The Terror That Comes in the Night: An Experience-Centered Study of Supernatural Assault Traditions (Publications of the American Folklore Society)

I can't imagine giving this anything less than five stars. I wish more writers would take this neutral approach to uncertain phenomena, rather than claiming to have it all figured out. The tone, structure, and information here are VERY academic (in a good way), and it kept me turning the pages. Although it is not meant to be, this was the creepiest book I've read this year, I think. It has also helped me formulate some of my own opinions on he subject without trying to persuade me toward any particular direction.

Well researched and written treatise on night terrors, waking dreams and other such esoterica. I found this book after an experience of my own, and found the analysis and explanations lucid and helpful. The widespread nature of the central phenomenon, the so called Old Hag experience, means the fuel for a talented folklorist like Hufford is bountiful indeed. An engaging exploration of a central tenet of paranormal experiences, from alien abduction to spirit possession.

This book can be a little dry at times but there is a lot of great information. I like the scientific approach the author uses. I'm disappointed that no explanations are offered for night terrors.

I applaud Professor Hufford for this ground-breaking analysis of Night Hag (Phantomania) attacks. Nothing else quite like it since its original publication over 20 years ago.* As of 2013, I notice several other books have been published concerning this topic. Unfamiliar with their content, so unable to comment on their quality.Though it begins with, and is occasionally bogged down by some typically tiresome academic prose, for the most part Hufford has the courage to allow the facts - meaning testimonies - to speak for themselves. With the benefit of his methodical and objective reasoning, this approach eventually delivers his subject from the tediousness of too much jargon and equivocation.And though he wisely resists arriving at any certain conclusions, his courage to at least acknowledge most of the possible explanations - physio/psychological or supernatural - associated with pavor nocturnus is much to his credit.Many of the eyewitness accounts (which, I think, could have been improved by some editing), actually make for rather scary and unnerving late night reading. If you are familiar with the lackluster Grave's End, you will know what I mean. Likewise, similar examples of such "entity" encounters can be found in numerous other allegedly true haunting accounts. The resemblances and similarities are remarkable and, I submit, establish a pattern of credibility rather than imitation. TI only wish that the Professor had more thoroughly described the different stages of sleep, including brain wave Hz rates, length and periodicity of cycles and degress of REM activity. It seems to me that an all inclusive scientific study of nightmares should result in some truly surprising insights into the nature of consiousness itself. At the very least a more complete and rigorous background explanation of what we currently understand about sleep would do much to bolster the bona fides of this specific inquiry.Likewise, Professor Hufford is way overdue for an update considering the limited sources his research was conducted from and based upon. Considering the fact that he has pioneered this topic, his further investigations ought to be of even greater value and objectivity.* I have found at least one somewhat decent documentary about Night Hag/Shadow People, from @ 2008 which includes Hufford's comments. It is available on YouTube. He wisely maintains an objective, agnostic opinion, though does not indicate whether or not he is still involved in research.Regarding the entity hypothesis - which I obviously find the most reasonable (yes, that's the right word!), allow me to recommend a perusal of Carlos Castaneda's The Active Side of Infinity, particularly the chapters on Inorganic Awareness and Mud Shadows.Skeptical? Just take a look, you'll see what I mean.Not necessarily THE explanation, but there certainly are many interesting correlations!

I read this book from beginning to end. It is very interesting and is certainly one of the most comprehensive books on the topic. However, it is not the best. The reason for this is that the author seems to have overlooked the massive volumes of research and "experimentation" (meaning practical, effective, and proven application of theory) which exists within the body of believers in Jesus.We understand full well the origin of "Old Hag" attacks. These are not one source. They are many times demons. Other times, individual humans can project and effect these attacks. This can be done by practitioners of witchcraft or simply by angry people who do not fully understand in their conscious mind what they are doing.Anyone wishing to learn more about what is popularly called "deliverance" by those who work to set people free can start with Win Worley or Derek Prince.One important thing to understand is the notion of rights. In the spiritual world, there are rights of access. For example, the three young women who lived in a demonized home on top of a hill... It is likely the hill was used in the past as a place of sacrifice to demons (probably considered "spirits" or "gods" by earlier peoples, before the home was ever built.) That is the right of the demons- sacrifice to them. The story of the Philippines shows another right- the photo on the wall of the old woman- that alone is sufficient right for her to enter as she wills.Notice carefully how the demons attempted to alter the thoughts of one of the three young women living on the hilltop- to to implant ideas to kill her friends. That is one of the reasons demonic beings attack. They desire to "kill, steal, and destroy." They attack via access using the soul. The body comprises the physical flesh, the intermediary soul, and the spirit. The spirit uses the soul to interact with the body. The attacker seizes control of the soul in order to affect the person. The soul is the seat of the mind, will, and emotions (and more, I'm sure.) To influence will and thought, they seize the soul- and thus render the person attacked unable to move their own body. Without control of the soul, they cannot move their own body.* Please understand this as well: When the person attacked thinks they will die or that it is useless to resist, it is very likely these are false notions implanted by the attacker as a means of preventing resistance. Also notice how the name of Jesus is very effective in ending some of these attacks- when the attacked person knew to use it.You did include some testimonies from Mormons. I should tell you, many Christians, including myself, go on missions trips and sleep soundly. I have even slept in rooms filled with pagan images and statuettes. Before I found myself there, the Holy Spirit showed me in a dream that the spirits behind those images would desire to harm me- but that He would not allow it! The following week, I travelled to Boston and slept in a rented airbnb room- decorated wall to wall with eastern religious items. As promised, I slept great.Still, I tip my hat to you. In your book, I recognized and enjoyed a measure of dedication to the scientific process which is (to be frank) virtually nonexistent in academia and popular science. The "peer-reviewed" process is drifting sideways into something which can better be called "peer-controlled" or "peer-attenuated." The scientific method is just a tool. The mind wielding it must first desire to find and publish the truth. I believe you are doing this quite well.The excellent compilation and overview here cannot be rated anything less than 5-stars. It will be a valuable read for Christians and for anyone interested in an interesting and logical review of paralyzing, terrifying attacks which onset during sleep. Well done!

Some parts were interesting.

It's got it's moments of interest, but I found some of it to be a bit redundant. It

Although the book said it was close to being new, when I received it there were many highlighted passages and earmarked pages. It was not close to being new. I did like this buy though because it was cheaper than ordering it in a bookstore.

I suffered from night terrors as a child and so have an interest in sleep disorders and thought I'd give this a try... and I'm glad I only had night terrors. If you're interested in nightmares or sleep disorders in general this is a good and informative read.

This is a stringent investigation into the folkloric phenomenon of 'The Night Hag', particularly as it manifests in Newfoundland. Mr Hufford thoroughly explains his investigative methods, and although necessary for his purposes, this can be a little frustrating when you're just waiting for the bits where the hairs on the back of your neck start to rise. And they do.The fact that Mr Hufford approaches his subject so rationally makes the phenomenon his interviewees have encountered all the more frightening; as does the conversational tone in which the horrors are recounted.This book was recommended to me by a friend, who, like me, is not easily scared. (In fact, for middle-aged men we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to find art that frightens.) You find yourself staring uncomfortably at open doorways, and checking your body for signs of incipient paralysis. If you want the extra frisson of reading it just before sleep, you get to enjoy a newfound reluctance in turning out the light. Then you lie there, convinced that your breath is not coming as easily as usual, and half-expecting a presence to coalesce from the waiting dark.Mr Hufford maintains an admirable open-mindedness throughout, and his soberly delivered conclusion does little to comfort. As an incidental bonus, you also learn why mermaids are no longer seen.Buy it, and wait for the night.

The work Hufford has put into this is obvious, he has cast a wide net over many disciplines and gathered data about sleep paralysis and similar phenomena. A fascinating and easy read whether in academia or not.

In some European countries and to Newfoundland (which was an extension of these countries well after 1949 Confederation.Rich Folklore ... or is it something else?Great to get another perspective of this strong belief that to this day has increased what it could really be.Too many people have experienced this.

Ce livre parle en fait d'un syndrome que j'ai déja expérimenté qui se nomme la Paralysie du sommeil ou Parasomnie.Cette impression désagréable et effrayante d'être paralysé mais conscient et plus fréquent que l'on ne croit. 15% de la population à déja vécu cette experience sans gravité.Ce livre traite des explications historiques autour de ce phénomène connu de longue date.