The history of hypnosis is rich in strange and remarkable incidents: a captivating world populated by enthusiasts and sceptics, mystics and scientists, and studded with the unexpected. Hidden Depths looks into the origins, development and contemporary application of what remains a controversial practice, setting out to expose the truth behind the myths, and taking the reader on a mesmerizing journey through the untapped regions of the mind.
Reviews:
"To say that this book is wide-ranging and exhaustive is no exaggeration, and yet the writer never loses his enthusiastic verve. Hidden Depths is a model of how to write about a complex and often technical subject in a way which does not confound the layman. I found the book charming and full of intriguing insights"
- Christopher Silvester, Daily Express
"Notably sane and enthusiastic … very convincing … an important, timely and appropriately fascinating book"
- Phil Baker, Guardian
"A highly readable, wide-ranging and informative account of a fascinating topic"
- Sarah Churchwell, Observer
"Brings quirky characters and bizarre incidents to life … fascinating"
- Janet Christie, The Scotsman
"Useful as a general introduction … contains much solid, and interesting, historical information"
- Anthony Daniels, Sunday Telegraph
"Even-handed … meticulously researched … Waterfield has performed a commendable service in reminding a sceptical profession that hypnosis should not be dismissed out of hand"
- Raj Persaud, British Medical Journal
"Vivid detail … Waterfield tells a remarkable tale"
- Sue Kinder, The Lancet
"A joyful, witty exploration of the unexplored powers of the human mind"
- Psychology Today
"Hidden Depths … masterfully encapsulates [the history of and literature on hypnosis] through a delightful work of reportage and successfully navigates the treacherous straits between acolyte sycophancy and dogmatic skepticism"
- Michael Shermer, Los Angeles Times
Rights Sold
- UK: Macmillan
- US: Brunner-Routledge
- Russia: Toymania
