Annals of Gullibility: Why We Get Duped and How to Avoid It (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The bulk of this book, specifically chapters 2-8, is taken up with stories depicting various forms of gullibility: religious, political, financial, and so on..." (more)
Key Phrases: gullible outcome, gullibility resistance, gullible behavior, Annals of Gullibility, United States, Christian Science (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Stephen Greenspan has penned the definitive book on why people are gullible. He reveals why so many people are so gullible, the psychology that drives gullible behaviors, and most importantly what we can do about it. Annals of Gullibility belongs on the bookshelves of skeptics and scientists, not to mention politicians and policy analysts, especially before they go to war.”–Michael Shermer, Publisher, Skeptics Magazine

Review

"Stephen Greenspan has penned the definitive book on why people are gullible. He reveals why so many people are so gullible, the psychology that drives gullible behaviors, and most importantly what we can do about it. Annals of Gullibility belongs on the bookshelves of skeptics and scientists, not to mention politicians and policy analysts, especially before they go to war."

(

Michael Shermer
Publisher, Skeptics Magazine

)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Praeger; 1 edition (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313362165
• ISBN-13: 978-0313362163
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #405,320 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timely tour de force towards self-knowledge, January 10, 2009

By	Alan J. Taddiken (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This other Greenspan has given us a highly accessible and useful primer on how a avoid--or at least protect against, both fooling oneself and being overly prone to the latest scam in our driven market free-for-all. Greenspan tells his narrative with considerable eloquence and a disarming tone of personal experience informed by a clear and convincing scholarship: an erudite wit and gentle guide if ever there was one. His book is quickly accessible to all but the most gullible--and serves as a relief to those of us gulled (and who among us lacks that trial?)--and as a tonic to prepare against those new temptations we will surely face. Finally, we have an adviser we can trust--a true green span to better behavior. I can only say: read it soon--and reread it often!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I feel Gullible for buying and reading this book, May 7, 2009

By	Philip Hine (Vancouver, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought and read this book thinking I would learn about a theory to explain gullibility. Instead I got a series of descriptions of people being gullible. I can think of the many times that I've been gullible. I don't need to learn that the phenomenon exists. The solutions proposed were not exciting. I did learn to be more careful when I order books.
I did not learn why I get duped and I should have avoided buying and reading this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to a most intriguing subject, October 4, 2009

By	Leon F. Seltzer, PhD (Del Mar, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Rarely can a reader find a book having so much of value to say about a vital topic be, a the same time, such a good read. Full of the most interesting, curious, and edifying facts--as well as the most compelling examples and anecdotes--this amazingly wide-ranging study illuminates its subject way beyond anything done to date. It is to me a consummate example of a work that simultaneously educates and entertains, with scores of fascinating illustrations that demonstrate the regrettable ever-presence of gullibility.

With chapters covering every imaginable aspect of deception and fraud, Greenspan explores his topic as it's revealed in literature, folklore, finance, relationships, religion, war, politics, criminal justice, science,and academia. Reading this book should increase your sophistication about the world we live in at least threefold(!). It will also help to make you more prudent, circumspect, and wary--crucial characteristics if you're going to protect yourself from all the opportunistic "operators" (or predators) who may be lying in wait to take advantage of you. Definitely worth a 5-star rating.

Finally, contrary to what at least one earlier reviewer stated, Greenspan (whether directly or by implication) discusses the many ways an individual can become more resistant to being duped. His last two chapters in particular focus on this all-important issue. In short, this book is as comprehensive as it is a delight to read.