PHANTOMS OF CHRISTMAS PAST

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, ghost hoaxes—where pranksters donned eerie costumes to terrify communities—were rampant but rarely documented. These mischievous antics often triggered mass hysteria, drawing hundreds or even thousands of frenzied ghost hunters into chaotic pursuits. Many of these chilling yet comical events unfolded during Christmas and New Year, and this book explores twelve forgotten tales. From eerie local legends to elaborate hoaxes and rivalries between sceptics and spiritualists, these true stories blend humour, horror, and bizarre social panics into a unique festive read for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.