Francis Wheen’s book How Mumbo-Jumbo conquered the world was an enjoyable and interesting book, but marks the end - for now - of my extended reading of science/political/analytical books. For the last few months I’ve been devouring books by authors such as Richard Dawkins and Jung Chang, on Mao, and to be honest I need a break!
So I’m retreating to an author I “discovered” a couple of years ago, namely John Steinbeck (I’ve just started The Winter of our discontent), followed by Ernest Hemmingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. My reading of 20th century novelists - and such well known ones as this - only started in the last few years: my study of such books at school was curtailed by a lacklustre GCSE English syllabus and teacher. In the other Steinbeck’s I have read, as well as other books from the first half of the 20th century, I find enthralling, timeless stories that encourage thought, and build understanding of a tumultuous time. So I’m relishing the prospect of these next few books.
Mumbo-Jumbo was interesting as it deplores the descent by politicians, the media and business into a repeat of the past, and to undo so much of the enlightenment and leaving behind rational thought with “new” ideas and models, that only ever seem to repeat the mistakes of the past. However, enjoyable though it was, it did feel like a bit of an extended rant by Victor Meldrew at times, and it’s extended subject matter felt far too broad. Finally, as Roger Darlington points out in his excellent review (which was where I’d first heard of the book) it’s title is defeatist, and implies something I don’t think is true: Whilst rational thought and a scientific approach may be under fire from the “popular” media, charlatans and snake-oil salesmen, it has not been conquered.
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July 23rd, 2005 at 11:16 pm
Richard, Glad that I was able to give you an idea for your reading schedule and thanks for the link. Enjoy the Steinbeck.