Daniel Defoe
A True Relation of the Apparition of one Mrs. Veal
The Next Day after Her Death, to one Mrs. Bargrave, at Canterbury, the 8th of September, 1705; which Apparition Recommends the Perusal of Drelincourt's Book of Consolations against the Fears of Death
"A True Relation of the Apparition of one Mrs. Veal" by Daniel Defoe is a pamphlet published in 1706. It recounts the strange visit of Mrs. Veal to her friend Mrs. Bargrave in Canterbury—a visit that occurred the day after Mrs. Veal had died. Presented as authentic testimony with specific names, dates, and witnesses, this apparition narrative blurs the line between journalism and fiction. Written during a crisis of religious belief, it served as theological propaganda meant to convince skeptics of the afterlife's reality.