Antoine Augustin Calmet 
Treatise on the Apparitions of Spirits and on Vampires 
The Rules to Determine True and False Cases

Antoine Augustin Calmet’s ‘Treatise on the Apparitions of Spirits and on Vampires’ is a comprehensive exploration of supernatural phenomena in the 18th century. Written in a scholarly and logical style, Calmet examines various accounts of ghostly apparitions and vampire sightings with a critical eye, dissecting the folklore and superstitions surrounding these mysterious occurrences. Through detailed analysis and rigorous research, he seeks to uncover the truth behind these spectral manifestations, shedding light on the cultural beliefs and societal fears of his time. This treatise serves as a valuable primary source for understanding the belief in supernatural beings during the Enlightenment era. Calmet’s meticulous approach and erudite writing make this book a fascinating and informative read for scholars of history, folklore, and the occult. Antoine Augustin Calmet, a French Benedictine monk and theologian, was known for his extensive scholarship in the fields of biblical exegesis and hagiography. His interest in the supernatural led him to compile this treatise, drawing upon his theological background to analyze reports of ghostly apparitions and vampire lore. Calmet’s rigorous investigation and critical thinking make this work a groundbreaking study in the realm of paranormal phenomena.

About the author

Antoine Augustin Calmet, a seminal figure in eighteenth-century scholarship, was a French Benedictine monk renowned for his erudition and intellectual curiosity. He was born on February 26, 1672, in the Lorraine region of France and died on October 25, 1757. Calmet’s abiding interest in theological and historical studies was evidenced by his vast body of work, attaining prominence through a meticulous examination of religious texts and folklore, particularly in his ‘Treatise on the Apparitions of Spirits and on Vampires or Revenants’ (‘Dissertation sur les apparitions des anges, des démons et des esprits et sur les revenants et vampires de Hongrie, de Bohême, de Moravie et de Silésie’, 1746). This treatise scrutinized accounts and testimonies concerning supernatural phenomena, reflecting an age of enlightenment wherein rational inquiry was applied to subjects traditionally steeped in superstition. Calmet’s literary style is characterized by systematic attention to detail and a balanced approach that avoids sensationalism, instead offering a cautious analysis of his era’s prevailing beliefs about the supernatural. His works reveal an adherence to empirical methodology, a sign of the intellectual times, while remaining attuned to human wonder at mystifying experiences. The treatise not only provides historical documentation for supernatural folklore but also contributes a critical perspective inviting contemplation on the interplay between reason, faith, and the inexplicable, a triad that defines much of Calmet’s scholarly pursuit.