De Botton analyses modern society with great charm, learning and humour. His remedies come as a welcome relief when most books offering solutions to the stresses of life recommend the lotus position

Measured, amused, compassionate . . . de Botton is a surefooted discoverer of the pungent but less well-known quote

A purveyor of serious but playful manuals for living

Turned me into a fan, for its range, insight, wit and sheer usefulness

Absorbing, smart and enjoyable... Parents and scientists will enjoy the insights but so will anyone who has thought about the question of what it means to be human

Eminently readable . . . presents brilliant and highly original advice on how to get someone to do something

Flipnosis offers some powerful insights into the art and science of getting people to do what you want. You can't fault Dutton's eye for a good story . . . The book contains plenty of tricks to help you get your own way or turn around a sticky situation

Once you start reading this absorbing book, you see attempted flipnosis everywhere - and there's no better example than the word 'flipnosis' itself. Having promised you the secrets of this great phenomenon, Dutton keeps you waiting for them until well into the second half of the book, by which time you are well and truly hooked. He is no mean flipnotist, which I'm sure he'll take as the greatest possible compliment

Fascinating, intelligent and accessible . . . Full of useful techniques, this book will help you get your own way in every aspect of life

As fascinating as it is alarming . . . Read it. Apply it

Truly fascinating

Highly articulate … Her memories are real, not recovered