American Spiritism: The Life of James Riley

Published in the late nineteenth century, American Spiritism: The Life of James Riley by A. Vlerebome offers a compelling portrait of one man’s journey through the mysterious world of Spiritualism, the movement that swept across America with its promise of communication between the living and the dead. Blending biography, religious inquiry, and psychical investigation, the book traces the life and experiences of James Riley, a medium whose encounters with the unseen shaped both his destiny and his faith.

Through vivid accounts of séances, spirit manifestations, and philosophical dialogues, Vlerebome examines the rise of American spiritism as both a religious revival and a scientific curiosity. The narrative moves beyond sensationalism to explore the deeper questions of life after death, the immortality of the soul, and the limits of human perception.

At once documentary and devotional, this work captures the fervor of an age fascinated by the unseen—a time when faith, science, and the supernatural converged in the search for truth beyond the veil.

Complete edition of A. Vlerebome’s biographical study of James Riley and American Spiritualism

Chronicles the rise of 19th-century spiritism in the United States

Blends biography, religious philosophy, and psychical investigation

Essential for readers of Spiritualism, occult history, and American religious movements