“Either the most ingenious and elaborate hoax ever played upon the public, or else... an event in human history which may in the future appear to have been epoch-making…” With these words, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, presented to the world five photographs, declared to be genuine and featuring unmistakable images of real fairies. How did the Cottingley fairies become one of the greatest mysteries of the twentieth century, and why do so many of us want to believe?  

Researched, written, and produced by Corinne Wieben, with the voice talents of Jack Krause and Lenny Scovel and original music by Purple Planet.

To see the Cottingley fairy photos, visit the episode page. For more on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Spiritualism, check out the episode "No Ghost Need Apply."

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