Wheen, Francis. How mumbo-jumbo conquered the world: A short history of modern delusions. New York: Public Affairs, 2005. 327pp.

Brilliant. Fantastic. Hysterical. Outrageous. One of the best books I've read in a long time.

Ever marvel how prominent people in the world (politicians, academics, artists) seem to get away with the most outrageous pronouncements, the stupidest ideas, the most counter-intuitive plans? So do I. And so does Francis Wheen, but at least he does something about it. He skewers all these not-so-worthies in this book, an extended essay on how the famous try to pull the wool over our eyes. Non-denominational, idiots of all political and social stripes get the treatment.