Spiritist Books

Free e-Books

These PDF book downloads are direct links to the FEB Publisher and O Consolador websites.

The Codification

Spiritist fundamentals are found in the works of Allan Kardec, in a set of books known as the Codification. These books were originally written in French, but have since been translated into many other languages. Books translated into English (and other languages) may have been translated directly from French, or from Portuguese translations, due to the strong presence of spiritism in Brazil.

Kardec’s research into spiritual phenomena and knowledge of the spirits was quite extensive: he collected responses to over a thousand questions in The Spirits’ Book alone, from many mediums across the world, receiving messages attributed to thousands of spirits; he then analyzed and compared them while organizing the most common responses into his books.

However, science was imperfect in Kardec’s time, as it is today. Kardec was exceptional in his dedication and diligence, but his personal beliefs and language were influenced by the culture in which he lived, he sometimes expressed or accepted flawed logic, and at times his own opinions coloured his work—though many might disagree. Regardless, whatever personal influence Kardec may have had on the Codification does not invalidate spiritist methods nor the science of spiritism in its entirety.

The Spirits' Book (1857)

This first book explores the nature of spirits and their relationship with the corporeal world; our origin and ultimate destination. Enlightened spirits provide their insights on the physical and spiritual worlds and our place within both.

What is Spiritism? (1859)

This presents the spiritist body of knowledge in theoretical dialogues with people holding various points of view, then moves into a condensed account of the fundamentals of spiritism as explained in the other books of the Codification.

The Mediums' Book (1861)

This explores the nature of the awakened faculties of mediums, as well as their safe development and use under spiritual protection. The various forms of manifestation are explained, as are the dangers faced by mediums and how to overcome them.

The Gospel According to Spiritism (1864)

This explores spiritual advancement through intellectual study, self-reflection, self-discipline, and practicing charity. Methods of self-improvement are learned by studying how enlightened spirits understand the moral teachings of Christ.

Heaven and Hell (1865)

This explores various concepts of the afterlife, angels, and demons; followed by many examples of communications from spirits of different states, from happy spirits, to suicides, to spirits with hardened hearts suffering various torments.

Genesis (1868)

This explores the enlightened spirits’ interpretations of genesis in accordance with more modern scientific theory; the progression of worlds; the true nature of miracles; and how predictions work without the predetermination of our actions.

Additional Reading

Since Kardec's time, many spiritist books have been written through automatic writing in Brazil, where spiritism has remained strong even to this day. These books often express a more religious point of view, which is common in Brazilian culture; they are a great source of spiritual knowledge for those comfortable reading them.

Nosso Lar (Our Home, aka The Astral City) (1944)

This book was written by the spirit Andre Luis, via the highly respected Brazilian medium Francisco Candido (Chico) Xavier (1910-2002). It is an in-depth account of the author's experiences in the afterlife.