My Project
Collected by magician Ricky Jay, the Spirit Photographs feature work by multiple photographers, including Frederick Hudson (Britain), Édouard Isidore Buguet (France), and William Mumler (United States). One notable image by Mumler depicts Mary Todd Lincoln with Abraham Lincoln’s ghostly hands on her shoulders.
These photographs reflect a utilitarian dilemma: while they provided comfort to grieving families, maximizing happiness, they also raise deontological concerns, as deception is inherently unethical. Did people willingly suspend disbelief, or were they misled?
Images used with permission from the Lilly Library.
LinkBig Points
- Title: Spirit Photographs
- Author: Multiple photographers
- Year: 1868-1907
- Publication Place/Publisher: Ricky Jay
- Lilly Library Call Number: LMC 2976
About Me Email Me
Sanjana Khajuria
My name is Sanjana Khajuria and I'm from New Delhi, India. I'm majoring in Information Systems at the Kelley School of Business with a double major in Informatics from the Luddy School of Informatics.
