Pseudoscience: An Amusing History of Crackpot Ideas and Why We Love Them

by Lydia Kang, Nate Pedersen

From the authors of Quackery, a visual and narrative history of popular ideas, phenomena, and widely held beliefs disproven by science. 

From the easily disproved to the wildly speculative, to  straight-up hucksterism, Pseudoscience is a romp through much more than bad science—it’s a light-hearted look into why we insist on believing in things such as Big Foot, astrology, and the existence of aliens. Did you know, for example, that you can tell a person’s future by touching their butt? Rumpology. It’s a thing, but not really. Or that Stanley Kubrick made a fake moon landing film for the US government? Except he didn’t. Or that spontaneous human combustion is real? It ain’t, but it can be explained scientifically.   

Pseudoscience is a wild mix of history, pop culture, and good old fashioned science–that not just entertains, but sheds a little light on why we all love to believe in things we know aren't true. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, History, Audiobook, Humor, Adult, Book Club

320 pages, Hardcover

Published February 18, 2025

About the author

I love salt more than chocolate. I'm somewhat small, yet deceptively strong. Sort of like an ant.

I'm a part time doc, full time family member, and if you offer me snacks, I'll be a friend for life.

My adult fiction centers around historical mysteries in New York City, with splashes of forensics, anatomy, apothecary medicine, and chemistry! A BEAUTIFUL POISON takes place in 1918 at the height of the influenza epidemic; THE IMPOSSIBLE GIRL centers around the illegal grave robbing world; and forthcoming in July 2020 is OPIUM AND ABSINTHE, with--you guessed it--opium and absinthe. And possibly vampires!

I have three nonfiction adult titles written with Nate Pederson: QUACKERY: A Short History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything, 2017; PATIENT ZERO: A Curious History of the World's Worst Diseases; and PSEUDOSCIENCE: An Amusing History of Crackpot Ideas and Why We Love Them.

My most recent YA novel is releasing in October 2025, entitled K-Jane (Quill Tree Books) about a Korean American girl who doesn't feel Korean enough and decides to educate herself on all things K-Pop, K-food, K-drama, and things get pretty out of hand! I am also the author of TOXIC, a space opera about a created, teen girl who's abandoned on a biological spaceship, and the mercenary boy doomed to die on it. I've also written THE NOVEMBER GIRL, set on a remote island on Lake Superior. A girl with violence running through her veins meets a boy running away from an abusive home life.

I'm also the author of the Star Wars novel CATACLYSM, which is part of The High Republic series of books that take place several hundred years before the movies begin.

And as always, there are more books to come!

Reviews

[Rory Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

A (mostly) clear and engaging exploration of some popular conspiracy theories

Labels like ‘conspiracy theory’ and ‘fake news’ appear regularly in the Media. But people do not always appreciate the pseudo-science upon which they rest. That makes this book particularly interesting, as it drills into fringe perspectives to identify and expose the pseudo-science which drives and enables a variety of alternative perspectives.

Combining clear exposition with personal stories, each chapter tends to be written around characters who exemplify important aspects of the issues. Thus, the chapter on Flat Earth follows ‘Mad’ Mike Hughes and his attempts to build rockets in order to see for himself whether the world is flat or not. This focus upon personal characters makes each chapter more engaging, as it turns what would otherwise be just a set of issues, into a story about the issues.

Each chapter is relatively short, but they generally contain a thoughtful analysis of the issues and a suggested explanation of the pseudo-science phenomena. So, for example, the chapter on spontaneous human combustion explored alleged historical examples. Then it noted that in previous centuries people used skin creams which were highly flammable. With an abundance of candles and naked flames in older houses, cases of alleged human combustion can sadly be explained all too easily.

One minor disappointment with the book was that it only covered a few aspects of Pseudo Science. It would have been good to alert readers to the wider issues which fall within the category. For example, people can fall into pseudo-science by simply not accepting changes and new discoveries. Scientific theories of Phlogiston represented scientific wisdom until new discoveries meant that those hanging onto Phlogiston became adherents of Pseudo-Science.

A more serious disappointment with the book involved its occasional condescending tone. For example, on p.232 the seventeenth century figure of Joseph of Cupertino is described as a ‘religious fanatic.’ Yet, he wasn’t really behaving that differently to his historical contemporaries. So his alleged ‘fanaticism’ sounds more like a modern cultural imperialism looking down upon the divergent values and ethos of a different era. Is that kind of attitude really appropriate in a modern book?

And on the point of Joseph of Cupertino, he was cited in the book because it was said that he could fly. Apparently there were so many witnesses (including the pope and other dignitaries) that a guest house had to be built to accommodate the constant large numbers. The author then debunks the story that Joseph could fly, by telling us that maybe Joseph was just good at jumping.

Good at jumping? What? Are we really to believe that 350 years ago no one could tell the difference between jumping and flying? The author’s explanation of Joseph’s behaviour sounds as odd, if not odder than, the phenomenon which it is meant to explain. Lacking a better explanation, I can’t help wondering if it wouldn’t have been better to just leave Joseph out of the book altogether (?).

Overall, this was (mainly) a well-written and enjoyable read. I appreciated the short sections combining text and photographs, as they were ideal for browsing and for dipping in and out of the text. If it hadn’t been for the issues noted above, then this would have been a 4 or 5 star review. But I just think that the era of books being casually condescending towards other cultures has passed, and so it is hard to justify more than 2 stars.

(These are honest comments on a ‘free’ digital ARC (Advanced Review Copy) version of the text).

[Massimo Pigliucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s refreshing to see a new book on pseudoscience, given how rampant belief in all sorts of nonsense is these days, especially (but not only) in the United States. Kang and Pedersen cover an impressive range of unscientific claims, from the obvious ones (UFOs, Bermuda Triangle, ghosts, cryptozoology, and so forth) to the more esoteric ones (I bet you never heard of “Lawsonomy”!). The various chapters are organized under four major headings: “Pure nonscience” (flat Earth, perpetual motion machines, phrenology, and others), “Aliens! Ghosts! Bigfoot! Atlantis!” (the title of the section being self-explanatory), “Wishful Thinking” (cryonics, astrology, personality psychology, ecc.), and “Grifters, Nihilism, and Denialism” (fake Moon landings, climate change denial, dowsing, and so on). The book is indeed an amusing history of crackpot ideas, though much less discussion, unfortunately, is devoted to the second part of the subtitle: why people love this sort of crap so much. That would have required a deep dive into research in both personal and social psychology, and perhaps it can be left for another book. In each chapter, Kang and Pedersen present their subject matter in a captivating and entertaining fashion and then proceed to the debunking, though the latter could have been a bit more in-depth in some cases. All things considered, this is a must-read for anyone seriously interested in pseudoscience. Mind you, it will not change any true believer’s opinion, but that’s not its goal anyway. “Pseudoscience” is for the rest of us, who have no trouble agreeing to the proposition that there is no Big Foot and yet are befuddled by the fact that so many think otherwise.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Myths and legends. The unexplained. The macabre. The paranormal. These are all subjects that I like to read about. This book by Lydia Yang, MD and Nate Pederson looks at an assortment of strange and unusual phenomena and attempts to disprove it through scientific fact. Your usual suspects are explored here: UFOs, ghosts, cryptids and the Bermuda Triangle. Then you have your lesser known unsolved mysteries like spontaneous combustion and ley lines. Then you have things that even a lifelong lover of all things this side of Ripley's Believe It Or Not have never encountered such as the all but forgotten 20th century school of thought/cult of Lawsonism.

For the most part the writers are fair and even a touch open minded. Right off the bat, they promise to not disprove any mainstream religions. Things like Atlantis could be real and while the authors destroy the concept of astrology based on the fact that Pluto is no longer a major planet in our solar system, they admit to sometimes reading their horoscopes because 'its fun.'

One subject that I felt did show a bias was the chapter on climate deniers. Personally, I agree that something is wonky with our weather. But I don't blame it solely on the human race. I really think something is off with our planet's axis because I don't remember it still being sunlight at 9:30pm during the summer when I was a kid. Yet, while the authors expressed hopes that maybe there really is a Loch Ness Monster, they both seem to close the door on any other explanation to climate change than it's all because of fossil fuels and deforestation. I agree that has something to do with it. But I feel like there's an unspoken element out there that is also contributing to climate change and that it's being kept hush-hush.

The authors have a pair of similar books that I actually have been wanting to read for some time now. After reading this 2025 book, I am still open to getting those sister volumes. There is a light-hearted element to (most of) this book. Mostly, it's relegated to the captions for the photos and some were really funny. I liked how the majority of the chapters details events and happenings as factual before going back and tearing down the subject matter with a scientific approach. It helps to give this book a very open minded feel to it because who knows, maybe one day we will be visited by aliens flying around in a flying saucer. It's doubtful. But it's not a concept that has been 100% disproven yet.

If only the authors had kept this approach to every chapter. I wouldn't have felt like I was tricked into a promise of scientific exploration of the unknown and wound up attending a very fierce-toned TED talk on climate change.

[Michelle Graf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC.

A lighthearted romp through the most popular and bizarre conspiracy theories. The authors take a humorous, if at times, judgemental view towards the believers. I can get being judgemental towards ones leaning into Nazi ideology with their theories. For others, like those believing in ghosts, it can be a little mean-spirited. I did learn some new ones, which was a pleasant surprise. That Lawsonomy stuff, that had a literal college in Michigan and Wisconsin, I can't believe I had never heard of it before.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The simplest, clearest review I can give of this book is: "people are nuts and will - literally - believe anything, no matter how crazy."

I skimmed a lot of this because it really is crazy what people will fall for and go all in trying to convince others that the crazy is legit.

The author has a great sense of humour and that comes across in how the various nutty things an theories are delivered.

Overall, I think I was more depressed than amused that so many can be so gullible as to believe SO MUCH crazy nonsense. Since I got this book from the library, at least it didn't cost me anything to explore.

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review – Pseudoscience by Lydia Kang

Pseudoscience is a fascinating and often jaw-dropping exploration of the strange and questionable ideas that have masqueraded as science throughout history. Lydia Kang presents a well-researched collection of medical myths, bizarre inventions, conspiracy theories, and quack cures, all with a tone that manages to be both informative and witty.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Kang writes with clarity and humor, making even the most ridiculous claims—like radium tonics or phrenology—engaging and easy to understand. The book moves at a steady pace, and each chapter stands well on its own, which makes it easy to pick up and read in sections without feeling lost.

That said, because it covers such a wide range of topics, some readers may find certain parts more compelling than others. A few entries felt a bit short, leaving me wanting more detail or context, especially when it came to the social or scientific impact of certain beliefs.

Overall, Pseudoscience is a fun and enlightening read for anyone interested in the curious ways humans have tried (and failed) to understand the world. It's a reminder of how critical thinking and skepticism are essential—even when something sounds scientific.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

Maintaining sanity these days is an uphill battle, so it was nice to read a book advocating for actual science, rather than the “my delusions are just as valid as your facts” attitude spreading like norovirus.

There’s a snarky tone here that some people won’t enjoy, but I did. If you maintain that the earth is flat in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, don’t expect anyone to bother to engage with you respectfully and earnestly.

The usual suspects are all here-- cryptids, crop circles, ufos, moon landing deniers. Alfred Lawson was new to me, and his foundational notion seemed to be that the driving forces of the entire world were suction and pressure.

The best thing was the mention of swamp gas as a routine government explanation for any UFO sightings, which reminded me of a song by Leslie Fish* I hadn’t heard in several decades, so I found it online and listened, and it made me smile and brought back great memories.

*If you’ve heard of Leslie Fish, you’re my kind of people.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Quackery and now decided to read Pseudoscience which covers the ideas from cryptozoology to polygraph to dowsing (didn't know what THIS was until now) in short chapters giving the background/history of this idea and the people, locations, or events that became associated with it such as crop circles in England before two men came forward to share that they were behind it or the idea of creating "gasoline pills" so that our cars could be inexpensively operated because we've always complained about the cost of gas.

It's an overview of each so you could jump around in the book, skip chapters, or dive headlong into the ones that most intrigue a person. While, taken as a whole, it certainly shows what people believe or think they believe all in the name of pseudoscience.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kang highlights humanity's wackiest ideas, the appeal of certainty and our search for answers... no not that answer, a better answer.

Why I started this book: Started it as soon as the hold came in. I needed so fun infotainment in my life.

Why I finished it: Fascinating to see the history of bad, crazy or desperate ideas... what sparked them, and what allows them to continue. Hand this to fans of Mary Roach or Get Well Soon: History's Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them for the lighthearted tone and solid research.

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

While I don't not reccomend this on audio, I feel you would lose a lot just by having that on it's own, rather than using a duel approach or ebook/physical singular. This is because the book has a lot of pictures and drawings scattered throughout the book, that really add to the narrative. Sometimes it's pictures of people who they are talking about, other times it's a pictures of some different types of bums one can have in rumpology. Something I had never heard about, so it was helpful for that image. So I really wish there was a pdf to go with the audio book.

I reccomend this overall though. It was real interesting and was a fun, not too heavy mind break.

[Nicholas Smeaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining look at some of the weird and wonderful beliefs that have been peddled throughout history. Despite it's relative brevity the authors do a good job exploring the background and history of a number of beliefs that, despite appearances, have no grounding in science. They also explore the appeal of those ideas to the public. The authors have deliberately left out some very controversial beliefs, partly because their history makes for very depressing reading and partly because they lacked space to explore the history and appeal of such beliefs in any significant detail.
Despite that, this book is still a good introduction to the topic and an enjoyable and informative read.

[Bill Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would make a good gift to any young reader in the misinformation age. Much like a collection of podcast scripts, each topic mostly stands alone here. The authors are more interested in each specific deviation from sanity than in any generalizations about pseudoscience or gullible belief. What I also found notable is the avoidance of most topics with any connection to religion, faith-healing for example. Not as good as the classic IN THE NAME OF SCIENCE or even Sladek's THE NEW APPOCRYPHA but certainly deserving of space on the same shelf.

[Kat Dixon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good survey of pseudosciences and conspiracy theories, some fun, some nefarious, and some just plain stupid (looking at your flat earthers and climate change deniers). I learned some cool tidbits, but I wanted more of the "Why We Love Them" the title promised. As a developmental editor, I would never have let this book get published without a proper conclusion to do some of that lifting.

[Csparrenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting well researched book looking at many ideas outside the realm of mainstream thought. Some topics were of great interest, some topics were of little interest. if you are curious about unproven theories and ideas, this book is for you.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining! I knew about most of the pseudoscientific claims but still learned some things. Like that Rumpology is a thing. Some of the origin stories for the claims were interesting. Quite a funny book.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny, it was like reading a sarcastically written Wikipedia page

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like the title promised, this was a very amusing read, it was also very well sourced and pretty serious. My kind of science

[Elise Parse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun fun fun fun if you live conspiracy theories it's a must

[Stella Chen · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Natalie S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusing read. Easy to skim and yet it delivers when you take the time to read the whole segment. My favorite section was the last, titled: Drifters, nihilism, and denialism.

[Michael Lent · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast, mostly fun read that oscillates between calling out quasi-serious (personality tests like the Myers -Briggs) and the outright silly like phrenology and world ice theory.

[Mark Brule · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mildly entertaining read that sheds light on a number of Crock-Pot ideas and schemes.

[PotatoStar · Rating 3 out of 5]

MBTI and horoscope girlies, run.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s been a while since I laughed as much as I learned. Very well-written and well-researched.

[Mayar Mahdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read a pop-science book in so long, so this was a nice change. It's quick and interesting, but doesn't go in depth into one specific topic, so it's a cool compilation of different topics.

[John Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

a very interesting look into pseudo science. it explains a lot of the history and back story with a bit of tongue in cheek humor.