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Mask of Nostradamus: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Prophet
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Mask of Nostradamus: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Prophet
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by James Randi
Sales Rank : 1718329
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Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Scribner September 1990
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0684190567
ISBN-13: 978-0684190563
Product Dimensions:
9.5 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
From Publishers Weekly
In this breezy but effective biographical study, magician and self-appointed debunker Randi takes aim at Michel de Notredame, better known as Nostradamus, the famous 16th-century French physician, astrologer and seer. Commentators claim that Nostradamus's cryptic verses accurately prophesied such events and personalities as Napoleon, Hitler, the French Revolution, the Great Fire of London and the invention of the Montgolfier balloon. Nonsense, argues Randi, and his meticulous readings of key quatrains make a potent case for his contention that the seer's alleged clairvoyant abilities rest on translators' embellishments, interpreters' excessive reliance on anagrams and "hidden" names, distortions and wishful thinking. Despite its overkill in challenging all prophecy and the occult in general, this hard-hitting critique throws down a gauntlet that no one with a serious interest in Nostradamus can ignore. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- An in-depth analysis and research into the writings of Nostradamus and his followers. Randi investigates and exposes the questionable and sometimes fraudulent claims of those who profess to possess supernatural powers and/or perform supernatural works. He explores the life and times of Nostradamus, examining the conditions that pervaded the lives of ordinary people and of the nobility. He discusses how the belief in astrology became widespread and popularized. The integration of the historical perspective makes the book interesting and informative. In addition to examining the writings pertaining to Nostradamus, the author references other seers throughout history.
Jeanette M. Lippencott, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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