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#FridayReads, March 29–‘Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science’

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Saturday update–


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Heretics#FridayReads, March 29—The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science by British journalist Will Storr. I posted this book as a #FridayReads March 8, so it should be clear it is not a quick read. However, it should also be clear that I’ve stayed with it because reading it is a very rewarding experience. Storr’s investigation blends spot reporting from such locales as a revival meeting in Australia led by a creationist preacher with consideration of the placebo theory and homeopathy and its detractors. Like Jon Ronson, another British author with whom I’ve compared Storr, the author of this book is an affable guide who successfully inveigles his way on to a tour bus of Holocaust deniers led by disgraced former historian David Irving and in to a conversation with the churlish defender of Hitler. I’m reading the last 40 pages now where Storr probes the question of whether James Randi deserves the status he’s widely accorded as the ‘world’s most noble skeptic.’ Storr, shall we say, has some doubts. I recommend this thoughtful and nuanced book most highly. I first read about this book in the Guardian last January and I’m glad I was able to get a copy from Picador, Storr’s obliging UK publisher.

Please note: you may visit a ‘buy page’ for this book at the website of Powell’s Books–the affiliate bookseller for The Great Gray Bridge–by clicking on this book link: The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science.

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Some Early Spring Hudson River Views

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Looking northward to the GGBFollowing many days of late winter gloom and cold winds off the Hudson River where I regularly ride my bike things brightened up a bit today. With temps edging over 50 degrees and light to moderate winds, I wasn’t forced to don the usual gear I’ve been wearing on my rides since the fall. More lightly clad than usual, I pedaled north along the river, stopping for a break about even with 140th Street. Perched atop an old picnic table I read my current book, Heretics: Adventures With the Enemies of Science by British journalist Will Storr; phoned my sister to wish her a happy Passover; and took these pics of the Hudson and the Jersey side of the river. Even with the noticeable warming, there were still a lot gray, glowering clouds hanging low in the sky, but maybe now we’re in for a spell of fair weather. Please click here to see all photos from my bike ride.

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#FridayReads, March 8–“The Heretics” by Will Storr

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Heretics#FridayReads, March 8–The Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science by Will Storr, a reporter’s journey through the nether regions of pseudo-science, religious fundamentalism, Holocaust deniers, climate change skeptics, and their ilk. I first heard of Storr’s book when I read his account of traveling with the odious David Irving to former concentration camps where the disgraced historian preached his so-called gospel to true believers that masses of Jews and other minorities were not annihilated during WWII.

Like Jon Ronson, author of  The Men Who Stare at Goats, The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry, and Them: Adventures With Extremists, whose books I made #FridayReads in December 2011 and again in January 2012, Storr is an affable traveler who is able to ingratiate himself with fringe characters, hang out with them, plumb the depths of their irrationality, and deliver a compelling story to readers. I highly recommend his book, and those by Jon Ronson. Them

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Under Will Storr’s Microscope–David Irving, Still Denying the Holocaust

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Although David Irving has continually lost in the courts of countries where denying the Holocaust is a crime, he keeps at it. As documented in an article now behind the Sunday Times of London’s paywall, which I read about last weekend in a tweet from UK journalism prof Emily Bell, reporter Will Storr traveled with Irving to former concentration camps where the disgraced historian preached his gospel to true believers that masses of Jews and other minorities were not annihilated during WWII. Storr’s forthcoming book, Heretics: Adventures with the Enemies of Science, will be published in the UK soon. His journalistic enterprise seems reminiscent of the work of Jon Ronson, author of several engrossing books including Them: Adventures with Extremists and The Psychopath Test. Ronson is an affable traveler who is able to ingratiate himself with fringe characters, hang out with them, and plumb the depths of their irrationality.

Do you have favorite authors in the States engaged in reporting like that of these two British authors? Chuck Palahniuk? Any others?

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