The Great White Hoax / Philip Kadish

Mike Davis's "Planet of Slums" offers a stark portrayal of global urbanization and its consequences. The book argues that rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries, has led to the proliferation of vast informal settlements characterized by poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and social exclusion. Davis analyzes the historical and economic forces driving this phenomenon, highlighting the role of neoliberal policies and globalization. He critiques the failures of governments and international institutions to address the needs of slum dwellers, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative approaches to urban development. The book's powerful imagery and compelling narrative have made it a seminal text in urban studies and development discourse.

Published in 1852, 'Uncle Tom’s Cabin' is a seminal work by Harriet Beecher Stowe that depicts the harsh realities of slavery in the United States. The novel follows the story of Uncle Tom, a dignified and religious enslaved man, and Eliza, a fugitive slave, among other characters. It highlights the cruelty and injustices of the slave system and the emotional toll on enslaved individuals and their families. The book was a massive success, selling over 300,000 copies in its first year and becoming the second-best-selling book of the 19th century after the Bible. It played a significant role in fueling the abolitionist cause and is credited with influencing public opinion on slavery.

Philip Kadish's 'The Great White Hoax' reveals how racist scientific hoaxes have influenced American politics over two centuries. It uncovers the conmen behind these hoaxes, from the 1840 Census Scandal to figures like Henry Ford and George Wallace. These fraudsters cynically exploited fake science to justify white supremacy, creating elaborate deceptions. Many knew their claims were false but profited from them anyway. The book explores how authority and social credibility often outweighed actual scientific expertise, with figures like Madison Grant gaining influence despite lacking proper credentials. The pattern of hoaxes shifted after World War II but persisted in coded forms, demonstrating the enduring impact of these deceptions on American society.