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Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes [Paperback]

James Randi (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)

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Book Description

Publication Date: Mar 15 1997
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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James Randi, professional magician and skeptic, has put together an encyclopedia with something for everyone. Yes, no matter who you are, unless you're a thoroughgoing atheist, Randi is bound to offend your beliefs at one point or another. As Arthur C. Clarke says in his introduction, the book "should be issued with a mental health warning, as many readers--if they are brave enough to face unwelcome facts--will find some of their cherished beliefs totally demolished." Randi is dryly sarcastic about hundreds of topics, including Catholic relics, speaking in tongues, Jehovah's Witnesses, yoga, the origins of Mormonism, dowsing, magnetic hills, UFOs, and every spiritualist of the past several centuries. A typical entry defines a nymph as: "in the real world, the immature form of the dragonfly and certain other insects, or a young woman with robust sexual interests. Take your choice." Comprehensive, exasperating and exasperated, witty, and unsparing, Randi's encyclopedia provides more debunking per page than any other resource. --Mary Ellen Curtin

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Randi's a Dandy May 8 2004
By "drsherman2004"
Format:Paperback
I've always been a fan of James Randi and he sure didn't let me down on this one! Randi looks at everything under the sun from UFO's to Crop circles and speaks about it in a way you'll enjoy, whether you agree or disagree this book is an enjoyable read. Cryptozoology (study of hidden animals) and Paranormal events often times find "evidence" via simple testimony, testimony that does not even require the telling of the sources real name, now thats a bit hard to swallow. Randi tells it like it is, much like Jerry D. Coleman's "Strange Highways" open honest, straight forward and logical!
"Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes" is a book you'll not only enjoy but keep going refering to!
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4.0 out of 5 stars Well done, we need more books like this May 3 2003
By J. Kloepping
Format:Paperback
I enjoy Randi's books, which are both entertaining and informative. I only wish more people would read them.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Shame about the over-sarcastic tone Sep 22 2002
By Fabio Rossi
Format:Paperback
Let me state from the beginning that I am a real Randi fan. Every week I can't wait to read his update...and I absolutely agree with all of his skeptic positions.

Yet, as I read this book, I was seriously annoyed about the over-sarcastic tone he uses so often. Many times it's like he's trying to go for overkill with a "witty remark", but doing so he really adds nothing to the book. Worse than that, he comes off as a rabid, sometime overemotional basher of irrationalists everywhere. This really backfires when one wants to show this book to some delusional folk to help him/her get a grip on reality - haters aren't really good teachers.

Also, the book is poorly edited. Typos abound, and Randi couldn't get right an Italian name/word if his life depended on it. Being Italian myself, I might be partial about this, but traits like those don't belong to serious research as he is actually doing.

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Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars You mean, UFOs aren't real???
James Randi's encyclopedia is a fun, fun read. It's virtually a history of superstitious beliefs, as well as an overview of conjuring ("the art of seeming to perform genuine... Read more
Published on April 22 2002 by Lee Hartsfeld
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
There is a lot of misinformation in this book. Many points he tries to make in this book are based on inaccuracies which does nothing to support his case. Read more
Published on Mar 20 2002
3.0 out of 5 stars Ironic
While this book is certainly entertaining and a useful source, its flaws cannot be dismissed. There are typos, (where are his proofreaders? Read more
Published on Mar 11 2002 by abaddon
3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointed.
I don't want to come across as someone who likes to criticize others on their work. I have nothing against James Rhandi, and I appreciate a lot of the works he does on exposing... Read more
Published on Oct 30 2001 by Jorge Farelas
5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable overview
James Randi is one of the most respected writers giving a skeptical view of claims of the paranormal. Read more
Published on Sep 27 2001 by Lynne Kelly
3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Primer, But Little Else
I was actually disappointed in this book, as it is almost strictly a glossary, not an encyclopedia. For the Randi completist only. Read more
Published on Jun 25 2001 by Kimberly Murphy-Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars A one stop source for all that is paranormal
What is great about James Randi is his openness and desire to expose the fraud and deceit that exists in the world of psychics, horoscopes and faith healers. Read more
Published on Jun 24 2001 by Carlos G. Diaz
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference!
I read this book some time ago, and found it quite interesting. Some entries are indeed short, but they are excellent springboards for one's own research into the subjects covered. Read more
Published on April 30 2001 by Michael W. Scarbrough
4.0 out of 5 stars A brief correction to the reviewer Barbara Büchner
Barbara says that Jehova's witnesses faith is not based in the great pyramid.OK,I'm sorry but you are misinformed Barbara. Read more
Published on Nov 29 2000 by Tritón
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply excellent, educative and funny
Yes, some people get upset because Randi uses a sarcastic tone in his writing. But that is just part of the fun of reading his books. Read more
Published on Oct 11 2000 by Alexis S. Mendez
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