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How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered The World, Francis Wheen
Harper Perennial
Reviewed by John Whelan (Courtesy of Taranaki Daily News)

I get the distinct impression Francis Wheen wants to show us all he's the clever boy who's worked out the Emperor's wearing no clothes. Instead, he comes across as a cynical, pompous twit poking holes in anything that doesn't meet his perception of truth and "enlightenment".

Wheen is an English political commentator and, having just finished his contribution to literature, I would rather read the thoughts of a Melbourne Cup commentator than his warped view of the world.

We all know the world's not a perfect place, you don't have to tell me and you certainly don't have to write a book about it, just turn on the TV at six o'clock and it's right there in front of you.

Rants against the policies of Reagan and Thatcher are a continuous if rather outdated feature, as are the author's sneering view on anyone's opinions that differ from his. As well as politicians, self-styled new age gurus come in for a scathing attack. Is nothing sacred?

Apparently not, you should hear his views on the evils of religion. Other well-used targets include Gore/Bush, Evolution/Creationism, astrology, Nostradamus – they all get a good going over, as do Princess Di, Christians, globalisation, anti-globalisation, the list goes on.

If this wasn't bad enough, the publishers have had the gall to splatter the word "Hilarious" on the front cover. Reading How Mumbo-Jumbo Conquered The World is about as hilarious as getting a root canal filling while listening to your dentist's top 20 least favourite things about modern life.