The title given to Allan Kardec’s (Hypolyte Leon Denizard Rivail; 1804–1869) first book of spirit teachings was Le Livre des Esprits or The Spirits’ Book (1857). The book sold extremely well throughout France and across Europe. The name Allan Kardec quickly became a household name. Shortly after publication of this book, Kardec founded the The Parisian Society of Psychologic Studies and put out a monthly magazine called La Revue Spirite. The Society met weekly at Kardec’s home, for the purpose of getting communications from mediums doing automatic writing. Shortly before his death in 1869, Kardec drew up plans for an organization called “The Joint Stock Company for the Continuation of the Works of Allan Kardec.” It had the power to buy and sell, receive donations and bequests, and to continue the publication of La Revue Spirite.
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