Truth Machine

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Imagine a world in which no one can lie. Now try to imagine the consequences. Halperin has written this generation's 1984, and rarely have our customers praised a book more highly. (Click on the title, and find out what they have to say ... assuming they are telling the truth!) And only time will tell whether Halperin's book is speculative fiction, or inverse history. Very Highly Recommended.

Book Description

Prepare to have your conception of truth rocked to its very foundation.

It is the year 2004. Violent crime is the number one political issue in America. Now, the Swift and Sure Anti-Crime Bill guarantees a previously convicted violent criminal one fair trial, one quick appeal, then immediate execution. To prevent abuse of the law, a machine must be built that detects lies with 100 percent accuracy.

Once perfected, the Truth Machine will change the face of the world. Yet the race to finish the Truth Machine forces one man to commit a shocking act of treachery, burdening him with a dark secret that collides with everything he believes in. Now he must conceal the truth from his own creation . . . or face his execution.

By turns optimistic and chilling--and always profound--The Truth Machine is nothing less than a history of the future, a spellbinding chronicle that resonates with insight, wisdom . . . and astounding possibility.

"PROFOUND."
--Associated Press

From the Paperback edition.

Download Description

A pivotal election in the year 2004 will determine more than the next president of the United States. Violent crime continues to be the number one political issue in America--and overwhelmingly, citizens give their support to a controversial new anticrime bill that guarantees capital punishment...at the cost of individual rights and due process. But one of the most influential businessmen in the world has a remarkable dream--and the ability to make it reality: a machine that can detect lies with one hundred percent accuracy. While such a device would leave no doubt about guilt in death-row cases, it also has broad implications for a world that is on a collision course with self-destruction. When the Truth Machine does indeed become a reality, it changes the face of the world. And as its use spreads from courtroom to politics to diplomacy, business, science, education, and finally into every home throughout the world, it reshapes the very nature of humanity. But ultimately, the fate of the earth rests with mankind. Are we up to the challenge? By turns optimistic and chilling--and always profound--THE TRUTH MACHINE is nothing less than a history of the future, a spellbinding chronicle of developments in technology and evolutions in social conscience that resonate with insight, wisdom...and astounding possibility.

Customer Reviews:

James Halperin forgets..........2007-10-02

Just before it's release in 1996, James Halperin posted a copy of his book on the Internet. It was the first of its kind, and James also did another first: he asked for feedback in one of the newsgroups. James does not mention this in his acknowledgments. Maybe because as Rick Deegan said, "And, related to what you have said is the fact that the polygraph measures only stress, not truth or intent... but just try to get that message understood by the vast majority of people. I truly believe that society is becoming collectively less intelligent due to increased stress and unhappiness, which I believe is nature's way of allowing people to cope with an increasingly hostile existence". Or maybe because of the story I sent to Robert to illustrate my views...

"Mr Kervorkian, did you intend to take anyone's life"?
"No your honor, I didn't intend to take anyone's life", the truthmachine registered a steady green glow, "THEY intended for me to take their life and I was helping them to fulfill their reasonable requests".
The truthmachine didn't even blink an eye at Kervorkian.
"Did you help them commit suicide"?
"No, I only provided them with the MEANS to commit suicide. They actually did the killing. I was only an innocent bystander or witness". The truthmachine's steady green light, seemed to stare at the jury with a mocking glow. How dare it stay green!
"Are you aware that suicide is against the law"?
"Yes, but there is no law against watching someone commit suicide".
"But weren't you aiding and abetting a criminal"?
"I knew what their intentions were for buying my services beforehand, but neither I nor they considered it a criminal act. Making suicide illegal is an unenforceable and unreasonable act of law. If the people have a personal right to life, then they thereby have a personal right to death. If the people have a personal right to the pursuit of happiness, then they thereby have a personal right to pursue that happiness by suicide, if they so desire."
"So you admit you committed a crime by aiding these suicides"?
"No, that is not what I am saying. What I am saying is that I had a choice between the lesser of two evils. The lesser evil was to provide my clients with the means to commit suicide. The greater evil was to assist an unjust law and a part of the legal system that was unfair and unjust, by ignoring their pleas for help". I don't know if it was just that everyone in the courtroom had too long of a day or what, but the shocking green light of the truthmachine seemed to glow brighter and brighter with every word that Kervorkian said.
"So you think that suicide should be legal"?
"I do not think that all suicide should be made legal. If someone is lying brain-dead on a hospital bed, they can't make a conscious personal decision to pull their own plug. It wouldn't be right for someone else to make that decision for them and it would leave people who were admitted to hospitals, vulnerable to having their lives prematurely ended by certain doctors, whose concern is more for the profit that could be made for black market organ-donors, than for helping people. But when someone makes a conscious personal decision to 'pull their own plug', like my clients have, they have demonstrated good judgment and an awareness of what is right and wrong for themselves, instead of what someone else says is right or wrong for them..."
Kervorkian was cutoff before he could say anymore. The crowd in the courtroom sprang from their seats and while some of them went for Kervorkian's neck, more than half of the group lunged for the "intent to deceive" machine, for they knew that as long as it's testimony was allowed, Kervorkian would never be convicted of his "crimes". One juror even smashed the machine against Kervorkian's skull in the riot that ensued.

Would I recommend this to my friends? Yes. It is the thought that counts and this is a thoughtful story, even if flawed in its philosophical premises.

Ten years later, I still remember this book very clearly -- and fondly.......2006-10-14

I will say what I view as the most important things about it first. Bring a fresh approach to this novel if you decide to read it. Note the "warning" inherent in the prologue page which tells us that a computer wrote the book. For the most part, don't expect 1984 or Stranger In A Strange Land in terms of the brilliant writing skills of the author or the engaging nature of his characterizations. This is not that kind of book.

It is, however, a very engaging and successful novel in its own way. I first read it in 1996, after finding it in a yard sale full of books. Someone wanted either to share it or get rid of it; and judging by the disparity of the reviews published here, that's a fair representation of readers' responses.

I am amazed that, even though I read The Truth Machine a decade ago, I still remember it almost as vividly as if I'd read it last month! The thought-provoking nature of this novel is indeed what recommends it most highly -- or should, even if in the end one dislikes it, the author, or his conclusions.

I am 57 years old and have read science fiction and other "speculative" works since I was in grade school. The Truth Machine is unlike any other novel, and that, too, ought to recommend it to anyone who enjoys seeing what a first-time novelist came up with on the significant subject he tackled.

So in summary, the reason I believe this book is well worth the time spent reading it is that almost anyone should be able to come away from it with his own "speculative" juices flowing. To me, it was a jumping off point rather than a compilation of specific ideas, though I readily admit others might not see it that way.

If you enjoy a book that makes you *think* all the while you're reading it, and then recall it afterward for years with a broadened perspective and an urge toward contemplation of human societal issues, then I believe you would like The Truth Machine. You might not agree with many of Halperin's ideas and suggestions, especially the political ones. But shouldn't everyone appreciate having his choices of values challenged, if only to confirm them to himself?

Many Are Missing The Point.......2006-08-02

So many of the reviews written seem to be totally missing the point of the book, merely criticizing Halperin on his "futuristic predictions". I found these predictions to be though-provoking, but they were not the reason for the book. I think they were the "cream" that added to the "Hmmmm Factor" of the novel. In no way did I think he was tring to be a Nostrodamus, just giving us items to think about, which were based on some sort of factual information or research which he references in the appendix of the book. And I'm sorry, science fiction? No, that would be a very wrong assumption. And that Halperin's characters seem to be the "best" at what they do? Considering the plot, they have to be, the main character is the one who invented the Truth Machine.

What I read in the book was a plot that was Greek Tragedy in nature, the struggle of a highly intelligent man and his invention. The dark temptation of man, even those men that are intelligent. This coupled with the final payment for his sins. A very hard struggle indeed.

This is to be considered in the ranks of 1984 and Brave New World in that it takes a look at the future. But Halperin doesn't base the book on just his predictions. They are mere crumbs on the plate of human character and struggle. If the crumbs are all you are seeing, someone else ate the toast. Take the "futureistic" colored glasses off and read the book for the plot and struggle with a new technology that would, if invented, completely change the world. Goverments would change, people would change, the whole world would change. Halperin made me stop and actually think, instead of spoon feeding me. A great read.

I found it to be too long by about 300 pages.......2006-05-17

I read both this novel and The First Immortal because a friend highly recommended them. What a bore...First of all, I give this two stars instead of one star because, at least apparently, it is accurate from a scientific and factual perspective.

Truth be told, Halperin is not a novelist. He is an extremely accomplished amateur futurist.

This novel, like The First Immortal, has very interesting concepts. Concepts that could have been explained in a very compelling 150-page novel. Instead Halperin takes us on a journey of self indulgent "gee, this is how smart I am", which would be ok if he could write without using endless clichýs, unbelievably shallow characters and excruciatingly boring story lines. What's so frustrating is that now and again he just about "get's it" and then returns to lecturing the reader.

Not Impressed..........2006-05-02

I'm always wary of people who wish to save the world. There was more than fiction at work here, I really got the impression that the author thought that a truth machine was a valid and necessary invention to save the human race. Typical paranoid American garbage. In James Halperin's future the rest of the world are fighting and causing problems, while the brave American heros are busy trying to save us. Sigh... Only some Republican-voting, bubble-dwelling moron could come up with these futuristic predictions. The people of Cuba vote to become an American state? The American people are the most educated and literate in the world? An Irish terrorist group blows up the channel tunnel? Give me a f***ing break. There were many more equally silly scenarios, but I can't remember them, as I tossed "The Truth Machine" into the Amazon river after I had finished reading it. This book bites.

Big Lies: The Right-Wing Propaganda Machine and How It Distorts the Truth

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Politics for thinkers
The best counter-argument to the right's lies and myths
Seems Credible
Buy it!
I Was Disappointed

Big Lies: The Right-Wing Propaganda Machine and How It Distorts the Truth
Joe Conason
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Political Parties | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

U.S. | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Amazon.com

Conservative talk show hosts and newspaper columnists have made an industry out of incessantly deriding the American left, citing liberals for everything from moral decay to bad economic policy to a soft approach on terrorism. Often these accusations are bound in book form and sell quite well. Only one problem, according to Salon.com and New York Observer writer Joe Conason: the charges they're leveling just aren't true. In Big Lies, Conason dissects 10 of the most persistent, and--according to him--glaringly incorrect, arguments made by conservatives. Each chapter begins with a quotation ("Liberals control the media and misuse their influence to promote left-wing politics," "Conservatives are the only true champions of free enterprise"), which is then picked apart using statistical evidence and detailed historical research and rejected. The modern right wing, in the opinion of Conason, is not the bastion of virtue and defender of the common man it claims to be. Rather, it is a calculating and shrewdly efficient group of propagandists fueled by revenues generated by a system that rewards cronyism. Granted, it doesn't take much to deflate the bombast of shrill political talk show hosts whose very living depends on making shocking accusations about public figures, a couple of raw facts usually does the trick, but Conason offers more than simple refutation, going deeper to challenge the presumptions that generate such platitudes. And he navigates a highly readable and informative writing style that feels more substantive than Molly Ivins and Al Franken but still a lot wittier than Noam Chomsky. Many of Conason's arguments, like those of his foes, naturally come down to matters of opinion, and published material can readily be found to back up nearly any perspective. Nonetheless, he presents clear and logical points, and his thinking is well supported by both the historical record and empirical data. Accusing Joe Conason of lies (of any size) would certainly be a difficult task. --John Moe

Book Description

In Big Lies, Joe Conason rips through the ten most damaging lies perpetrated by the right wing propaganda machine. This scathing, fact-filled analysis debunks it all: The myth that Republicans are fiscal geniuses and champions of free enterprise. The right's self-proclaimed monopoly on "family values." The conservative smearing of liberals as unpatriotic and anti-American. And of course, the "compassionate conservatism" of George W. Bush. (It depends on the meaning of "compassionate.")Big Lies confronts right-wing slander and bias with a long-awaited, badly-needed counterpunch to the deceptions that have plagued American politics for a generation.

Customer Reviews:

Politics for thinkers.......2007-03-22

While reading this book, I realized something. For the first time in years, I was proud to be a Democrat. I've never regretted my political choice, but it had been a long time since I felt this good about it. Joe Conason rebuts ten major conservative myths with solid facts and excellent writing. Some of you may have read my earlier review of "Conservative Comebacks to Liberal Lies" The format of "Big Lies" is similar to that, but this book does a much better job, going in-depth on each myth, why it's so prevalent, and why it's dead-wrong. Mr. Conason obviously did a lot of research for this book, providing twenty pages of references in support of his points. His research is the cause of my one complaint with the book, however, since he does make some statements without any supporting documents. This is a little annoying, since he obviously understands the importance of backing up his words with evidence.

This should be required reading for every Democrat in the country, and is highly recommended for thinking Republicans, too, even if you don't agree with most of what he says. A great read.

The best counter-argument to the right's lies and myths.......2006-06-20

I've read this book three times now; you'd think I'd have my own copy, and stop checking it out of the library!

I've you're a lefty and are tired of being beaten in arguments with Republican friends, this is the book for you. This is, in fact, the BEST book for you... much better than the vitriol of comedian Al Franken and the conspiracy talk of Michael Moore - two liberals who are easily dismissed by the right as being partisan lunatics. Joe Conason's counter-arguments to all the usual conservative arguments (which are shown to be lies and myths) are concise, but heavily supported by facts and relevant quotes. (Conason is at his best when he uses quotes from CONSERVATIVES to make his own point - as when he takes the words of Rush Limbaugh and two other conservatives to help prove there is no "liberal media bias.")

This book should be your liberal Bible. Read it, memorize as much of it as you can, and - the next time a Republican utters one of his ten favorite lies about liberals - quote from it. Nobody articulates the strengths of the left better than Conason - not even James Carville. I love this book.

Seems Credible.......2005-12-28

Conason sees the continuing schism between public opinion and conservative political actions and domination as an indictment of the way we conduct and finance elections. This is an important point and Conason may be correct, but he does little to substantiate the conclusion. He also states that demonizing liberals (and especially the label - eg. "limousine liberals," "Hollywood liberals," "the eastern establishment") is a conscious strategy of the Republican right, dating back to Joe McCarthy, and their version of class warfare.

Each chapter begins with a common assertion about how conservatives are superior to liberals in a specific area, which Conason then picks apart with reality research. Example: Republicans balance budgets and promote economic growth, liberals . . .. Obviously bogus, given Clinton's balancing an inherited budget deficit situation, and Bush's blowing that balanced budget situation to smithereens. (Bush also took Texas over the edge with tax cuts that have created deep deficits faced by his successor.)

Republicans are supposedly strong (vs. Democrats) on defense. Thus, it was particularly interesting to read the list of conservatives who had dodged military service or taken an easy out through the National Guard. Besides Bush II the list includes Dan Quayle (desk job in Indiana Guard), Pat Buchanan (bad knee), Newt Gingrich (student deferment), Dick Cheney ("other priorities"), and Trent Lott, Tom DeLay, Richard Armey, Karl Rove, John Ashcroft, Phil Gramm.

Evidence on the economic front was also offered to show that Republican pork (when they are in control) outstrips Democrat pork when they ran things. Then there was Reagan's "supply-side economics" tax cuts - characterized correctly by primary candidate Bush I as "voodoo economics."

As for "conservatives protect family values, liberals promote immorality and vice" - Conason provides a long list of Republican philanderers and gays.

"Free enterprise" becomes "crony capitalism" under Republicans, per Conason. Examples include government support for Ken Lay and Enron, and how others went out of their way to support, rescue, and establish Bush II during his earlier years.

Finally, we get to terrorism. Everyone has heard that conservatives are tough on terror, while liberal Democrats are soft. But what about Bush II trying to block investigations of 9/11 to prevent reoccurrence, Reagan's bungling in Lebanon, Bush I's reported bribing Iran to delay the hostage release until after U.S. elections, and warnings by French, Italian, CIA and Philippine authorities of terrorist plans to use commercial aircraft as guided missiles?

Conason's anecdotal evidence seems credible; on the other hand, there probably is just as much evidence pointed in the other direction. So who to believe? I don't have the answer - but I do wish political dialogue was fact-based rather than primarily childish name-calling.

Buy it!.......2005-12-21

Joe Conason claims that the right wing propaganda machine distorts the truth. He charges the right with being weak on fighting terrorism, soft on crime, weak on family values, the killers of free enterprise, and fiscally irresponsible. These issues have always been the republican claim to fame. This is when Conason proves that if you hear something often enough people take it as fact.

In a no-holds-barred, bare-knuckle style of writing that will grip the reader, he provides examples of his charges that fall like hammer blows. It was Reagan who pulled out of Beirut, and traded arms for hostages (Iran/Contra), and lifted an embargo on Chile imposed by Jimmy Carter after Chilean agents killed an American in the streets of Wash. D.C. Under Bush we have record deficits. The republicans fought the Family Leave Act and Social Security Act tooth and nail. It was the republicans who cut programs that added police to our streets, and it was under republican deregulation that businesses have abused and cheated the citizen and taxpayer as the robber barons of old did.

Conason makes too many fascinating and factual observations to list here. Suffice it to say that this book is one you may always keep as a reference.

You don't give this one away.

I Was Disappointed.......2005-12-04

While I generally share Joe Consason's political sensibilities, and I am a fan of his column on (at?) Salon.com, I found this book to be a disappointment. Too often Mr. Conason seems utterly scandalized by minor transgressions on the part of Republicans/conservative pundits, or posits innuendo as fact. To be fair, at several points he does intelligently treat some genuinely egregious instances of mendacity, hypocrisy, and/or venality on the part of the American far-right over the last few years. Here his commentary is illuminating, and his conclusions are sound. Also, throughout the book, one never gets the sense that Mr. Conason is motivated by meanness or vindictiveness in any of his contentions. Yet ultimately the book can be characterized by (dare I say) what are at times partisan and dubious assertions.

(For a truly sober, superbly researched, and utterly convincing look at the ascendancy of the far-right, and what has been a well-financed (and highly successful) campaign of distortion, read Eric Alterman's superp "What Liberal Media.")

Machine Scoring of Student Essays: Truth and Consequences

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Machine Scoring of Student Essays: Truth and Consequences

Manufacturer: Utah State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Rhetoric | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 087421632X

Product Description

The current trend toward machine-scoring of student work, Ericsson and Haswell argue, has created an emerging issue with implications for higher education across the disciplines, but with particular importance for those in English departments and in administration. The academic community has been silent on the issueâsome would say excluded from itâwhile the commercial entities who develop essay-scoring software have been very active. Machine Scoring of Student Essays is the first volume to seriously consider the educational mechanisms and consequences of this trend, and it offers important discussions from some of the leading scholars in writing assessment. Reading and evaluating student writing is a time-consuming process, yet it is a vital part of both student placement and coursework at post-secondary institutions. In recent years, commercial computer-evaluation programs have been developed to score student essays in both of these contexts. Two-year colleges have been especially drawn to these programs, but four-year institutions are moving to them as well, because of the cost-savings they promise. Unfortunately, to a large extent, the programs have been written, and institutions are installing them, without attention to their instructional validity or adequacy. Since the education software companies are moving so rapidly into what they perceive as a promising new market, a wider discussion of machine-scoring is vital if scholars hope to influence development and/or implementation of the programs being created. What is needed, then, is a critical resource to help teachers and administrators evaluate programs they might be considering, and to more fully envision the instructional consequences of adopting them. And this is the resource that Ericsson and Haswell are providing here.

Truth from Trash: How Learning Makes Sense (Complex Adaptive Systems)

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Truth from Trash: How Learning Makes Sense (Complex Adaptive Systems)
Chris Thornton
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Computers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0262201275

Book Description

This study of learning in autonomous agents offers a bracing intellectual adventure. Chris Thornton makes the compelling claim that learning is not a passive discovery operation but an active process involving creativity on the part of the learner. Although theorists of machine learning tell us that all learning methods contribute some form of bias and thus involve a degree of creativity, Thornton carries the idea much further. He describes an incremental process, recursive relational learning, in which the results of one learning step serve as the basis for the next. Very high-level recodings are then substantially the creative artifacts of the learner's own processing. Lower-level recodings are more "objective" in that their properties are more severely constrained by the source data. Thornton sees consciousness as a process at the outer fringe of relational learning, just prior to the onset of creativity. According to this view, we cannot assume consciousness to be an exclusively human phenomenon, but rather the expected feature of any cognitive mechanism able to engage in extended flights of relational learning.

Thornton presents key background material in an entertaining manner, using extensive mental imagery and a minimum of mathematics. Anecdotes and dialogue add to the text's informality.

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didn't expect to even see this here

Star Trek: The Truth Machine
Christopher Cerf
Manufacturer: Random House Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

didn't expect to even see this here.......2000-03-29

I found this in a library. A child's picture book with a plot. Almost like an original episode. Very predictable. Don't buy it, but read it if you want to.

Big Lies - Right-wing Propaganda Machine And How It Distorts The Truth

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Big Lies - Right-wing Propaganda Machine And How It Distorts The Truth
Joe Conason
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NCO0H4

Connectionism and Meaning: From Truth Conditions to Weight Representations (Ablex Series in Artificial Intelligence)

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Connectionism and Meaning: From Truth Conditions to Weight Representations (Ablex Series in Artificial Intelligence)
Stuart A. Jackson
Manufacturer: Ablex Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Natural Language Processing | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Cognitive | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1567501575

Death of a National Democratic Party: The truth about Truman, big-city-machine-labor-socialist party

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Death of a National Democratic Party: The truth about Truman, big-city-machine-labor-socialist party
Seale Harris
Manufacturer: published by the author
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007EBMEC

How Waivers to the Truth in Negotiations Act May Improve Naval Aviation Acqusition Processes

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How Waivers to the Truth in Negotiations Act May Improve Naval Aviation Acqusition Processes

Manufacturer: Storming Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: 1423555147

Product Description

This is a NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A123953. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: The Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA) requires that Government contractors provide cost or pricing data for procurements equal to or exceeding $500,000 and certify that such data are accurate, current and complete upon agreement of a contracts price. However, preparation, provision and examination of these data are tedious, time-consuming and costly for the contractor and the Government. The objective of this research was to determine how Department of Defense experience with TINA Waivers could be used to improve Naval Aviation acquisition processes. The thesis examines acquisitions made by three aviation procurement organizations using these waivers. The methodology included gathering waiver-related information to assess the overall use, policy and guidance, methodologies, effects and the opinions related to waivers. The findings illustrate that waivers can offer considerable benefits of time and cost savings. However, barriers exist precluding them from regular use. These include approval limitations, a lack of waiver guidance and a limited diversity of waiver use. From these findings, recommendations are made to remove restrictive waiver policies and procedures, reduce the level of approval authority for waivers, increase waiver guidance and approve blanket or class waivers.

The Shark Watchers' Guide: Find Out the Truth about the Perfect Killing Machine

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The Shark Watchers' Guide: Find Out the Truth about the Perfect Killing Machine
Guido Dingerkus
Manufacturer: Silver Burdett Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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How True!!!

If it is even only half true it is a very scary picture of the CoS

Bent Corydon is not a liar!

Ranting and raving

A scary, important, and believable book

L Ron Hubbard Messiah Or Madman
Bent Corydon , and L. Ron Hubbard
Manufacturer: Citadel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Scientology | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0818404442

Customer Reviews:

How True!!!.......2006-09-29

Madman, yes!!! After reading this you will come to the same conclusion. I just cant believe that people fall for this con!

If it is even only half true it is a very scary picture of the CoS.......2006-08-06

I was into the Church of Scientology stuff. I had read a couple of books and was asking them for more information when I came across this book in a used book store. I read it and had serious second thoughts.

Some of the information in this book seems far fetched, but some of it seems dead on. I used this book as one of many sources to form my own opinion and I suggest others to do the same.

Bent Corydon is not a liar!.......2006-04-24

I know Bent Corydon. He is not a liar. I have seen the proof. Read his book. Learn the truth about Scientology. Then stay far away. My family also had similar experiences with Scientology and they do not know Bent. A self help book and tax exempt status does not make you a religion. Kidnaping and racketeering does make you mafia.

Ranting and raving.......2005-11-18

Don't waste your money on the ranting and raving of Mr. Corydon. I think he is just mad that he didn't come up with the ideas Mr. Hubbard did.

Instead, read what Hubbard wrote, and make your own decision of his ideas and decide if these can help you in your own life.

A scary, important, and believable book.......2005-08-31

If you don't have a basic familiarity with Scientology this should NOT be the first book you read, but the second. First should be Jon Atack's A Piece of Blue Sky, which gives a compelling chronology of Hubbard and Scientology. You won't be able to put the book down. Nor this one, if you know the history. Corydon's book is essential supplementary material - disorganized, true, as some reviewers accurately note - but gives in-depth information on aspects Atack only alludes to, such as Hubbard's belief in black magic and how it influenced his supposedly "positive" religion. Also includes some frightening depositions from ex-Scientologists - the description of Hubbard's sexual "assault" on one victim (he lay upon her for an hour, motionless, limp, smothering, while she felt she was going crazy) is something you wont learn about from Tom Cruise and his ilk - the celebrities are feted by Scientology, and kept far away from the dark underbelly that powers the cult of Scientology.

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L. Ron Hubbard, Messiah or Madman?
Bent Corydon-
Manufacturer: Barricade Books-
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O6DWTQ

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