Unfortunately, the breadth of the topics is probably beyond anyone, and particularly the author, to treat in sufficient detail that convincing cases may be made in most instances. The monumental difficulty throughout history with the occult has been the magnitude of rational effort needed to overcome some simple act of faith, however misguided. Regrettably, many times this book offers cleverjuxtaposition of experiences and rhetoric to beat down claims rather than mounting what facts are known and establishing bounds for hopeful expectations. The body of literature on the topic might have discouraged a less courageous writer and Sladek has worked mightily in producing such a survey of what man has found to believe in, which defies much of practiced science. Seven major sections of the text consider individual topics including UFOs, lost continents, monsters, food cults, numerology, ESP and astrology. The eighth section touches on the bases of these beliefs by considering the place of rumor, prophecy and perceptual psychology as related to the occult. References and bibliography comprise 24 pages. The author’s style generally provides the reader with his greatest rewards, for while being adamant in his disbelief of all this nonsense, he never loses his playful view of people trying to survive coincidence of the most astounding nature.

    However, balance is impossible in the absence of the one positive moral alternative to all religions. That alternative is secular scientific humanism - the subject of this book, written mostly from the perspective of European history. The first edition of this book, intended mainly for teenagers, was published in 1973 as a textbook for secondary schools. This current edition (the seventh), again updated and expanded, makes a useful resource for Religious Education teachers in years 9 to 13, to present alongside information on the major world religions. Since humanism is equal to any of them today in numerical importance and esteem, its inclusion in the syllabus helps to make RE objective, fair and balanced.