The worst possession hoaxes came with instructions. In the 16th & 17th centuries, some of the most dangerous books were the ones meant to expose demons. Instead, they helped shape fake demonic possession, staged exorcisms, and deadly accusations. This episode explores 4 books linked to the Bilson Boy, Anne Gunter, Sara Williams and the Denham Exorcisms, and Marthe Brossier, showing how fake possession performances could deceive everyone- and even cost innocent lives.

⚠️ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: This episode includes themes involving death, tragedy, violence, and supernatural or potentially disturbing historical events.

🕯️ Down the Rabbit Hole: Explore the episode hub for research notes, location guides, and image credits: https://cursedvoices.com/4-books-fake-possession⁠

‼️ 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 & 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:

Some images and historical documents used in this video are public domain, Creative Commons licensed, or included under fair use for commentary, research, and educational analysis.

🖼️ 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

• The Bewitching of Anne Gunter (2000), page 7 – Used as published reference image. James Sharpe. Source: Google Books.

• English translation excerpt from Marianne Closson (2022) – Used as translated research quotation. Source: UNA Éditions.

Full image URLs and attribution links: https://cursedvoices.com/4-books-fake-possession

Public Domain Note: A full list of public domain images used in this episode is included at the above link for clarity and completeness.

⚖️ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This episode is presented for educational and historical storytelling purposes. While extensively researched, some interpretations reflect legend or evolving narratives.

🏆 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐬: Research, writing, and production by Jessica M. Lathrop, M.A. & Larry C. Lathrop, M.S. -- All content created by real people --

🎙️ 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫: People often ask about the tools we use to produce the show. (We earn a commission from the following links at no extra cost to you.)

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✒️ Episode Chapters:00:00 - Fake Possession: A Weird History Documentary01:22 - The Skeptic's Handbook & The Exorcism Hoax06:36 - Witchcraft History: The Tragic Case of Anne Gunter11:05 - The Exorcist's Playbook: History of the Catholic Church16:04 - Marthe Brossier & The Possession Fraud19:22 - Uncovering these Historical Enigmas

📬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬:

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