CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
In which we learn what happened when a supposedly psychic dog was put
to the test, and begin our journey into a world where everything appears
possible and nothing is quite as it seems.
1. FORTUNE-TELLING
In which we meet the mysterious ‘Mr D’, visit the non-existent town of
Lake Wobegon, find out how to convince strangers that we know all about
them, and discover who we really are.
2. OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCES
In which we hear about the scientists who attempted to photograph the
soul, discover how a rubber hand reveals the truth about astral flying,
learn how to leave our bodies, and find out how our brains decide where
we are right now.
3. MIND OVER MATTER
In which we discover how one man fooled the world, learn how to bend metal
with the power of our minds, investigate gurus in India, and find out
why we sometimes cannot see what is happening right in front of our eyes.
4. TALKING WITH THE DEAD
In which we meet two young girls who created a new religion, discover
what happened when the world’s greatest scientist confronted the Devil,
learn how to commune with non-existent spirits, and unleash the power
of our unconscious mind.
INTERMISSION
In which we take a break from our journey, meet the remarkable Mr Harry
Price, travel to the Isle of Man to investigate a talking mongoose, and
end up in the high court.
5. GHOST-HUNTING
In which we spend some quality time with an old hag, discover why poltergeist
researchers once shook a house to pieces, meet the non-existent phantom
of Ratcliffe Wharf, learn how to see a ghost, and explore the psychology
of suggestion.
6. MIND CONTROL
In which we climb inside the head of the world’s greatest thought-reader,
discover whether hypnotists can make us act against our will, infiltrate
some cults, learn how to avoid being brainwashed, and investigate the
psychology of persuasion.
7. PROPHESY
In which we find out whether Abraham Lincoln really did foresee his own
death, learn how to control our dreams, and delve deep into the remarkable
world of sleep science.
CONCLUSION
In which we find out why we are all wired for the weird and contemplate
the nature of wonder.
APPENDIX
The Instant Superhero Kit
