This book is an interesting study of both the scientific and
sociological aspects of pseudosciences, broadly categorized
to include Astrology, UFOlogy, "Scientific" Creationism and
Holocaust Denial. The author spends some time with amusing
anecdotes about his experiences with hypnotists, ESP, UFOlogy,
but the bulk of the book deals with the last two subjects.
For me, the most fascinating parallel Shermer draws is between
the "Scientific" Creationists and Holocaust Deniers. It isn't a
moral parallel, obviously, but rather a similarity in tactics that
is fascinating. Both quote opposition experts out of context to
try to give their cause credibility (several examples given), both
are virtually inflexible in their beliefs and both have recently
changed tactics to promote an "equal time" approach, as in "Maybe
you don't agree with us, but what is the harm in teaching our view
alongside the conventional wisdom in schools?"
The only part of the book I would take issue with is Shermer's
assertion that his problem with creationists is that they have
a practiced "pat answer" (much like a catechism) for every
scientific point you can raise. Shermer than goes on to give
his "pat rebuttal" to every creationist and holocaust-denial
argment. I think it is important to distinguish between the
quality of answers in each case and compare the basic
arguments of each side a little more carefully. Otherwise, it
comes off as a "point/counterpoint" making each side look
equally valid to some laypersons.