The Mask of Nostradamus: The Prophecies of the World's Most Famous Seer (Paperback)

by James Randi (Author) "I WRITE THIS from a window seat aboard a jet carrying me from Paris to Marseille on the second of what may be several more..." (more)
Key Phrases: Michel de Notredame, Marie Antoinette, Mother Shipton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The author of The Faith Healers examines the life of the renowned sixteenth century astrologer and physician, including his historic origins, his prophecies, the truth about his prophetical successes, and more. Reprint.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (March 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879758309
• ISBN-13: 978-0879758301
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #463,013 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fraud Unmasked, September 30, 2000

By	"kingsransom" (Como, Italy) - See all my reviews

Michel Nostradamus is without a doubt the most famous prophet and astrologer in all of history. He is credited with the predictions of the death of Henry II, the invention of the hot-air balloon, the Great Fire of London, the flight and capture of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the execution of Charles I of England, Napoleon Bonaparte and the imprisonment of the Popes, the rise of Adolf Hitler and the life and death of Elizabeth I, among other things.

The author has done a enormous amount of research, viewing and translating of the original editions of the prophecies. His research is by far more extensive than any ever done by Nostradamus believers.

The author has sorted out fraudulent editions of Nostradamus' writings with changes and predictions added long after his death. He has also uncovered many errors in various books regarding Nostradamus and his visions of the future.

In this book, we see that Nostradamus' prophecies were normally so cleverly vague (in the spirit of most prophecies, through all of history) that almost any event could be said to have been predicted by him. Some of his more specific prophecies were actually done after the predicted event, or else never came true. Several famous prophecies were modified, or made up, by other people, long after Nostradamus had died.

This book should be read by Nostradamus believers and skeptics alike.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book that debunks Nostradamus as a prophet., January 11, 1998

By A Customer

Think you know Nostradamus? Think again. A great deal of research went into writing this book, and it shows. Randi provides an exhaustive history of Nostradamus (and his time) as both a healer and a prophet. Randi informs readers how astrology and magic influenced royalty and peasants alike during Nostradamus' time. Randi provides his own interpretations of the 10 most famous quatrains, and see how other "expert" interpreters wildly alter the meaning to fit major events. Don't buy any other Nostradamus book until you've read this one. It's a real eye opener.

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nostradamus unmasked!, November 2, 1999

By	Ales Soudek (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Randi proves to me once again what a true sceptic is. Instead of just believing common folklore Randi does research on the times and the area where Nostradamus lived, about Nostradamus's life during those times including correspondence he had with his clients, and then goes about showing what the most likely meaning of some of the most famous quatrains really are refering to. The truth is illuminating and it put to rest questions I've had about Nostradamus. A fascinating read.