How Mumbo Jumbo Conquered the World: A Short History of Modern Delusions
by Francis Wheen
Published by Public Affairs
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Reviewed by Connie Anderson
If you get your news from the talking (and cutesy) heads of most of today's news, this book is NOT for you. If you want to learn -- or be reminded of how our recent political history affects today, and the "why" of it, read How Mumbo Jumbo Conquered the World.
As the Boston Globe said, "A very well-written rant against all the baloney that people seem increasingly to believe."
Reading aloud at the dinner table, the content provoked some yes's, boos, laughter and table pounding from my husband and me. Author Francis Wheen covers it all in detail so even those of us who can't remember a historical fact from high school will get it.
For example did you know what caused this to happen?
- 1973 the average American had 26.2 hours of 'leisure time' every week ... and by 1984 the figure had fallen to 16.6 hours -- almost 10 fewer hours a week.
The author explains in relative terms which President or world leader and their beliefs and policies caused what to happen at the time, and how it all fit together. Some facts shocked me at how often policies he described were "developed for the common man," but actually benefited the rich. What's wrong with this picture?
No one, no party, no belief is left alone -- he bashes everyone equally. This book is for the cynic -- and fodder for an astute stand-up comic.
Here's my fist on the table. I'm outraged, indignant, baffled -- then on a new page, I'm laughing. So that's "history," according to author Wheen.
Armchair Interviews says: Nothing is scared so get your drink of choice and flop into your own favorite armchair for a great read. You will be there a long time reading and reacting and wondering whether what you believe is true.