Phantasmagoria

By Crusader1307

 The Phantasmagoria was a popular entertainment "method" in which people could pay to "see" an Operator "resurrect" The Dead - in the form of a ghost (or ghosts). Such machines became popular in Europe in the 1790s - peaking in popularity in the early 20th Century. Simple in initial construction, early models were wooden tables to which was placed a series of mirrors and panes of glass (often in different colors). Candles were first used to produce lighting. Smoke was added to create "effect". Using mirrors and reverse imaging, an Operator could create strange shapes that appeared to be floating in (or above) an Audience. The use of dolls and figures in various clothing styles, also created some unique illusions. As time and technique advanced, more elaborate machines were produced. "Ghost Boxes" became very popular entertainment.

Naturally, many practioneers began to claim that they could use their machines to actually summon The Dead. In most cases, Actors were hired to give "performances". However, in some stories of Phantadmagoria usage, tales of "images" being TOO real for the technology of the day, gives rise to the question, "What if an Operator had actually opened a door to the Otherworld " With the coming of more traditional entertainment venues as Movie Theaters and the like, Phantasmagorias became obsolete. But, occasionally - the stray antique does come up. Perhaps one could still be set up and used.............