This is not merely true, it is a central irony of our age. Despite faster, easier, more universal access to information than at any previous time in history, we are plagued more than ever by its evil twin, misinformation. Fallacies, half-truths, and outright falsehoods invade our consciousness from all sides — in the form of hyperbolic advertising, as political punditry or "spin," in erroneous reportage by the media, in "rumors on the Internets." We live in a world, observes science historian and recognized "hoaxpert" Alex Boese, "that's fake and growing faker every day."
Does Michael Jackson Wear a Prosthetic Nose?
Boese, you may remember, authored the bestselling Museum of Hoaxes — an historical overview of public fakery and mass deception since the Middle Ages — and runs the much-trafficked Web site of the same name. His new book, Hippo Eats Dwarf: A Field Guide to Hoaxes and Other B.S., probably won't do much to stem the tide of misinformation (as if that were even possible), but it enlightens and entertains from beginning to end as the author guides us on a panoramic tour of contemporary hokum, deftly dissecting and debunking all manner of urban legends, hoaxes, pranks, and popular misconceptions. By way of a bonus, a number of seemingly preposterous claims are verified as true. Does Michael Jackson wear a prosthetic nose? Did someone really invent a computer program that repels mosquitos? Is it true that some people wear jewelry on their eyeballs? What about that Web site selling human-flavored tofu — is it real or fake? The answers to some of these questions may actually surprise you.
Given the wide range of subject matter covered — I counted 16 chapters comprising "Birth," "Death," and — well, if not everything in between, then at least 14 of the most truth-challenged phenomena of modern life — this volume could have easily sunk under its own weight, but Boese's lucid, engaging prose style keeps it afloat and steaming full speed ahead. Editorial bonbons in the form of witty neologisms, clever asides, and ironic factoids are sprinkled throughout. And yes, there is a functioning index.
Jam-Packed with Titillating Facts and Insights
Just to be clear, one thing this book is not is a tool for the serious fact checker. Though sources are cited from time to time, you won't find footnotes or thoroughgoing documentation (in truth, this is probably a good thing — if every factual claim were documented, the volume would be twice the size and half as enjoyable to read).
Another minor caveat — or perhaps it's more on the order of a personal gripe — pertains to the rather dense and crowded typography, a feature which, regrettably, seems to be something of a trend in the graphic design of popular nonfiction books of late. There's no white space! None! Much as I miss it, however, its absence permits me to observe, without exaggeration, that Hippo Eats Dwarf is literally jam-packed with titillating facts and insights. Reading this book may give you a headache, but I guarantee it will be one of the most worthwhile you've ever had.
