Beyond Reasonable Doubt : The case for supernatural phenomena in the modern world, with a foreword by Maria Ahern, a leading barrister

Gordon Smith is the medium''s medium who outstanding gifts are recognised by prominent sceptics and which have been tested in laboratory conditions at Glasgow University, with astonishing results.

But usually when we try to assess the claims of psychics and mediums or evidence of supernatural phenomena we are examining events taking place outside the controlled conditions of the scientific laboratory. In this new book Gordon Smith argues that most suitable standards we can apply when trying to decide whether or not it is reasonable to believe such claims are the same standards we usually use to assess disputes in human affairs - the standards of the law court.

As a leading medium Gordon Smith is part of an ''apostolic succession'' of mediums that goes back through famous mediums like Albert Best, Helen Duncan and DD Hume to the start of Spiritualism modern times in American in the mid nineteenth century. In this book he examines the historical evidence, admitting fraud where he finds it, but showing that great weight of testimony proves the reality of these supernatural and spiritual phenomena ''beyond reasonable doubt''.

As leading barrister Maria Ahern writes in her foreword: ''I have assessed the evidence in this book. Just as I would in a trial. There is credible evidence from various unconnected sources all giving evidence that points the same way. The evidence has been collated by a credible source; Gordon Smith is widely acknowledged as a gifted medium and has provided many with evidence of one of life''s great unanswered questions''. She advises the reader: ''Look at the evidence, assess it fairly, allow for any sensible and appropriate doubt and reach your verdict''.