In this remarkable encyclopedia, James Randi casts his cynical eye on the dubious genes of the occult and the supernatural. With 666 entries and hundreds of illustrations throughout, this book examines the shady world of manipulators, occultists, and shamanists in microscopic detail. Topics include Jeane Dixon's long string of failed predictions, the elaborate hoax surrounding the mystery of the Abominable Snowman, and much more.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By P. K. Wike
Format:Paperback
This book shows just how easy it is to fool some people, not only in the past but today as well. It is full of quacks, frauds and cheats who made fortunes from gullible folk and some are still doing so today. On the downside, some entries are too short and off topic slightly. Overall, a sobering read for anyone who believes in things like spiritualism, faith healers, dowsing astrology etc. This book shows the real facts behind them all and more.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The encyclopedia is a thought-provoking and amusing tour through the world of the occult, and a superb antidote to the current media avalanche of misinformation and pseudoscience. Along the way, the 'unexplained' is explained and the 'unknown' is made obvious. Of course, this may upset some people who see Randi's rational explanations of the supernatural as a threat to their personal belief systems (or to their capacity to make money.)
Indeed, Randi's experience as a professional magician ideally equips him to debunk all manner of parlour tricksters. This does, however, make him unpopular with those who eschew the scientific method and refuse to take new evidence on board.
If, however, you have an open and enquiring mind then you will be enlightened, intrigued and challenged by turn. Whether you dip into it for five minutes (beware - you may find hours pass as you jump from one cross-reference to the next...) or use it as a unique reference, this is essential reading for any self-respecting free-thinker.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By R. Britain
Format:Paperback
James Randi is a saviour of what sometimes seems like the right-minded minority. If you have bought this book then you probably don't need convincing that there is a logical explanation for all things that go bump in the night, or that the ouija board wouldn't work without someone pushing it etc However it is interesting and reassuring to have this book at hand to combat and dispel the notions of those who prefer to hold the more colourful answers to such, so called, phenomena. I have produced it on more than one occasion when the Jehovah witnesses have come knocking at the door, as it has a list of 'end of world predictions' at the back, which included several from the Jehovah witnesses. It also includes lengthy sections devoted to such mystic luminaries as the great Uri Geller. Explaining his rise, downfall and many failures that have managed to be forgotten by the public. Even the lovable Doris Stokes gets a mention and an explanation.
As to those reviewers who complain that Randi isn't prepared to accept any of the anomalies of the paranormal etc, he has strong reason not to. They are not real, and that is what he proves to do. To offers his explanation to each from A through to Z.
In today's world, where so many are prepared to accept each and every form of paranormal hokum this is a brilliant, invaluable, much needed book.
As to those reviewers who complain that Randi isn't prepared to accept any of the anomalies of the paranormal etc, he has strong reason not to. They are not real, and that is what he proves to do. To offers his explanation to each from A through to Z.
In today's world, where so many are prepared to accept each and every form of paranormal hokum this is a brilliant, invaluable, much needed book.
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
James Randi's Encyclopedia of the Supernatural is as informative as it is entertaining. In a highly readable style, Randi takes the reader on a trip through the absurd, weird, and downright funny belief systems common in our "New Age" ridden world. No absurdity or religious group is left unscathed either; Randi is an equal opportunity (and highly honest) investigator with a mind like a steel trap and rapier wit. I would recommend this volume to any reader from high school on up. Indeed, with so much bunk out there today, it should be required reading at universities everywhere.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
With all the mindless new age claims and so-called paranormal tripe being uncritically accepted by a naive public, James Randi has done a great service in writing this excellent and enjoyable book. While Randi is bound to upset some, this book is a first rate source of information about crop circles, channeling, Kirilan photorgaphy, dowsing, and other assorted tripe. I would recommend this as required reading for all interested in occult claims. My only complant is that many of the entries and too short and insufficiently developed. Greg Klebanoff, Ph.D. philosophy
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
With all the mindless new age claims and so-called paranormal tripe being uncritically accepted by a naive public, James Randi has done a great service in writing this excellent and enjoyable book. While Randi is bound to upset some, this book is a first rate source of information about crop circles, channeling, Kirilan photorgaphy, dowsing, and other assorted tripe. I would recommend this as required reading for all interested in occult claims. My only complant is that many of the entries and too short and insufficiently developed. Greg Klebanoff, Ph.D. philosophy
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