Paul Barnett (1949–2020)

Pretty interesting book that goes through a lot of unusual ideas at a pretty rapid pace. This doesn't really give any time to go into any detail or appreciate the context - sometimes he talks about what the actual explanation of something is but it's a bit too hurried. He repeats a few things that I recognise as myths but they're not important and hardly anyone bothers to correct. He does seem pretty credulous at times - I don't expect HARDCORE SCEPTICISM at all times but it was weird that he thought the Dogon thing was completely legitimate, for example. He describes a few newer theories that seem unlikely but he presents as if they're likely. It's no big deal really I guess. His introduction is a bit silly though - the whole stuff about the problems of "letting ideology into science"... science isn't excluded from ideology!

Overall it's interesting but maybe could have done with a bit less stuff covered in a bit more detail - it's not spectacular because of the rushing and everything. Good if you're interested in the subject of weird theories but you'll probably be looking for more after you've finished. Some of the ideas mentioned are very charming.… (more)

An entertaining, educational, and depressing look at the lengths people will go to lie cheat and steal their way into false truths. It's important to remember that while the method of scientific discovery is in theory an excellent one, the humans tasked with executing that method are fallible creatures who require a lot of supervision and peer review.

A great book for people who like history, factoids, and scientific weirdness. Also good for those who think that our current era of anti-science crusading is anything new.… (more)