All the big name hoaxes are here: the Cardiff Giant, Piltdown Man, the Shroud of Turin; but presented in a way that's fresh for the initiated and straight forward for the budding archeologist; and since he's writing as an archeologist, Feder never lapses into the bitter sarcasm so common to skeptical writers.

There are surprises: who knew one of the largest pyramids in the world was in St. Louis, or that the Shroud of Turin was declared a fake in 1359? Above all Feder's love of archeology and sincere delight in the real mysteries of the past should make this book required reading for anyone interested in human history.


Superlative   March 7, 2001
GF (State College, PA)
20 out of 24 found this review helpful

A superlative journey to the edges of reason and beyond with a witty and knowledgable guide. As the claims of self-styled "alternative" historians of the ancient past gain more and more publicity, it is excellent to encounter such a balanced and well-reasoned antidote to their poison. Particularly useful is to realize that the supposedly "new" theories of the likes of Graham Hancock(who is not addressed in the book, unfortunately) are, in reality, little more than recycled flim-flam from earlier speculative and paranormal movements.

One previous reviewer brands the book "too sceptical," which is nonsense. Feder actually subscribes to the Theran theory for the origins of the Atlantis myth (which I personally do not), but the investigative process by which he reaches this conclusion is clearly charted in the text. He is no dogmatist, dismissing ideas out of hand. He carefully presents the cases for and against various claims and exposes flaws based on a comparison with the observable evidence and archaeological procedure. In any case, it is also hard to see how one could be "too sceptical" about claims that aliens built the pyramids.

An excellent read. Highly recommended to any with an interest in "alternative" archaeology, esp. if you've tended to believe such "theories" in the past.


More than just archaeology   December 15, 2000
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This book is a masterful review of some of the more enduring fantasies associated with archaeology. As an archaeologist myself, I found it both accurately and beautifully written. But most importantly, Feder does more than debunk these myths. He discusses not only why he does not accept, say, stories about Atlantis, at face value. He also explains what would be considered evidence that the stories are true. As interesting and provocative book on skepticism as there is, and a great book to give someone in order to teach the skeptic mindset.


An Excellent Guide to Reason vs. Faith in Archeology   October 31, 2001
C. J. Hardman (San Diego, CA USA)
25 out of 32 found this review helpful

Kenneth Feder has collected a whooole bunch of examples of funny hoaxes and archaeological misadventure in this curiously good book. Read about the Cardiff Giant scam, the Piltdown man hoax, Noah's ark tomfoolery and fakery, the slippery slope of Creationist craziness, Atlantis Atrophy, the Shredded evidence for the Shroud of Turin, and more!

Feder's volume is interesting, stimulating, and even if you are a well read skeptic, you will probably learn something new. I personally was reminded how easy it is to fool people who want to believe something and aren't moved to investigate or challenge the beliefs they are comfortable with. The gist of the book seems to be that people who rely mostly upon faith can end up believing just about anything, while those who are inclined to question and test new information via logic, scientific methods, and common sense are more likely to actually uncover the facts for themselves, doing away with faith altogether.


Finally, a straight-forward book on the "paranormal."   February 24, 2001
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

What a tremendous book! This book not only teaches on how to interpret what you find in the realm of Archaeology, but how NOT to interpret it. Ken's book is not only integral to those interested in Archaeology, but it's at least important to those in any science. It shows one how we know what we know. Nice cover photo too, even though his son took the picture!!