Subject
Astral projection -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jack London
The Jacket (The Star-Rover)
"The Jacket (The Star-Rover)" by Jack London is a novel published in 1915. The story follows Darrell Standing, a university professor imprisoned at San Quentin, who endures torture through a compression device called "the jacket." To survive, he enters trance states where he walks among the stars and experiences vivid past lives across different ages and cultures. London based the novel on interviews with a former convict who actually endured this torture device. The work blends science fiction with mysticism and reincarnation themes.
Frederik Pohl
The Five Hells of Orion
"The Five Hells of Orion" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel originally published in the early 1960s. The story focuses on Herrell McCray, a space navigator who finds himself abducted from his ship and thrust into an alien environment where he must confront inexplicable phenomena and extraterrestrial entities. The narrative explores concepts of communication, perception, and survival within a fascinating interstellar context. In the plot, McCray awakens in a strange, dark room filled with odd objects and realizes he is far from his ship, the "Jodrell Bank". As he grapples with his mysterious surroundings and attempts to establish contact with his crew, he encounters Hatcher, a jelly-like alien being from a race that relies on altered perceptions and paranormal abilities. The story develops as McCray learns more about Hatcher's people, their fear of the Old Ones—dangerous entities from the Central Masses of the galaxy— and their efforts to forge an alliance to combat this threat. Ultimately, McCray undergoes a transformation, gaining extraordinary abilities and insights that could enable humanity to stand against the Old Ones. The novel examines themes of fear, alien life, and the potential for human advancement amidst existential threats.
Jack London
Le vagabond des étoiles
"Le vagabond des étoiles" by Jack London is a novel published in 1915. Professor Darrel Standing awaits execution in California's Folsom Prison, where he has endured years in solitary confinement and torture by straitjacket. Through self-hypnosis, he escapes his unbearable reality by experiencing past lives—as a French count, a Dutch sailor, a Viking warrior, and more. This work blends stark prison realism with fantastical journeys through time, serving as both a fierce denunciation of America's brutal prison system and a testament to human imagination's power to transcend suffering.
J. U. (John Ulrich) Giesy
Jason, Son of Jason
"Jason, Son of Jason" by J. U. Giesy is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Jason Croft, who explores the boundaries of life and death through astral projection and reincarnation. It intertwines elements of adventure and the supernatural, delving into the challenges faced by Croft and his beloved Naia on the planet Palos. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist, Dr. Murray, who oversees a mental hospital and is called to the bedside of a recently deceased patient, No. 27, who had previously been Jason Croft. As Murray reflects on the profound connection he shared with Croft, the narrative reveals Croft’s extraordinary ability to astrally project himself to the planet Palos, where he has previously established a life with Naia. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Croft's journey between worlds holds deeper implications for both him and Naia, especially as new challenges and adventures await them amidst the backdrop of their interplanetary love story.
J. U. (John Ulrich) Giesy
The Mouthpiece of Zitu
"The Mouthpiece of Zitu" by J. U. Giesy is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Dr. Murray, the medical director of a state hospital for the insane, who encounters a mysterious patient named Jason Croft. This patient claims to be the reincarnation of Croft, who once departed to another planet, Palos, and now seeks Murray’s help to navigate his new existence and the responsibilities awaiting him there. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Dr. Murray as he examines a new patient showing signs of dissociation from his identity. As Murray delves into the man's physical condition, he discovers that the man is not just any patient; he claims to be Jason Croft, whom Murray thought had died. Croft explains that he has been reincarnated in this new body and has come back seeking knowledge to aid his people on Palos. The opening sets a tone of intrigue and introduces themes of identity, the supernatural, and interstellar existence, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries of reality as they follow Croft's journey.
James Stamers
The Divers
"The Divers" by James Stamers is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The story revolves around the protagonist, Fred Williams, an ordinary man who is unwittingly drawn into an extraordinary world where he learns that he has unique mental abilities that the government seeks to harness. The book explores themes of identity, freedom, and the implications of advanced psychic capabilities as Fred transitions from a mundane life to becoming a member of an elite group known as the Divers, who can project their minds across the galaxy. In the narrative, Fred is initially portrayed as a disinterested husband struggling with his day-to-day life, when he is approached by Dr. Howard Sprinnell following a competition he entered for a space ride. Instead of the anticipated prize, Fred discovers he has been selected for a special government program after displaying extraordinary psi qualities. As he engages in mind-expanding "Dives," Fred learns that he can move beyond the physical boundaries of his body, allowing him to explore the universe and observe other civilizations. However, he also grapples with the ethical responsibilities that come with his newfound powers and ultimately claims his independence from the restrictive government control, aligning with a group of other Diver individuals who share his vision. The story poses significant questions about the nature of freedom, purpose, and the relationships between individual lives and broader cosmic forces.
J. U. (John Ulrich) Giesy
Palos of the Dog Star Pack
"Palos of the Dog Star Pack" by J. U. Giesy is a science fiction novel first serialized in 1918. When wealthy American Jason Croft masters astral projection, he feels drawn to Sirius and projects his consciousness to the planet Palos. There he discovers human civilization and falls for Princess Naia. To win her love, he inhabits a local body and introduces advanced technology to her kingdom, while the inhabitants believe he's a divine messenger with miraculous knowledge.
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