Bestselling psychologist Richard Wiseman unravels the science behind our beliefs in telepathy, clairvoyants, mediums, ghosts, and more...
Paranormality: Why We See What Isn't There
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Review
'Experiments that investigate the paranormal are bizarre and entertaining, and Wiseman is a witty guide in what is often a mind-boggling read. Ultimately you'll discover why your brain is far more extraordinary than any of the supernatural claims in this book.' --New Scientist
'You might think this book is a party-pooper, removing the wonder from the our lives... (but) the message of Wiseman's book is positive. Forget about searching for wonder in the supernatural, because it does not exist. Instead, focus on the wondrous events surrounding all of us every day.'
--Simon Singh, Mail on Sunday
'A different league to your usual sceptic.' --Fortean Times
'You might think this book is a party-pooper, removing the wonder from the our lives... (but) the message of Wiseman's book is positive. Forget about searching for wonder in the supernatural, because it does not exist. Instead, focus on the wondrous events surrounding all of us every day.'
--Simon Singh, Mail on Sunday
'A different league to your usual sceptic.' --Fortean Times
Book Description
'People are emotionally drawn to the supernatural. They actively want weird, spooky things to be true . . . Wiseman shows us a higher joy as he deftly skewers the paranormal charlatans, blows away the psychic fog and lets in the clear light of reason.' Richard Dawkins Professor Richard Wiseman is clear about one thing: paranormal phenomena don't exist. But in the same way that the science of space travel transforms our everyday lives, so research into telepathy, fortune-telling and out-of-body experiences produces remarkable insights into our brains, behaviour and beliefs. Paranormality embarks on a wild ghost chase into this new science of the supernatural and is packed with activities that allow you to experience the impossible. So throw away your crystals, ditch your lucky charms and cancel your subscription to Reincarnation Weekly. It is time to discover the real secrets of the paranormal. Learn how to control your dreams -- and leave your body behind Convince complete strangers that you know all about them Unleash the power of your unconscious mind
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is an immensely readable and enjoyable book. Richard Wiseman has wisely eschewed the idea of writing a book debunking the paranormal (of which there are plenty already) and instead opted to focus on letting us know HOW it's done, and even how to do it ourselves for the entertainment of family and friends. Wiseman tells his story by focusing on people in history - specific people who have either developed some kind of reputation for being able to achieve paranormal phenomena, or of debunking and exposing them. In this way he gives a book of real substance, which really gets to the nitty-gritty. It's also very entertaining, and included many elements with which I was not familiar (despite have quite a collection of books on this topic and of Wiseman's previous work). An excellent read and very educational.
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Qix
Format:Kindle Edition
I agree with the other reviewers who feel that Dr Wiseman is very much at the outright (scientific) sceptic end of the spectrum and there is no doubt in his mind that there is no such thing as the paranormal. And, in fairness, he makes his case well and for the most part backs it up with strong arguments based on solid research.
I also found this book to be a lighter, more humorous and overall a more enjoyable read than "The Luck Factor".
A key premise of the author's argument against the existence of the paranormal is that our minds are simply filling our deep rooted desire to have the comfort that belief in life after death may bring, and the hope that our humdrum lives may from time to time be touched by some form of magic. If you have restless nights caused by alarming and unidentified sounds from your attic / walls / basement, this book is likely to help you sleep easier. Personally, I prefer the thought that there are still some things that exist beyond our comprehension.
I also found this book to be a lighter, more humorous and overall a more enjoyable read than "The Luck Factor".
A key premise of the author's argument against the existence of the paranormal is that our minds are simply filling our deep rooted desire to have the comfort that belief in life after death may bring, and the hope that our humdrum lives may from time to time be touched by some form of magic. If you have restless nights caused by alarming and unidentified sounds from your attic / walls / basement, this book is likely to help you sleep easier. Personally, I prefer the thought that there are still some things that exist beyond our comprehension.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By D. Smith
TOP 1000 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
Professor Richard Wiseman wastes no time in stating that paranormal phenomena does not exist, and in Paranormality he details various curious and strange topics, providing rational and scientific explanations for apparently uncanny experiences.
Fortune-tellers, ghosts, out-of-body experiences and premonition are some of the areas covered, which Wiseman does with insight and some humorous one-liners. He discusses the way our brains work and how this sometimes can generate strange occurrences that can be interpreted as evidence of paranormal activity.
Along the way you'll meet Hans the mind-reading horse and Gef the talking mongoose, as well as many humans with powers that turn out to be more earthly than paranormal. And with many links to multimedia content and various tests and examples for the reader, this gives the book a very interactive feel.
Whether you're a believer or a disbeliever, Paranormality provides the reader with plenty of topics for discussion and food for thought.
Fortune-tellers, ghosts, out-of-body experiences and premonition are some of the areas covered, which Wiseman does with insight and some humorous one-liners. He discusses the way our brains work and how this sometimes can generate strange occurrences that can be interpreted as evidence of paranormal activity.
Along the way you'll meet Hans the mind-reading horse and Gef the talking mongoose, as well as many humans with powers that turn out to be more earthly than paranormal. And with many links to multimedia content and various tests and examples for the reader, this gives the book a very interactive feel.
Whether you're a believer or a disbeliever, Paranormality provides the reader with plenty of topics for discussion and food for thought.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative and very entertaining as well
Another book after Quirkology that I enjoyed reading very much. Richard Wiseman explains in a very simple language very sophisticated matters and helps you understand... Read more
Published 7 days ago by Malienus
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant
Totally not at all what I expected but a whole lot more. I too can now bend spoons! no joke :) Fantastic read! Read more
Published 1 month ago by loopy lou
4.0 out of 5 stars
A light and insightful read on the science behind the supernatural!
We experience the impossible, or so we believe. Oddly enough things don't seem all that impossible anymore when someone explains the mechanics behind them which is exactly what... Read more
Published 3 months ago by BLehner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't leave this book laying around....it will be 'borrowed' and never...
A thought provoking book, written in Wiseman's usual highly accessible style. Once you've read this you will never again be fooled by tv tricks or people who claim impossible... Read more
Published 3 months ago by M Bollism
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
Amazing book that I couldn't put down. I read it straight away and didn't stop until I had finished. Wonderful book by the wonderful author.
Published 3 months ago by Laurence T
1.0 out of 5 stars
Paranormality by Prof. Richard Wiseman
This is one of the worst books I have ever read. I would never have purchased such a book but my 30 year old son choose to purchase it for me as a Christmas present- he seems to be... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Patrick Early
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why we see the impossible
As an healthy skeptic this is an insightful jaunt into the world of woo. Why we see, think and believe the impossible layed out in Wisemans gentle prose.
Published 4 months ago by Doggy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clear thinking about over-believing
Generally recommended to anyone needing an antidote to those fuzzy feelings about just accepting the words of the magicians out there - salesmen, Derren Brown, Ricahrd Dawkins etc
Published 5 months ago by DON ELWICK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting and Fun
I enjoy Richard Wiseman books. They are interesting and give great insights into the way we think and act presented in a fun way.
Published 5 months ago by R. Slater
1.0 out of 5 stars
A psuedo sceptic s tale
what a depressing book [glad it was given to me as a gift]i ve seen this guy on tv and his mundane lifeless presentation is as drab in words as he is on tv. Professor ??? Read more
Published 8 months ago by crazytrain
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