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Conspiracies Declassified: The Skeptoid Guide to the Truth Behind the Theories
A collection of the wildest conspiracies to ever exist, from mind control experiments to lizard people, this book explores, debunks—and sometimes proves—the secret stories that don’t quite make it into the history books.
What’s fact and what’s fiction? With conspiracy theories, sometimes it’s hard to get to the truth!
In Conspiracies Declassified, author and expert skeptic Brian Dunning explains fifty true stories of famous conspiracies throughout history. From the moon landing hoax, to chemtrails, to the mind control dangers of fluoride, Dunning is here to sort the truth from the lies to tell you what really happened.
What’s fact and what’s fiction? With conspiracy theories, sometimes it’s hard to get to the truth!
In Conspiracies Declassified, author and expert skeptic Brian Dunning explains fifty true stories of famous conspiracies throughout history. From the moon landing hoax, to chemtrails, to the mind control dangers of fluoride, Dunning is here to sort the truth from the lies to tell you what really happened.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2018
110 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 19, 2018
This book is a quick and dirty primer on some of the more common(?) conspiracy theories out there. Readers who want to really get into the nitty-gritty of the theories are better off checking out the resources at the back of the book. With that being said, Dunning’s analyses are easy to understand and he condenses a lot of information into a few pages while avoiding the density of more academic writing (although I personally would have appreciated some footnotes.) I think that people who are casually interested in conspiracy theories, but don’t necessarily want to go diving into the psyches of theorists will be pleased with this book.
October 19, 2018
I'm not going to lie, I love a good conspiracy theory and Dunning breaks down all the most popular ones to easily understand. The one thing that bothered me is that he grouped all of the conspiracies as equal as I don't think the JFK scandal and Paul McCartney being a robot are quite on the same level.
July 10, 2024
Dunning has compiled a variety of conspiracy theories and one by one debunks them with logic and humor. Many were ones I had never heard of. The belief that the country Norway doesn't exist was the most ridiculous. In a time when misinformation is rampant, perhaps this book should be required reading in all schools.
January 14, 2019
My first reviewed book for 2019 is a factoid piece debunking conspiracy theories. Some of these theories, like Finland not existing, are mind-blowing in that they exist in the first place, whereas entire industries have sprung up around JFK, Elvis lives, etc. As another reviewer mentioned, you wish the author had gone into some of these pervasive things in greater detail.
So, the whole thing reads as a precis rather than a comprehensive work. Shame that.
So, the whole thing reads as a precis rather than a comprehensive work. Shame that.
July 1, 2023
A REFUTATION OF MANY PROMINENT CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Author Brian Dunning wrote in the Introduction to this 2018 book, “As a professional science writer, I’ve been hosting …the weekly podcast Skeptoid… revealing the true science and real history behind conspiracy theories… we’ll take a look at fifty of the most notorious (and well-known) conspiracy theories of all time. To qualify for inclusion in this book each must satisfy two criteria: 1. They must be specific enough to be falsifiable… 2. They must be known by the conspiracy theorist before being revealed by the media or law enforcement… For entry… you’ll learn the who, what, when, where and why of the theory; you’ll discover how each theory was formed, why it exists, and the historical or sociological context that allowed it to thrive; and you’ll see each and every theory either debunked or proven. Debunked or ‘proven’? Yes, it’s true that most of the conspiracy theories in this book… are just that: theories… But the conspiracy theories … in the final section of the book… have elements of truth that are tough to deny…”
He begins Part 1 of the book, “The ultimate conspiracy theory is that the Illuminati run the world, and that all governments and corporations are willingly subservient to the secret powers that be… The conspiratorial mind-set compels us to look everywhere for ‘them.’ THEY run the world. THEY who know the secrets. What THEY don’t want us to know… What the conspiracy theorist’s special insight does not ever seem to reveal to him, though, is why? Why would nations and corporations give up their sovereignty?... Wouldn’t they rather control their own destinies than become powerless pawns of this shadowy global cabal?” (Pg. 11)
He says of the Bilderberg Group, “[A] central claim made by the conspiracy theorists is that the [Bilderberg] meetings are held in secret. Although the meetings are private, they definitely not secret. The Bilderberg Group puts out press releases for each meeting, the list of attendees and the agenda of topics to be discussed is always public, and a press corps is present at each meeting. It is only due to the necessary restrictions of the Chatam House Rule---which is what makes the meetings both possible and useful---that the actual minutes are not published.”
(Pg. 27)
Of the North American Union [NAU], he notes, “is an NAU is created it would be a huge net loss for the United States. This largest of the three economies would have to take on the duty of supporting the much smaller Mexican economy… Very few American members of the alleged conspiracy would support this.” (Pg. 31)
Of ‘Reptilians,’ he observes, “In recent years, there has been less repetition of the conspiracy theorists’ claims when it comes to the video evidence… The reason … is likely the advent of high-definition video… when David Icke first began promoting this idea, pausing video meant pausing a VHS tape… when paused, the picture would jitter and flash and sometimes flicker between two frames… It was easy in those days to pause a video and see just about anything you wanted to see…” (Pg. 39)
Of David Koresh and the Waco tragedy, he comments, “the FBI found that the [Branch] Davidians had rigged the entire complex with firebombs… When the FBI sent in food in the weeks before the assaults, it included milk cartons that were bugged, so they had hours of tape recordings of the Davidians placing … the firebombs… The report also found a total lack of evidence that incendiary grenades were used, or that National Guardsmen or FBI agents fired any sort of weapons into the compound.” (Pg. 61)
Of so-called ‘Chemtrails,’ he explains, “The contrails you see behind airliners are… unavoidable condensation created by the plane burning hydrocarbon fuel in certain high-altitude conditions… At altitudes above 25,000 feet and temperatures below -40⁰… the saturation point is exceeded, and the water condenses into a visible cloud…” (Pg. 63, 65)
Of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, he states, “There was plenty of aircraft wreckage at the crash site, and it’s easy to find photos of it online… As for the video of the incoming small white streak? No tail is visible because, in the one frame where the plane appears, it has not yet entirely entered the field of view, so its tail is still out of frame…” (Pg. 126-127)
He dismisses the Flat Earth theory: “Perhaps the best [proof] is the existence of time zones… If the Earth were flat and the sun merely circled above it… there can be no spot on that flat plane from where the sun would not be visible.” (Pg. 138)
Of HAARP, he says, “the ionosphere can be altered by space weather. HAARP allows researchers to temporarily create various conditions in the small patch of sky directly overhead, so that these techniques can be tested and adapted. It’s certainly not creating deadly hurricanes thousands of miles away.” (Pg. 199-200)
MKULTRA is one of the ‘genuine’ conspiracy theories: “MKULTRA was most notable for giving LSD to people without their knowledge… The CIA did fund MKULTRA and did perform experiments for twenty years hoping to find something like mind control, but were never remotely successful. A small percentage of these experiments were extremely unethical… by today’s standards.” (Pg. 217)
Of claims that the CIA encouraged the same of crack cocaine in the ghetto, he observes, “The CIA did work with parties they knew to be connected to the cartels., but there is a lack of evidence that the CIA took any active role in the drug trade… Ample evidence proves that the CIA was aware that the Contras they worked with were linked to the drug trade. The CIA knew that much of the Contras’ supplies were financed by drug money… [The CIA] use their influence to protect Contra officials from prosecution for drug-related crimes. They even hired drug trade professionals to perform certain tasks, such as aerial transport. But as far as taking an active role in the drug trade and taking actions to … get African-Americans addicted, there is no evidence whatsoever that anything like that took place.” (Pg. 237-238)
This book will be “must reading” for anyone seeking critiques of such popular conspiracy theories.
Author Brian Dunning wrote in the Introduction to this 2018 book, “As a professional science writer, I’ve been hosting …the weekly podcast Skeptoid… revealing the true science and real history behind conspiracy theories… we’ll take a look at fifty of the most notorious (and well-known) conspiracy theories of all time. To qualify for inclusion in this book each must satisfy two criteria: 1. They must be specific enough to be falsifiable… 2. They must be known by the conspiracy theorist before being revealed by the media or law enforcement… For entry… you’ll learn the who, what, when, where and why of the theory; you’ll discover how each theory was formed, why it exists, and the historical or sociological context that allowed it to thrive; and you’ll see each and every theory either debunked or proven. Debunked or ‘proven’? Yes, it’s true that most of the conspiracy theories in this book… are just that: theories… But the conspiracy theories … in the final section of the book… have elements of truth that are tough to deny…”
He begins Part 1 of the book, “The ultimate conspiracy theory is that the Illuminati run the world, and that all governments and corporations are willingly subservient to the secret powers that be… The conspiratorial mind-set compels us to look everywhere for ‘them.’ THEY run the world. THEY who know the secrets. What THEY don’t want us to know… What the conspiracy theorist’s special insight does not ever seem to reveal to him, though, is why? Why would nations and corporations give up their sovereignty?... Wouldn’t they rather control their own destinies than become powerless pawns of this shadowy global cabal?” (Pg. 11)
He says of the Bilderberg Group, “[A] central claim made by the conspiracy theorists is that the [Bilderberg] meetings are held in secret. Although the meetings are private, they definitely not secret. The Bilderberg Group puts out press releases for each meeting, the list of attendees and the agenda of topics to be discussed is always public, and a press corps is present at each meeting. It is only due to the necessary restrictions of the Chatam House Rule---which is what makes the meetings both possible and useful---that the actual minutes are not published.”
(Pg. 27)
Of the North American Union [NAU], he notes, “is an NAU is created it would be a huge net loss for the United States. This largest of the three economies would have to take on the duty of supporting the much smaller Mexican economy… Very few American members of the alleged conspiracy would support this.” (Pg. 31)
Of ‘Reptilians,’ he observes, “In recent years, there has been less repetition of the conspiracy theorists’ claims when it comes to the video evidence… The reason … is likely the advent of high-definition video… when David Icke first began promoting this idea, pausing video meant pausing a VHS tape… when paused, the picture would jitter and flash and sometimes flicker between two frames… It was easy in those days to pause a video and see just about anything you wanted to see…” (Pg. 39)
Of David Koresh and the Waco tragedy, he comments, “the FBI found that the [Branch] Davidians had rigged the entire complex with firebombs… When the FBI sent in food in the weeks before the assaults, it included milk cartons that were bugged, so they had hours of tape recordings of the Davidians placing … the firebombs… The report also found a total lack of evidence that incendiary grenades were used, or that National Guardsmen or FBI agents fired any sort of weapons into the compound.” (Pg. 61)
Of so-called ‘Chemtrails,’ he explains, “The contrails you see behind airliners are… unavoidable condensation created by the plane burning hydrocarbon fuel in certain high-altitude conditions… At altitudes above 25,000 feet and temperatures below -40⁰… the saturation point is exceeded, and the water condenses into a visible cloud…” (Pg. 63, 65)
Of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon, he states, “There was plenty of aircraft wreckage at the crash site, and it’s easy to find photos of it online… As for the video of the incoming small white streak? No tail is visible because, in the one frame where the plane appears, it has not yet entirely entered the field of view, so its tail is still out of frame…” (Pg. 126-127)
He dismisses the Flat Earth theory: “Perhaps the best [proof] is the existence of time zones… If the Earth were flat and the sun merely circled above it… there can be no spot on that flat plane from where the sun would not be visible.” (Pg. 138)
Of HAARP, he says, “the ionosphere can be altered by space weather. HAARP allows researchers to temporarily create various conditions in the small patch of sky directly overhead, so that these techniques can be tested and adapted. It’s certainly not creating deadly hurricanes thousands of miles away.” (Pg. 199-200)
MKULTRA is one of the ‘genuine’ conspiracy theories: “MKULTRA was most notable for giving LSD to people without their knowledge… The CIA did fund MKULTRA and did perform experiments for twenty years hoping to find something like mind control, but were never remotely successful. A small percentage of these experiments were extremely unethical… by today’s standards.” (Pg. 217)
Of claims that the CIA encouraged the same of crack cocaine in the ghetto, he observes, “The CIA did work with parties they knew to be connected to the cartels., but there is a lack of evidence that the CIA took any active role in the drug trade… Ample evidence proves that the CIA was aware that the Contras they worked with were linked to the drug trade. The CIA knew that much of the Contras’ supplies were financed by drug money… [The CIA] use their influence to protect Contra officials from prosecution for drug-related crimes. They even hired drug trade professionals to perform certain tasks, such as aerial transport. But as far as taking an active role in the drug trade and taking actions to … get African-Americans addicted, there is no evidence whatsoever that anything like that took place.” (Pg. 237-238)
This book will be “must reading” for anyone seeking critiques of such popular conspiracy theories.
February 14, 2019
I was surprised at some topics that weren’t mentioned, yet things like the “Elvis faked his own death” were. I was looking for something a bit more stimulating but was bored with the read. Besides that, the book had a lot of grammatical errors. Since I read mostly non-fiction, I normally let that go as it could be a one time-only memoir that was written - and how great for that person for taking a chance at writing! However this Author has experience, but maybe I just haven’t read his better work.
October 8, 2021
A quick and somewhat dull look at 50 conspiracy theories that seem at times to be picked at random. Part of the fun of these theories is there craziness. Here they are summarized and dismissed sometimes out of hand with the basic idea that they are unproved or unprovable.
March 9, 2022
“Conspiracies Declassified” is an incredible critical analysis of just about every single conspiracy theory ever. Brian Dunning has done an amazing, herculean task. As a skeptic myself, I understood I was coming into this with a great deal of confirmation bias. And yet I learned quite a bit. Whether it was conspiracy theories I had not yet heard of or learning the originations of ones I know quite well [SPOILER ALERT! Most all trace back to antisemitic tropes and other bigotry] I do believe this book should and could be turned into a college course.
Upon completion of the book, the first thing I did was order 3 more copies – one for each of my children who are now young adults having to deal with Meme culture, YouTube videos, and other platforms of disinformation – from simply what I call “The Batshit Federation of crazies.” Skeptics need their own “bible” of debunking this crazy cancerous information mess that is truly rotting people’s brains. This book would be the closest thing I would find to it as it is consumable as a read or constant reference.
Like any decent, well-researched book, the best part of the book is at the end where you can simply read what the author has read as every single one of his primary and secondary sources are clearly referenced and marked accordingly. This is followed by a human-generated index for easy referencing.
After reading all of the origin stories and myth-vs-fact comparisons, you will find it becomes very clear that the themes involved around these theories are essentially self-limiting groupthink rooted in hatred of certain peoples mixed in with reading too much into too many movie thriller plotlines.
Some examples:
• Secret societies are in control
• An evil sect of controlling peoples (usually Jewish people.)
• An evil person is responsible for so many of the bad things occurring in the world (again, usually a Jewish person.)
• The system is rigged against you
• Big wants to control/stop/kill
• Often explained with pseudoscience and lots of word salads
• Often the premise for someone’s hustle or scam.
For me, it’s not a surprise looking back that Mel Gibson played a lead role in “Conspiracy Theory” where the protagonist turns out to be right – then later as a director, starts creating his own right-wing propaganda. Also as I read up on David Icke’s bizarre obsession with Reptilian aliens, I have to wonder how he would have turned out (or what other wild conspiracies he would have perpetuated) had the miniseries “V: The Visitors” (1983) had not been released.
Some of the best quotes from the book are from Dunning himself:
“We all know that the military does a lot of what they do in secret; they have to, just as they often spread a smokescreen about their exact capabilities. Calling standard military secrecy a conspiracy cheapens the definition of what a conspiracy really is.”
“What the conspiracy theorists special insight does not ever seem to reveal to him, is why?”
“Whenever some person of prominence dies, there’s always somebody whose agenda is accidentally satisfied. This, of course, makes it really easy to paint anyone who’s benefitted from the death as a murder suspect.
“Another non-spoiler surprise at the end is the section on conspiracy theories that were actually proven true emphasizing that many conspiracy theories use this to justify their rationale illogically: ‘If one is true, they must all be true.’”
Other spoilers:
• The moon landing was real
• There are no “Men in Black” hiding space secrets.
• The Earth is round
• are not out to get you.
I could see Dunning making this information even more consumable for folks – even perhaps an App to search quickly that can easily be incorporated into social media platforms to accelerate the crowd debunking needed to combat this Batshit Federation of crazy running amuck. And finally. GIVE BRIAN A SHOW! I mean, they gave Jesse Ventura his own show which mainstreamed even more of these ridiculous falsehoods including resurrecting many previously faded ones for a new generation of gullible.
Upon completion of the book, the first thing I did was order 3 more copies – one for each of my children who are now young adults having to deal with Meme culture, YouTube videos, and other platforms of disinformation – from simply what I call “The Batshit Federation of crazies.” Skeptics need their own “bible” of debunking this crazy cancerous information mess that is truly rotting people’s brains. This book would be the closest thing I would find to it as it is consumable as a read or constant reference.
Like any decent, well-researched book, the best part of the book is at the end where you can simply read what the author has read as every single one of his primary and secondary sources are clearly referenced and marked accordingly. This is followed by a human-generated index for easy referencing.
After reading all of the origin stories and myth-vs-fact comparisons, you will find it becomes very clear that the themes involved around these theories are essentially self-limiting groupthink rooted in hatred of certain peoples mixed in with reading too much into too many movie thriller plotlines.
Some examples:
• Secret societies are in control
• An evil sect of controlling peoples (usually Jewish people.)
• An evil person is responsible for so many of the bad things occurring in the world (again, usually a Jewish person.)
• The system is rigged against you
• Big wants to control/stop/kill
• Often explained with pseudoscience and lots of word salads
• Often the premise for someone’s hustle or scam.
For me, it’s not a surprise looking back that Mel Gibson played a lead role in “Conspiracy Theory” where the protagonist turns out to be right – then later as a director, starts creating his own right-wing propaganda. Also as I read up on David Icke’s bizarre obsession with Reptilian aliens, I have to wonder how he would have turned out (or what other wild conspiracies he would have perpetuated) had the miniseries “V: The Visitors” (1983) had not been released.
Some of the best quotes from the book are from Dunning himself:
“We all know that the military does a lot of what they do in secret; they have to, just as they often spread a smokescreen about their exact capabilities. Calling standard military secrecy a conspiracy cheapens the definition of what a conspiracy really is.”
“What the conspiracy theorists special insight does not ever seem to reveal to him, is why?”
“Whenever some person of prominence dies, there’s always somebody whose agenda is accidentally satisfied. This, of course, makes it really easy to paint anyone who’s benefitted from the death as a murder suspect.
“Another non-spoiler surprise at the end is the section on conspiracy theories that were actually proven true emphasizing that many conspiracy theories use this to justify their rationale illogically: ‘If one is true, they must all be true.’”
Other spoilers:
• The moon landing was real
• There are no “Men in Black” hiding space secrets.
• The Earth is round
• are not out to get you.
I could see Dunning making this information even more consumable for folks – even perhaps an App to search quickly that can easily be incorporated into social media platforms to accelerate the crowd debunking needed to combat this Batshit Federation of crazy running amuck. And finally. GIVE BRIAN A SHOW! I mean, they gave Jesse Ventura his own show which mainstreamed even more of these ridiculous falsehoods including resurrecting many previously faded ones for a new generation of gullible.
July 4, 2019
Sakyčiau, visai nebloga populiariausių visų laikų konspiracijos teorijų apžvalga. Knyga suskirstyta į logiškus skyrius, o kiekviena teorija pristatoma pagal tą pačią struktūrą: teorija, jos atsiradimo istorija ir paaiškinimas, kodėl ji neteisinga.
Nėra labai išsami, bet užsikabinimui ir atsispyrimui tolesniam domėjimuisi -- pati ta apimtis. Tiesa, knyga gana Amerikocentriška, tad nemažai teorijų ne tik nepopuliarios Lietuvoje, bet ir išvis negirdėtos.
Norintiems suprasti ne teorijas, o konspiracijos teoretikų psichologiją, reikėtų kokios kitos knygos, nes ši orientuojasi daugiausia į pačias teorijas, tik kartais užgriebdama bendrus psichologinius niunsus.
Beje, knygos autorius kuria legendinį podcast'ą Skeptoid -- labai rekomenduoju tiems, kuriems mielas kritinis mąstymas ir mitų dekonstravimas.
Nėra labai išsami, bet užsikabinimui ir atsispyrimui tolesniam domėjimuisi -- pati ta apimtis. Tiesa, knyga gana Amerikocentriška, tad nemažai teorijų ne tik nepopuliarios Lietuvoje, bet ir išvis negirdėtos.
Norintiems suprasti ne teorijas, o konspiracijos teoretikų psichologiją, reikėtų kokios kitos knygos, nes ši orientuojasi daugiausia į pačias teorijas, tik kartais užgriebdama bendrus psichologinius niunsus.
Beje, knygos autorius kuria legendinį podcast'ą Skeptoid -- labai rekomenduoju tiems, kuriems mielas kritinis mąstymas ir mitų dekonstravimas.
May 2, 2020
I ordered this book because it sounded interesting. I would give it no stars if possible. I went straight to the chapter on Paul McCartney. The author has apparently not read 'Billy's Back!' Selections from:The Memoirs of Billy Shears by Thomas E. Uharriet. He didn't even mention the book. Readily available at Amazon or www,BillyShears.com. William Campbell(aka Billy Shears) replaced Paul McCartney after he died Sept. 11, 1966 in a car crash with a picked up hichhiker with a suitcase in the rain. Her name was Donna. Billy had to present it as fiction after consulting a lawyer but most of it is easily proven historical fact and is verifiable. I encourage readers to get the book from Amazon and make up their own minds. I didn't read anymore of this book by Brian Dunning.
March 7, 2020
Conspiracy theories, a few of which are listed in this book, are not just silly and unproven fictions but are dangerous. Measles has reappeared causing death and disability, and many peoples including Jews, Homosexuals and others have been killed. There are now even conspiracy theories blaming COVID-19 on these usual suspects. In this easy reading but well researched book, popularly known theories are explained showing the kernels of truth behind them, and soundly debunked using logic and facts. The author, Brian Dunning is a well known skeptic who through his US registered educational charity exposes popular pseudoscience and myths via podcast, films, classroom materials and lectures.
January 21, 2021
This is a great primer on commonly believed conspiracy theories (and some more uncommon ones). I don't get the complaints about it not going into greater detail, it's explicitly not designed for that. Every entry is a quick 4-5 pages to help you understand the basics of each idea, where it came from, why people believe it, and why they're mistaken. Some of the topics will spark more interest in readers than others, and you can do a deeper dive whatever you are particularly intrigued by. But when crazy Uncle Bob brings up some wacky conspiracy theory at Thanksgiving this is a good handbook to have on hand.
August 10, 2022
I wouldn’t so much call this declassified as I would debunked to the best of the authors knowledge. The direct approach of this was never true even though there is some evidence that it could be was a turn off as far the read is concerned, however the author does provide much historical data on each of the conspiracies covered so there is some redemption for his dismissive attitude.
Basically, you can’t debunk something by just stating it’s crazy. Other than that it’s a good read to familiarize yourself with some internet theories.
Basically, you can’t debunk something by just stating it’s crazy. Other than that it’s a good read to familiarize yourself with some internet theories.
February 9, 2023
This is an interesting book. It's also one that's best to read in sections, as it does get very repetitive, otherwise.
The format is:
Conspiracy type
Specific conspiracy
What the conspiracy nuts believe
The truth
The evidence
All of this is good, but after a while it does feel a bit samey. That being said, there's a lot to enjoy in this book and I found it to be a good read. It's probably best kept by the bedside and just dipped into whilst having another book as your main one.
The format is:
Conspiracy type
Specific conspiracy
What the conspiracy nuts believe
The truth
The evidence
All of this is good, but after a while it does feel a bit samey. That being said, there's a lot to enjoy in this book and I found it to be a good read. It's probably best kept by the bedside and just dipped into whilst having another book as your main one.
October 3, 2018
Good Read
Love the Skeptoid Podcast and the really enjoyed the book. Research and common sense win out over fear and lack of education for many of these theories. A basic understanding of our species psychological functioning can often explain the propagation of these false "mysteries", keep up the good work Mr. Dunning.
Love the Skeptoid Podcast and the really enjoyed the book. Research and common sense win out over fear and lack of education for many of these theories. A basic understanding of our species psychological functioning can often explain the propagation of these false "mysteries", keep up the good work Mr. Dunning.
February 16, 2019
Very interesting. A bane to all conspiracy theorist. Brian Dunning, who is the host of one of my favorite podcasts; Skeptoid, addresses conspiracy theories one by one and debunks them. If you’re Conspiracy Theorist you won’t care much for this book. If you’re not you’ll will read clear, solid, and rational arguments that will put these theories to rest.
June 3, 2019
A good explanation of conspiracy theories. Most of the myths which roam the Internet and obscure literature are treated. As a regular listener of Sceptoid podcast I am aware of the style and manner of Brian Dunning and appreciate his laconic speech but for a novice it can be too dry.
If you are interested in conspiracies you should read that book and continue with the podcast.
If you are interested in conspiracies you should read that book and continue with the podcast.
August 21, 2018
I rated this book 4 stars for those who are not big conspiracy theorists. It is nicely laid out and categorized. A great book for those who are interested in dipping their toe in the field or for those who are just getting into the vast expanse of conspiracy theory.
June 26, 2021
This book presents a series of conspiracies and showing they are false.
It is ultimately unsatisfying as you have to wonder how anyone believes these things.
if only few people believe something, is it really a conspiracy and worth reading about?
It is ultimately unsatisfying as you have to wonder how anyone believes these things.
if only few people believe something, is it really a conspiracy and worth reading about?
Read
December 23, 2023This gets all the stars for sharing the greatest conspiracy ever: Finland is a plot between Russia and Japan to provide cheap sushi to the latter (I think; its full conspiratorial glory is somewhat confusing).
November 6, 2018
It’s a fast and fun introductory read, but extra content would have been welcome, as well as photos
November 13, 2018
It's nice to read about all the idiotic conspiracies being debunked. I'm disappointed the Fukushima-radiation one wasn't mentioned, though.
August 2, 2019
Such a concise compendium of popular conspiracy theories and their mundane explanations.
September 3, 2020
Why did I bother
August 29, 2022
Conspiracies Declassified consists of straightforward debunking, with a concluding section on conspiracies which turned out to be true. Most of the subjects will be familiar to ordinary reader, as they include the likes of the Roswell incident, Area 51, Flat Earthism, vaccine denial, 9/11 truthers, and so on. There are also more esoteric theories included, like a reddit claim that Finland doesn't exist. Dunning's takedown of these topics is pointed to the point of dismissiveness, and it has the sense of preaching to the choir even moreso than the awkward and redundantly-titled 50 Popular Beliefs People Believe are True. It doesn't diminish my enjoyment of the Skeptoid podcast over the years, but the book is too brusque and void of footnotes to sway those who might be on the fence about its topics.
December 19, 2020
Fairly well written and researched. Gave a background to common misinformation and urban legends given out to the unwary. Arranged in systematic chapters. Some of the misinformation given out are ludicrous. But then, each his/her own.
February 12, 2024
Yeah ok very wordy
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews