Bogus Science reviewed . . . and more

[realthog]

We've been away at Philcon, having quite a lot of fun seeing friends and avoiding enemies -- the usual con stuff. While there, logging on nervously using the hotel's seemingly somewhat dodgy wireless, we discovered cheery stuff about Bogus Science -- including a review from the significant rationalist site The Quackometer. They lead off their "Books for Christmas" feature with . . . but I blush. Here are a few bits Pam begs for you please not to read (insufferable? moi?):

Bogus Science and Other Christmas Gifts

Yes, like it or not, now is the time to start thinking about the perfect gift for the geek in your life. [. . .] John Grant has written a trio of great books cataloguing various forms of pathological science. [. . .] The book is full of the idiocies and obsessivenesses of people who believe in the irrational, from Atlantis to faked moon landing, aliens building pyramids, antigravity devices, werewolves, yetis and quantum nonsense. There are, of course, many themes in common: unquestioning self belief, the allure of the mysterious, special knowledge and a refusal to engage with evidence – the themes we see so often in the world of quackery. [. . .]

But then the reviewer (Le Canard Noir), bless her/him, continues, saying amazingly nice (albeit not immediately quotable) things also about Discarded Science and Corrupted Science. I don't think I've ever had a three-book review; I've certainly never had a three-book review so glowing!

Comments

[mylefteye.livejournal.com]

Gosh, have you stopped smiling yet?

[realthog.livejournal.com]

On occasion, but only by dint of hammering myself repeatedly on the thumb.

[mylefteye.livejournal.com]

The more about I read about these books the more I'm convinced they are for me. Just assure me they don't too clever, like the Pratchett, Cohen & Stewart books.

[realthog.livejournal.com]

I assure you I'm nowhere near as clever as any of those other guys you mention!

[mylefteye.livejournal.com]

I meant "don't get too clever" in my original comment. Obviously. Says it all really, doesn't it? *blushes* Just about to pay Amazon a visit. No doubt my brother will be putting £20 in my Christmas card, so... :)

[realthog.livejournal.com]

You could always take me up on my Free PDF of Bogus Science offer to see how you get on . . .

[mylefteye.livejournal.com]

...?

Hang on, I'll email you...