Jess Stearn
Encyclopedia
Jess Stearn born in Syracuse, New York
, was a journalist and author of more than thirty books, nine of which were bestseller
s. He was a prize-winning reporter for the New York Daily News
for 17 years, and was later an Associate Editor at Newsweek
. He was the son of Rabbi David Stern.
Stearn's early works focused on outsiders and marginalized individuals, including prostitutes, drug addicts, gays, and lesbians. He subsequently developed an interest in psychic phenomena, which he dealt with in a characteristically uncritical fashion as a specialist in sensationalized, speculative nonfiction. Stearn's best-known books include two biographies of the American psychic Edgar Cayce
- Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet: The Life and Work of Edgar Cayce (1965) and A Prophet in His Own Country: The Story of the Young Edgar Cayce (1974). He began to believe in Cayce's theories whilst researching the former, and even spoke at conferences of the Association for Research and Enlightenment
, a group founded by Cayce. He remained interested in spirituality and the occult for the remainder of his life - he refused to make any funeral arrangements as he believed he had lived previously and would live again.
Stearn's book Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation (1965) was a popular seller and was reprinted in 1993. Stearn practiced yoga
on a daily basis and lifted weights in order to keep fit well into his 80s.
. That may have had a connection to his earliest publicity in a nationally syndicated newspaper column, which came from Francis' television colleague Dorothy Kilgallen
. Either Kilgallen or her editor at the New York Journal American
placed the plug for Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation in that paper's September 15, 1965 edition immediately after an item about a Johnnie Ray
concert in Las Vegas. More than ten years later, Francis discussed one of her recurring dreams with Stearn and a co-author for a book he was writing on dreams. Stearn and Francis shared interests in yoga and weightlifting.
Syracuse, New York
Syracuse is a city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, United States, the largest U.S. city with the name "Syracuse", and the fifth most populous city in the state. At the 2010 census, the city population was 145,170, and its metropolitan area had a population of 742,603...
, was a journalist and author of more than thirty books, nine of which were bestseller
Bestseller
A bestseller is a book that is identified as extremely popular by its inclusion on lists of currently top selling titles that are based on publishing industry and book trade figures and published by newspapers, magazines, or bookstore chains. Some lists are broken down into classifications and...
s. He was a prize-winning reporter for the New York Daily News
New York Daily News
The Daily News of New York City is the fourth most widely circulated daily newspaper in the United States with a daily circulation of 605,677, as of November 1, 2011....
for 17 years, and was later an Associate Editor at Newsweek
Newsweek
Newsweek is an American weekly news magazine published in New York City. It is distributed throughout the United States and internationally. It is the second-largest news weekly magazine in the U.S., having trailed Time in circulation and advertising revenue for most of its existence...
. He was the son of Rabbi David Stern.
Stearn's early works focused on outsiders and marginalized individuals, including prostitutes, drug addicts, gays, and lesbians. He subsequently developed an interest in psychic phenomena, which he dealt with in a characteristically uncritical fashion as a specialist in sensationalized, speculative nonfiction. Stearn's best-known books include two biographies of the American psychic Edgar Cayce
Edgar Cayce
Edgar Cayce was an American psychic who allegedly had the ability to give answers to questions on subjects such as healing or Atlantis while in a hypnotic trance...
- Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet: The Life and Work of Edgar Cayce (1965) and A Prophet in His Own Country: The Story of the Young Edgar Cayce (1974). He began to believe in Cayce's theories whilst researching the former, and even spoke at conferences of the Association for Research and Enlightenment
Association for Research and Enlightenment
The Association for Research and Enlightenment , also known as Edgar Cayce's A.R.E., was founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931 to research and explore subjects such as holistic health, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, dreams and dream interpretation, intuition, philosophy and reincarnation...
, a group founded by Cayce. He remained interested in spirituality and the occult for the remainder of his life - he refused to make any funeral arrangements as he believed he had lived previously and would live again.
Stearn's book Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation (1965) was a popular seller and was reprinted in 1993. Stearn practiced yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
on a daily basis and lifted weights in order to keep fit well into his 80s.
Personal life
Stearn never married. He had a longtime close friendship with Arlene FrancisArlene Francis
Arlene Francis was an American actress, radio talk show host, and game show panelist...
. That may have had a connection to his earliest publicity in a nationally syndicated newspaper column, which came from Francis' television colleague Dorothy Kilgallen
Dorothy Kilgallen
Dorothy Mae Kilgallen was an American journalist and television game show panelist. She started her career early as a reporter for the Hearst Corporation's New York Evening Journal after spending only two semesters at The College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York...
. Either Kilgallen or her editor at the New York Journal American
New York Journal American
The New York Journal American was a newspaper published from 1937 to 1966. The Journal American was the product of a merger between two New York newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst: The New York American , a morning paper, and the New York Evening Journal, an afternoon paper...
placed the plug for Yoga, Youth and Reincarnation in that paper's September 15, 1965 edition immediately after an item about a Johnnie Ray
Johnnie Ray
Johnnie Ray was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Popular for most of the 1950s, Ray has been cited by critics as a major precursor of what would become rock and roll, for his jazz and blues-influenced music and his animated stage personality.-Early life:John Alvin Ray was born in...
concert in Las Vegas. More than ten years later, Francis discussed one of her recurring dreams with Stearn and a co-author for a book he was writing on dreams. Stearn and Francis shared interests in yoga and weightlifting.