 | American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters And The Mysterious Fad That Haunted A Nation Author: Rosenstock, Barb | |
| Price: $18.74 | ||
Summary:
Rap. Rap. Rap. The eerie sound was first heard in March of 1848 at the home of the Fox family in Hydesville, New York. The family's two daughters, Kate and Maggie, soon discovered that they could communicate with the spirit that was making these uncanny noises. This strange incident, and the ones that followed, generated a media frenzy beyond anything the Fox sisters could have imagined.
Reviews:
Booklist (04/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/01/2025 Rosenstock, known for her award-winning informational picture books, turns to an older audience as she examines how the Fox sisters drove the Spiritualism movement in the nineteenth century. In meticulous detail, Rosenstock takes readers to 1848 Hydesville, New York, where Maggie Fox, 14, and her younger sister, Kate, 11, lived in a tiny house and used “raps” (knocking) to communicate with deceased spirits. After moving in with their older sister, Leah, the three Fox sisters became sensational mediums, known across the country and around the world. Although barely educated, the sisters accumulated wealth, power, and celebrity acquaintances during a time when women still had limited resources and independence. But troubled by fame, critics, tragedies, and unrelenting work for years, Maggie and Kate also turned to alcohol. Rosenstock frames their rise and fall with the state of the nation, from deadly diseases to political divisions over slavery. By the end of this intriguing account, which is supported by copious source notes, readers must decide if the Fox sisters were mediums or tricksters, famous or infamous—or a bit of both. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
