How to Hypnotize — L. H. Anderson (1896)

How to Hypnotize is L. H. Anderson’s 1896 practical manual from the period when hypnotism was emerging from older mesmerist traditions into popular psychology and public demonstration.

Anderson describes hypnosis as a condition of focused attention and heightened receptivity to suggestion. The work discusses the operator’s confidence, eye fixation, verbal repetition, relaxation, expectation, and several methods historically used to induce trance-like states.

Its applications reflect the broad claims and assumptions of the late nineteenth century, ranging from habit and pain control to entertainment and interpersonal influence. The book remains a revealing document of the period’s fascination with hypnotism, mesmerism, suggestion, and mental influence.

This Holographic Pagan Press edition has been newly restored and prepared for modern readers. The original illustrated cover has been reconstructed in black and antique-gold tones on warm brown card stock and presented in a handmade black cloth tape-bound 8.5 × 11-inch format.

Each physical copy is printed, assembled, and finished by hand.

This is a newly prepared Holographic Pagan Press edition and not an original antique copy.

Title: How to Hypnotize
Author: L. H. Anderson
Original publication: 1896
Format: Handmade physical book / PDF
Physical dimensions: 8.5 × 11 inches
Cover: Warm brown card stock with black and antique-gold printing
Binding: Black cloth tape-bound spine
Interior: Black-and-white
Edition publisher: Odd Enough Books / Holographic Pagan Press
Edition design: C.K. Lee
Condition: Newly produced

Historical Note

The work reflects the terminology, theories, and practices of late nineteenth-century hypnotism and suggestion and is presented as a historical document of that tradition.