Bad Science

by Ben Goldacre
Bad Science cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Nonfiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 3455
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-11
  • ISBN: 9781429967099
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2010-10-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Bad Science,' Ben Goldacre takes on the media and the scientific community for their role in perpetuating misleading health claims. He exposes quack doctors, biased studies, and the media's willingness to ignore facts. But Goldacre doesn't just point out the problems; he teaches readers how to evaluate scientific claims themselves, from understanding placebo effects to interpreting double-blind studies. /n/n Goldacre's engaging and humorous writing style makes complex scientific concepts accessible to the average reader. He provides practical tools to help readers navigate the often-confusing world of health and science news, empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Reviews
Reviewing.co.uk · Roger · 2026-01-11
great 4.25

The book is a humorous, angry, and very helpful guide to sorting true science from the 'sciency'. It is also a wonderfully topical introduction to the use and misuse of science.

Roger finds 'Bad Science' to be a humorous, angry, and very helpful guide to sorting true science from the 'sciency'. The book is also a wonderfully topical introduction to the use and misuse of science, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of scientific inquiry. Roger praises Goldacre's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, and highlights the book's relevance to contemporary debates about science and society. Whether you're a seasoned skeptic or a newcomer to the world of scientific inquiry, this book is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.

Quick quotes

    Bad Science is humorous, angry and very helpful guide to sorting true science from the 'sciency'.

    It is also a wonderfully topical introduction to the use and misuse of science.

    Goldacre's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging is truly impressive.

The Guardian · PD Smith · 2009-05-08
excellent 4.50

The reviewer finds the book to be a top-notch critique of quackery, praising the author's engaging writing style. They highlight the book's ability to make complex scientific issues understandable and entertaining.

The reviewer commends Ben Goldacre for his top-notch critique of quackery and pseudoscience. They appreciate the author's engaging writing style, which makes complex scientific issues accessible and entertaining. The reviewer also notes that the book is not just a critique but also an inspirational call to action, encouraging readers to question and think critically about the science they encounter. Overall, they find the book to be a highly enjoyable and informative read.

Quick quotes

    In this book the crusader against quackery is on top form.

    Goldacre's writing is engaging and makes complex issues understandable.

    The book is an excellent assault on modern 'science' and a call to action for critical thinking.

MDDUS · 2009-02-12
inspirational 4.25

They appreciate the book's witty and unsparing attacks on pseudoscience, finding it both entertaining and informative. The reviewer recommends it to anyone interested in the subject.

The reviewer is a long-time fan of Ben Goldacre's witty and unsparing attacks on pseudoscience, and this book does not disappoint. They find the book to be both entertaining and informative, with a style that makes complex scientific issues accessible. The reviewer recommends it to anyone interested in the subject, praising its ability to inspire critical thinking and a deeper understanding of science. Overall, they find the book to be a valuable and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    I have long been a fan of Goldacre's witty and unsparing attacks on pseudo-science and this book in no way disappointed.

    For anyone unacquainted with Goldacre's work, this book is a great introduction.

    The book is an excellent assault on modern 'science' and a call to action for critical thinking.

The Telegraph · PD Smith · 2008-09-27
engaging 4.00

They find the book witty and engaging, highlighting the author's sharp critique of pseudoscience. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining.

The reviewer praises Ben Goldacre's ability to dismantle pseudoscience with wit and clarity. They particularly enjoy how Goldacre tackles various forms of quackery and media misinformation, making the book both informative and entertaining. The reviewer also notes the book's empowering effect, encouraging readers to question the scientific claims they encounter in daily life. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling read that combines humor with serious scientific critique.

Quick quotes

    As Goldacre notes, there's an irony here for all those alternative treatments that work by exploiting the placebo effect.

    Goldacre's book is a sharp, funny, and surprisingly empowering read.

    The book is a hard-hitting exploration of the perversion of science by pseudoscience and pharmaceutical trickery.

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