About the Author

Affectionately known as "Chico" Xavier, Francisco de Paula Cândido Xavier was a Brazilian medium and philanthropist, and one of the most important advocates of Spiritism. He channeled 468 books through his mediumship and he is considered the most successful Brazilian writer of all times, with over fifty million copies sold. All proceedings from his works were officially donated to institutions of assistance during his lifetime. He also psychographed approximately ten thousand letters without having charged anything from the recipients. In 1981 and 1982, Francisco Xavier was nominated for the Nobel prize for peace; he continues to receive many honors and accolades in Brazil and in other countries, even after his passing. Prof. José Herculano Pires was a Brazilian journalist, philosopher, educator, parapsychologist, writer, and translator. He became well known for being one of the most active advocates of Spiritism in Brazil. He translated the masterpieces of Allan Kardec to Portuguese and wrote both philosophical treatises and literary works, the latter inspired in the Spiritist Doctrine. He graduated from the University of São Paulo and held a doctoral degree in Philosophy with his published thesis in Existentialism, "The Human Being and Serenity.