2008-09-30 James Randi, the master debunker

A must read for any right(or wrong!) thinking person. This book is another shining example of logic, common sense, balanced argument and insight from the fantastic Mr Randi. He systematically takes apart and exposes these charlatens for the exploitative fraudsters they truly are. Chapter by chapter he explains and often replicates the tricks and 'cold reading' techniques they use. Some of the deceptions are truly outrageous. The pick of these for me was Randi's exposure of Peter Popoff (Mr Randi obviously has a particular dislike of this individual). Some of Mr Randis team took part in one of Popoff's evangelistical gatherings. They took in with them a small scanning receiver. Once in the auditorium, they could pick up Popoff's wife transmitting information about audience members to a concealed ear piece he was wearing. The information having been obtained from 'Prayer cards' filled out by people taking part in the foyer before the show. Information such as name, place of birth, ailments they suffer from, dreams they wish to have fulfilled, where they are sitting! etc. Unbelievable! There are many many more examples of this sort of con-artist detailed here and James Randi gives them all both barrels in this superb book. Astonishing book from an astonishing man. Buy it! Read it! Enjoy.