a Man Die, Shall He Live Again?" 
Job. XIV. 14) . A Brief History and Examination of Modern Spiritualism 
(London, 1917).  an article: Hugh Elliot, 'Modern Spiritualism', Quarterly 
Review, January 1920; Clodd's book is reviewed along with four others.

 From TH to Clodd: (Letters v6.31)
"We saw your article in the Daily News on the spiritualistic craze, & some 
so-called answers to your arguments by correspondents of the Daily Graphic. 
Apart from scientific & other reasons against such communications the one 
fact of a "medium" being necessary would, one might think, discredit them, 
since, in at least half these performances the medium has been proved to be 
an impostor.
         Our ancestors used to burn these mediums -- or witches as they 
were then called; but we reward them -- a more humane, though more 
mischievous, treatment. When the Witch of Endor called up Samuel we are not 
told what he paid her, but the case is of course an exact parallel to 
present practice, for one clearly gathers that Saul did not see Samuel, who 
conversed with him through the
         I

Page hardy.v6.31
Text  MS. (with envelope) Purdy.
kind letter: of 31 May 20 (DCM).  hasty postcard: it has not been 
traced.  your anniversary: Clodd was 80 on 1 July 1920.  in the Daily News: 
Clodd's 'From Beyond the Veil. Are "Spirit Messages" Sub-Conscious?', Daily 
News, 28 June 1920, a review of the Revd. George Vale Owen's The Life 
Beyond the Veil (London, 1920).  Daily Graphic: where Clodd had just pub. 
two articles, 'Spiritualism. An Exposure', 22 June 1920, and 'Spiritualism. 
Credulous Advocates', 23 June 1920; the letters to which TH refers appeared 
in the issues of 2

st pub. two articles, 'Spiritualism. An Exposure', 22 June 1920, and 
'Spiritualism. Credulous Advocates', 23 June 1920; the letters to which TH 
refers appeared in the issues of 25 and 29 June.  called up Samuel: 1 Sam. 
28: 11-14.  Mrs Clodd: Phyllis Clodd, née Rope, Clodd's second wife; see V.81.
>Dear all,
>
>I’m currently trying to find any information on Hardy’s attitude
>towards spiritualism. I’ve been told that Hardy disapproved of
>Florence’s wish to go to a séance but I can’t find any reference to
>this disagreement.
>
>If anyone has any further information on Hardy’s personal attitude
>towards spiritualism or any allusions to it in his writings then that
>would be much appreciated!
>
>Many thanks,
>
>Jessica Webb
>
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Rosemarie Morgan
Research Fellow, Yale University
President, The Thomas Hardy Association
Editor, The Hardy Review
124 Bishop St, New Haven, CT 06511

203 624-6976