Author:Rose Shapiro
'Alternative' medicine is now used by one in three of us. In the UK we spend an estimated £4.5 billion a year on it and its practitioners are now insinuating themselves into the mainstream. There are methods based on ancient or far-eastern medicine, as well as ones invented in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Many are promoted as natural treatments. What they have in common is that there is no hard evidence that any of them work.
Treatments like homeopathy, acupuncture and chiropractic are widely available and considered reputable by many. Ever more bizarre therapies, from naturopathy to nutraceuticals, ear candling to ergogenics, are increasingly favoured. Endorsed by celebrities and embraced by the middle classes, alternative medicine's appeal is based on the spurious rediscovery of ancient wisdom and the supposedly benign quality of nature. Surrounded by an aura of unquestioning respect and promoted through uncritical airtime and column inches, alternative medicine has become a lifestyle choice. Its global market is predicted to be worth $5 trillion by 2050.
Suckers reveals how alternative medicine can jeopardise the health of those it claims to treat, leaches resources from treatments of proven efficacy and is largely unaccountable and unregulated. In short, it is an industry that preys on human vulnerability and makes fools of us all.
Suckers is a calling to account of a social and intellectual fraud; a bracing, funny and popular take on a global delusion.
a potted history of alternative medicine, as well as a thorough rebuttal of it, and her research is both fascinating and illuminating
—— Natalie Haynes , New HumanistRecommended treatment: another dose of Shapiro
—— Daily MailIf you already buy into CAM, Shapiro's trade is going to make you feel angry and / or stupid. Which is sad, because you are exactly the kind of person who should digest it carefully before reaching for the arnica
—— The TimesThis trenchant polemic against every form of quackery from crystal healing to colonic irrigation is brilliant, necessary stuff
—— Scotland on SundayVery readable book...clear and bracing
—— Evening StandardThis book... may change your life for the better
—— Sunday Business PostA vigorous polemic
—— GuardianShapiro expertly describes the pathology of medical counter knowledge
—— Daily TelegraphA potted history of alternative medicine, as well as a thorough rebuttal of it, and her research is both fascinating and illuminating
—— New HumanistShapiro's polemic traces the origins of many of these practices in an attempt to expose much of the pseudo-scientific quackery
—— Glasgow HeraldBefore you attend your next herbalism, homoeopathy, chiropractic or other CAM session, spend a few quid and a few hours on this book. It may change your life for the better - and save you some money
—— Irish Business PostIntelligent, passionate and well-argued
—— Christopher Hirst , Independent'In this magic book a profound love and understanding of the beauty of the British Isles and its way of life hit me hard.'
—— Nell Dunn'Touching and frequently sublime.'
—— Craig Brown'An elegy for so much that is lost, but a celebration too: of wild flowers, old stones, ancient tracks, uproarious memories, family, pubs, ordinary horses with extraordinary qualities, and the heart-stopping beauty of England.'
—— Bel Mooney'I've read it already (it arrived this morning) and am enchanted. A fascinating and remarkable book - what a good writer.'
—— Prunella Scales'A subtle, humorous, life-affirming book.'
—— Michael Holroyd'Writes with grace and humour about the places and people that have been at the heart of her life ... the delight in life and in love which shines through these pages in both refreshing and exhilarating.'
—— Jonathan Dimbleby
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