EHE Book Reviews

Skeptical/Critical Approaches Record Type: Review ID: 1152
Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions (rev. ed.). Randi, James
Magician Randi attempts "to explain to the reader the major events in the realm of flim-flam" perpetrated in the last 20 years. The essence of his aim is this: "I cannot prove that these powers do not exist; I can only show that the evidence for them does not hold up under examination. Furthermore, I insist that the burden of proof be placed not on me but on those who assert that such phenomena exist. Unusual claims require unusual proof" (pp. 2-3). Subjects Randi attempts to explain away are: the Cottingly fairies; Bermuda triangle; UFOs; TM levitation claims; ancient astronauts; SRI research with Uri Geller and with remote-viewing studies; biorhythms; psychic surgery and paranormal diagnosis; N Rays; spoon-bending; Schmidt machines; spiritualism; and various psychics such as Suzie Cottrell, Olof Jonsson, Geraldine Smith, Peter Hurkos, Rosemary Dewitt, Linda Anderson, Jean-Paul Girard, and other psychics he tested. He concludes: "Parapsychology is a farce and a delusion, along with other claims of wonders and powers that assail us every day of our lives" (p. 326). The annual "Uri Award" in parapsychology is described in an appendix.
Publisher Information:	Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Books, 1982. 342p. 34 figures; 117 illustrations; Index: 335-342; Selected bibliography: 331-342; 5 tables

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Flim-Flam! Psychics, ESP, Unicorns, and Other Delusions (rev. ed.).