Flim-Flam!: Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions: The Truth About Unicorns, Parapsychology and Other Delusions [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Randi does well in keeping the content light and relatively easy to read. His light sarcasm well reflects his lack of respect for false claims of the supernatural and other pseudoscientific beliefs. While the book consists mostly of accounts of objective observation, there are modest stints of ideas and opinions of the author, which keeps the book accessible to readers not looking to have to bore through only scientific account and analysis. The loose usage of the word(s) damn/damning to present ideas of the corruption of scientific ideals was amusing. Randi also does well in keeping his book for the most part, free of religion and its influence in science; rather, he chooses to focus on scientific explanation of respective phenomena.

A problem with the book was that Randi did not delve very deeply into the reasons behind the phenomena of those purporting evidence of the supernatural. Sparsely inserted throughout the book, the rest of reading consists of the actual encounters and experiments of Randi to discount the claims. When Randi does make a point to examine the reason behind some of the fallacies, they are short and concise. Some of these points include the need of the individual to believe in his/her's or other's "powers", economic attraction, or poor scientific investigation.

Another problem had of the author was his tendency to indulge in complicated details of the experiment. While one versed and knowledgeable in statistical charting and mathematical analysis may have understood the chapter on the fallacies of biorhythms in one reading, I found it difficult to fully grasp the ideas presented. The same went for the analysis of the Cottingley Fairies, where his careful explanation of the different uses of cameras and effects got to be drudging to read. Sometimes, the technical analysis of the many cases encountered by Randi were too drawn out and detailed, or boring, for an average reader to follow. Some are looking for more of a quick overview along with basic explanations of the hoaxes.

It is in these point that this book may not be for everyone. Detailed descriptions of procedures and outcomes of experiments impedes the flow of the book as a whole. Also a lack of psychological and social explanations and ramifications of such pseudosciences and paranormal phenomena may leave some desiring a reallocation of emphasis; from the book's strong emphasis on detail of the actual experiments to a more balanced approach, covering more explanation of root causes, and the ramifications of these delusions. As a whole, the book is witty and informative. It is amusing to read of failed ploys of trickery and manipulation. Essentially, we a have a text that serves as a directive for us to think for ourselves, and be skeptical and examine information that is given to us everyday. Yet, the book is written as if we think and know as Randi does, and this is where it fails to appeal and be accessible to everyone.

Also of particular interest is the chapter on the "fairies" that were photographed in England around the turn of the century. That chapter alone should be photocopied and handed out at Blockbuster whenever the 1997 film "Fairy Tale: A True Story" is rented. Then, after watching that film, parents could talk critically about the incident.

Unfortunately, the impression this book gave me was that Randi thinks that "believers" are stupid for believing what they do. Irrational? Possibly. Non-scientific? Maybe. But stupid? No. Randi's sarcastic tone is a real turn off to those would much rather have the facts and a clear, unbiased analysis of the events.

In summary, a good skeptical resource, but if you don't mind the author being a bit full of himself. For a more pleasant, skeptical look at paranormal claims, see the Skeptical Inquirer collection, "The Hundredth Monkey: and Other Paradigms of the Paranormal" by Kendrick Frazier.