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Joe Nickell

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Joe Nickell
Born(1944-12-01)December 1, 1944
EducationPh.D. in English
Alma materUniversity of Kentucky
OccupationStage magician
Known forCSICOP

Joe Nickell was born December 1, 1944. He is a former stage magician and is a prominent skeptical investigator of the paranormal. He also works as an historical document consultant [1] and has examined such famous forgeries as the purported Jack the Ripper Diary.

Nickell holds B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Kentucky. His Ph.D. is in English for graduate work focusing on literary investigation and folklore. He is a senior Research Fellow for the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal and is a member of its Executive Council. He writes regularly for their journal, the Skeptical Inquirer. He is also an associate dean of the Center for Inquiry Institute. He has worked professionally as a private investigator, journalist, and university instructor, and is the author or editor of several books. He is married to Diana Harris.[2]

In “An Interview With Joe Nickell,” Eric Krieg of the Philadelphia Association for Critical Thinking, describes Nickell (using Nickell's own words) as an “investigator” and formerly an “undercover detective, teacher, draft dodger, river boat manager, carnival promoter, magician and spokesperson.”

Public and Media Appearances

Nickell is a recurring guest on Point of Inquiry, and conducts the annual Houdini Seance at the Center for Inquiry Institute every Halloween [3].

Nickell has appeared on the following national TV shows[4]:

Joe Nickell is, remarkably, a world-class expert, not only on hundreds of subjects that have been controversial for decades (if not centuries), but on innumerable topics besides. Just ask him!

Awards

He was a co-recipient of the 2005 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking, awarded by CSICOP.

Books

Notes

  1. ^ Historical Document Consultant
  2. ^ Nickell, Joe (July/August 2008). "A Skeleton's Tale: The Origins of Modern Spiritualism". Skeptical Inquirer. 32 (4). Committee for Skeptical Inquiry: p. 20. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help) The article is about the Fox sisters. He thanks his wife by name in the Acknowledgments.
  3. ^ http://www.pointofinquiry.org/?p=135 Audio of The 11th Annual Houdini Seance
  4. ^ Skeptical Inquirer columnist Joe Nickell on Tour
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