Alan Gauld was a Retired Reader in Psychology of Nottingham University, he was also President of the Society for Psychical Research from 1889 until 1992. His works as an author include: "The Founders of Psychical Research" (1978); "A History of Hypnotism" (1992). His works as an editor include: "Poltergeists" co-edited with Tony Cornell (1979); "Human Action and its Psychological Investigation" co-edited with John Shotter (1980).