The Encyclopedia of Misinformation

July 1, 2018

Unlike purposeful deception, misinformation encompasses perhaps equally disconcerting yet distinct areas including conspiracy theories, Frankenfood, and plastic surgery. Readers will find half-page entries on fanfic, mimicry, and the Streisand effect. Entrepreneur and Wired magazine contributor Sorgatz includes political jabs and profanity from time to time. VERDICT A fascinating browse, particularly illuminating on misinformation of the last 50 years or so (the Beanie Baby bubble; photoshopping) and reaching back to Xeno's paradox and the philosopher's stone.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2018
Sorgatz's first book uses a broad definition of misinformation, including Clark Rockefeller and the Cardiff Giant alongside gerrymandering, laugh tracks, internet trolls, Slenderman, Photoshopping, and strategery. He addresses current concepts like alternative facts, and internet deep dives like the Berenstain Bears conspiracy. Accompanied by Lorenzo Petrantoni's illustrations, the writing is lively and designed for browsing?there's no index, and the footnotes are mostly jokes. (The fact that it is bookended by two fake interviews with Fresh Air's Terry Gross should give you a sense of the tone.) Occasional salty language and pop-culture references make this compendium of 300 short entries a delightful mix of high- and lowbrow.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)