Christian Science (Skeptic's Bookshelf) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Mark Twain's witty, caustic attack on Christian Science and its founder Mary Baker Eddy came about as a result of his fear in 1898, that Christian Science would spread so rapidly, it would control Congress by the 1930s. In the first paperback edition available to the public in more than 50 years, Twain analyzes Mrs. Eddy's greed, lust for power, self-dedication, and incoherent writing.

About the Author

Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Professor of American Studies, University of Texas, Austin. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879758252
• ISBN-13: 978-0879758257
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,449,229 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #93 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Other Denominations & Sects
  #94 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Protestantism > Christian Science

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars funny even to a non-CS, July 22, 1999

By A Customer

This isn't one of Twain's best books, but it is a pretty hilarious send-up of Christian Science nonetheless. I think it is funnier if you know a little bit about the religion, but it probably doesn't seem as funny to people who actually practice the religion.

A CS friend told me that CSs are fond of quoting passages from Twain that "prove" he became a fan of Eddy in later life. The quote they cite as proof is typical of the sarcasm in this book: "Mother Eddy deserves a place in the Trinity as much as any member of it. She has organized and made available a healing principle that for two thousand years has never been employed except as the merest kind of guesswork. She is the benefactor of the age."

If the above quote strikes you as funny, buy this book. If you believe the quote is serious, I'd advise you to give it a miss.

33 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still one of the best books about "Christian 'Science'", July 6, 2001

By	Super Woman Three (Lake Ellias, NV) - See all my reviews

The first part of Mark Tawin's work on "Christian 'Science'" is very funny; he shows through parody and wit just how ignorant, stupid, superstitious, and gullible human beings can be. The second part is much more serious: Twain shows how the sinister organization came into existance, and remarks upon Eddy's criminal and abusive acts when starting the business, as well as mentions some of the plagerism she committed.

This is by far one of the best books about how the "Christian 'Science'" organization came to exist. While the book is a classic, it is also timeless.

If you are interested in Eddy or "Christian 'Science,'" this is the single best source for you to explore. I recomend this book HIGHLY!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for Twain lovers, September 1, 2009

By	Anna Shepherd "Love2read" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christian Science (Paperback)

If you love Mark Twain, you'll love this book. Be prepared there is no Becky and Big Jim to be found, just Twain's delightful writing style. Twain taking on the CHristian Scientists is enlightening and informative. I liked it very much