Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom

Ellis Island: Ghosts of Freedom





"Wilkes's photographs of the 'dark side' of Ellis Island are extraordinary...this book will be a major event." --David McCullough For five years (1998-2003) New York photographer Stephen Wilkes explored the hospital complex that comprised the south side of Ellis Island. Neglected for almost fifty years, the buildings were in a state of extreme disrepair: lead paint peeled from the ceilings and walls, vines and trees grew through the floorboards, detritus and debris littered the hallways. In rooms long-abandoned, Wilkes captured a spirited new vision of this gateway to freedom.

Twelve million people passed through Ellis Island. Approximately one percent were turned away for health reasons. Wilkes's powerful images of the underbelly of the island--a purgatory between freedom and captivity--ask us to reflect on the defining experiences of millions. With that rare combination of an eye that sees far beyond the lens with the technical acumen of a master draftsman, Wilkes takes us on an unforgettable journey through our collective past.

77 color photographs









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Ghosts Around The World





Ghost stories are probably as old as the human race, and the Greeks and Romans had their fair share of them. Writings from the 1st century AD recount one contemporary haunting.

Every night at a mansion in Athens in Greece, the ghost of an emaciated old man was said to appear, rattling iron chains. The occupants abandoned the place and no one would buy or live in it. Then the philosopher Aethenodorus rented the house. Aethenodorus, sometime tutor to the young Augustus who later became emperor of Rome, was not to be trifled with. Sending his servants away, he lit a lamp and sat down to write.

In the middle of the night the clanking sounds began, but Athenodorus simply ignored them. Then the ghost appeared at the door, but the philosopher merely signalled it to wait. Impatient, the ghost stalked forward and began to rattle its chains over his head. Athenodorus followed it outside, and when the ghost finally disappeared in the courtyard, marked the spot with leaves. The next morning, he called upon the city magistrates to dig up the ground in the place he had marked, and they found the skeleton of a man in chains. When the remains had been given a proper burial, the haunting promptly ceased.

Ghosts and haunting have been around throughout history but many choose not to believe. Think about what your views are and after reading this book, see if you change your mind.

Ghosts Around The World presents a unique collection of hauntings and ghosts around the world. With profiles of over 100 paranromal places and events, there is bound to be something for everyone.









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