[SPIRITUALISM]. [DAVIS, Andrew Jackson (1826-1910)].?The Spirit Messenger. Vol. 1, No. 1 - Vol. 1, No. 26 (inclusive).?Springfield, MA: G. W. Wilson, Printer, 1850-1851. Issues run from Saturday, August 10, 1850 to Saturday, February 1, 1851. 4to. 208 pp. Collected volume in contemporary half red morocco over brown floral textured boards, spine ruled and lettered in gilt in compartments, four raised bands (binding quite worn, soiled, hinges just starting, text with occasional creasing, foxing). Very good. THE FIRST 26 ISSUES OF THIS SCARCE WEEKLY SPIRITUALISM JOURNAL, ONE OF THE EARLIEST SUCH JOURNALS.The Spiritualism movement in the United States began in the late 1840s, and this journal began publication only two years later. Editor Davis claimed clairvoyance from an early age, describing himself as the ?Poughkeepsie Seer." He would practice ?magnetic healing," and published several Spiritualist tracts. Davis enjoyed a certain degree of popularity and success; Edgar Allan Poe incorporated one of his lectures in the 1845 story, ?The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar." Issues of The Spirit Messenger are scarce. The periodical ceased publication in 1853.