The Skeptic鈥檚 Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll, Wiley, 拢13.95, ISBN 0471272426 Reviewed by Roy Herbert
鈥淎 COLLECTION of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions and Dangerous Delusions鈥� is the subtitle of Robert Todd Carroll鈥檚 The Skeptik鈥檚 Dictionary, and it is a treat to savour. On dipping into these follies the first reaction is pleasurable incredulity and occasional hilarity. But this is superseded by ruefulness at the tendency of human beings (readers of this magazine excepted, of course) to believe strongly in things for which there is only scant, unreliable evidence and to believe most strongly of all in those for which there is none. It is an amazing assembly, elegantly written and level-headed, with a wry remark here and there. Try the entry on lunar effects to appreciate it.
This superb work is likely to be used so often that it is a pity it is a softback book. Cardboard and sticky tape might grant it longer life.
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