Forbidden Archaeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race

Rating:
Summary: The scientific method is not dead yet.
Review: "Forbidden Archeology" is a superb, well-documented compendium of both the evidence favoring the conventional picture of human evolution, and the anomalous evidence that casts this picture into doubt.

Its larger significance, however, lies in its detailed documentation and analysis of one particular exampe of a disturbing phenomenon that has increasingly crippled mainstream science: the establishment of a new scientific orthodoxy, i.e. a quasi-religious belief by leading scientists in the absolute and unquestionable validity of the basic theories of their field. These theories are then elevated to "facts" of which any dissenter is accused of being ignorant, which makes for a convenient, easy dismissal of any anomalous evidence. Since any such evidence is thus automatically ineligible for publication in the proper journals, this lack of documentation is then in turn taken by researchers in the field as proof that the evidence must be of low scientific value.

With "Forbidden Archeology", Cremo and Thompson have attempted to break through this self-perpetuating cycle of ignorance and denial. The many angry dismissals by "experts" one can read on this page shows that they have done their job well. A truly educational book that will open the eyes of many who are searching for the true origins of humankind. Those who don't have the time or patience to peruse this 900-page tome should consider reading the abridged version instead. Either way, they will come to appreciate one of the fundamental tenets of true science: theory never overrides evidence.

Rating:
Summary: The scientific method is not dead yet.
Review: "Forbidden Archeology" is a superb, well-documented compendium of both the evidence favoring the conventional picture of human evoluton, and the anomalous evidence that casts this picture into doubt.

Its larger significance, however, lies in its detailed documentation and analysis of one particular exampe of a disturbing phenomenon that has increasingly crippled mainstream science: the establishment of a new scientific orthodoxy, i.e. a quasi-religious belief by leading scientists in the absolute and unquestionable validity of the basic theories of their field. These theories are then elevated to "facts" of which any dissenter is accused of being ignorant, which makes for a convenient, easy dismissal of any anomalous evidence. Since any such evidence is thus automatically ineligible for publication in the proper journals, this lack of documentation is then in turn taken by researchers in the field as proof that the evidence must be of low scientific value.

With "Forbidden Archeology", Cremo and Thompson have attempted to break through this self-perpetuating cycle of ignorance and denial. The many angry dismissals by "experts" one can read on this page shows that they have done their job well. A truly educational book that will open the eyes of many who are searching for the true origins of humankind. Those who don't have the time or patience to peruse this 900-page tome should consider reading the abridged version instead. Either way, they will come to appreciate one of the fundamental tenets of true science: theory never overrides evidence.

Rating:
Summary: A Call for the Return of Science
Review: (This is an edit of my previous review which has mysteriously reverted to "a reader.")

A level-headed, painstakingly researched tome documenting the systematic suppression of paleontological evidence militating against currently popular theories of human evolution. A chilling, non-sensationalistic look at the "sloppiness" and general lack of integrity of members of the scientific establishment who, in their devotion to defending the current models of human origins, reject or ignore unwelcome data - much of it seemingly impeccably researched - that would throw much of their field into (even more) utter confusion.

It is hilarious and tragic to see this book being ridiculed by "reviewers" who have obviously never read it, but another symptom of the close-mindedness of the keepers of evolutionist dogma, as lamented by Richard Milton ("Shattering the Myths of Darwinism"). Now that their religion has been debunked by Behe's "Darwin's Black Box," it remains to be seen their level of true scientific curiosity as regards Cremo & Thompson's findings.

There are the howls about Cremo's religion. Do they reject Newtonian physics because of Newton's creationist beliefs? Do they likewise pooh-pooh the contributions of Lister, Pasteur, Boyle, Maxwell, Peirce? Cremo admits his beliefs up front, and never do they impinge on his detailed, sober analyses in this book. They would do better to reject Darwinism ("[T]he literalists are absolutely right. Evolution is a religion" - M. Ruse, atheist), a religion whose adherents see fit to fit false feet to fossils ("Lucy" was modeled with human feet and hands for public consumption although she was known to have had apelike ones).

Any objective reading will show that Cremo is ironically more scientific than his detractors, and has a thorough grasp of the subject matter.

The sheer volume and detailed discussion of "anomalous" data compiled in this book is staggering: traces of the hand of man (tools, etc.) found in strata millions of years before his supposed appearance on the evolutionary scene; off-the-cuff dismissals of such evidence by influential scientists for sometimes contradictory reasons (and sometimes almost none at all!); the findings of distinguished, top-notch scientists ridiculed and being branded as heresy for going against the prevailing dogma.

It is instructive that most scientists today are totally unaware of the controversial evidence presented here, even in their fields of specialty. If we are able to do as the authors ask and evaluate the evidence as it stands without prejudice against their (eastern) religious beliefs, we might well find that the underpinnings for their belief in the great antiquity of the human race is at least as solid as that of the ruling paradigm - and probably even more so. Even if we do not agree with their conclusions (I don't), an open-minded inquiry into these findings will certainly show current theories to be, at best, seriously negligent in blissful ignorance - Mr. Magoo in a lab coat - or, at worst, anti-science.

Remember, Piltdown was "scientifically" worshipped as our ancestor for near 40 years. Whereas science may be self-correcting, evolutionists are obviously somewhat deficient in this regard.

Rating:
Summary: Poor understanding of science
Review: A book that proclaims man has existed in anatomically modern form for hundreds of millions of years? could this be a creationist tract? Unfortunately it is. The authors misunderstand the concept of a theory, bring religion into science (science ends up being based on a particular religious viewpoint, thus rendering it invalid), misrepresent scientists' theories and statements, and ignores work which contradict their religious ideas.

The pieces on Laetoli, Kanapoi and the Hans Reck skeleton are particular disgraceful examples - all of which will be dealt with in a forthcoming book by myself.

The "evidence" presented by Cremo hasn't a leg to stand on.

Rating:
Summary: Impeccable research demands complete revamp of human origins
Review: A level-headed, painstakingly researched tome documenting the systematic suppression of paleontological evidence militating against currently popular theories of human evolution. A chilling, non-sensationalistic look at the "sloppiness" and general lack of integrity of members of the scientific establishment who, in their devotion to defending the current models of human origins, reject or ignore unwelcome data - much of it seemingly impeccably researched - that would throw much of their field into utter confusion.

The sheer volume and detailed discussion of "anomolous" data compiled in this book is staggering: traces of the hand of man (tools, etc.) found in strata millions of years before his supposed appearance on the evolutionary scene; off-the-cuff dismissals of such evidence by influential scientists for sometimes contradictory reasons (and sometimes almost none at all, save that "it simply cannot be"); the findings of distinguished, top-notch scientists ridiculed and being branded as heresy for going against the prevailing wisdom.

It is instructive that most scientists today are totally unaware of the controversial evidence presented here, even in their fields of specialty. If we are able to do as the authors ask and evaluate the evidence as it stands without prejudice against their (eastern) religious beliefs, we might well find that the underpinnings for their belief in the great antiquity of the human race is at least as solid as that of the ruling paradigm - and probably even more so. Even if we do not agree with their conclusions, an open-minded inquiry into these findings will certainly show current theories to be, at best, serious negligence in blissful ignorance - Mr. Magoo in a lab coat - or, at worst, anti-science.

Rating:
Summary: Mostly nonsense premise
Review: A lot has been learned of genetics in the last 5 to 10 years.We know for a scientific fact the human race is way under 10 millon years old. Though it's multiple times older than the ridiculous YEC proposal of just 10,000 years tops. This book is under the foolish impresion, I thought, that humankind is around 55 million years old. Or something like that. Nonsense!

Rating:
Summary: A disappointing look at a fascinating subject
Review: Admittedly, I start many books in the middle, and so it was with Forbidden Archeology. My disappointment began when I read the chapter on "ape men" and the possible survival of bigfoot-like hominids well into the modern era. While I'm not completely closed to the idea, the section smacked of pseudo-science: little better than the Bigfoot books of the 1970s and filled with dubious eye witness accounts and third-hand facts. Given all the silliness and exploitation within crypto-zoology over the years, we need a bit more than what the authors provide to take this seriously.

And so it is for much of this book. Cremo and Thompson have collected a great deal of material, some if contradictory, much of is dubious, and crafted a thesis which is difficult to trust. That's a shame, because there is more than enough fascinating, legitimate material on anomalous discoveries to easily fill a book this size.

Rating:
Summary: The best book on archaeology I've ever read.
Review: Although the subject of this book exposes the authors to injury by the scurrilous slugs of humanity, the authors have unselfishly forged ahead and brought to us a brilliant and informative work. This book is a must read for every informed person on this planet.
There are humans in this world who contribute to the human condition. Then there are those who detract. Some do so with selfish motives and use amoral tactics. I consider these people to be the scourge of humanity. They twist the truth, lie and cheat, and in doing so they deprive the good people of this world of greatly beneficial information. The authors of this book have done us a great service while placing their person's at risk. They are my heroes.


Rating:
Summary: Excellent scholarly work!
Review: An outstanding comphrehensive work. Factual, substantiated and well documented. Common Sense for years has cast dubious doubt on currently accepted theories taught in higher education and this work is like turning on the light and opening a window. It is wonderful two excellent scholars such as the authors went through the painstaking work to research, document, and support their observations and inevitable conclusions to be drawn. This book should become the baseline text book from which all archeology and anthropolgy curriculum emanates. Clearly it is time for a paradigm shift in academia. If personal bias and prejudice are suspended, then it is improbable that any scholar could argue against this outstanding work with a clear conscience. Unfortunately, it is more than likely many will object to the results of the research done in this book and continue to keep minds closed and in the dark. I encourage any reader considering purchasing this book to ignore those who cast doubt on its scholarly and factual basis for once you begin reading the book from the introduction on, it becomes clear the authors had objective scientific goals and discipline in their process and methodology. Armed with new factual data, the reader is then free to form their own conclusions and theories. Excellent book.

Rating:
Summary: Be Careful
Review: Cremo and Thompson are known for their slanted views of archeology formed from Hindu theology. What they claim as fact, others have shown as false. Certainly, this is not the "hidden history of the human race." I suggest you check the web for resources. (Geologist, writer, and former professor)