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Voodoo Histories: The Role Of The Conspiracy Theory In Shaping Modern History (2009)

by David Aaronovitch(Favorite Author)

3.52 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0224074709 (ISBN13: 9780224074704)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Jonathan Cape

review 1: A strange book, more like an extended pamphlet on a contemporary subject than a definitive statement, but it is satisfying. His choice of notable 'conspiracies' to examine is a bit arbitrary, even though several, like the comprehensive evisceration of the 9/11 truthers, are welcome. I'm not sure we needed, for example, another look at the Protocols of the Elders of Zion. For me, the most valuable section is the last one, in which he examines the psychology of conspiracy theorists themselves. I would have appreciated more in that vein, but then it might have been another book. I would welcome a sequel in which he took on climate denialism. The fake moon landing theories would be fun, too.
review 2: A very useful volume if you wish to understand many famous consp... moreiracy theories and why those theories really don't stand up to detailed examination (The debunking of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is particularly effective.)However, as entertaining (and worthwhile) as the individual chapters are, the overall thesis of the book is undermined in that it is only in the last chapter that any detailed effort is made to actually connect these unreasonable conspiracies, their lack of actual real-world truth, and how they may effect how people view history.So, if you want to understand why these conspiracies don't work and the mind-set of those who believe in them anyway, this is the book for you. If, on the other hand, you want a coherent and compelling discussion of why this works on the world at large (rather than just for the true believers of any individual conspiracy), this volume is likely to leave you disappointed. less

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