📖 Overview
Secret, Don't Tell: The Encyclopedia of Hypnotism presents a research-based examination of hypnosis and its applications throughout history. Author Carla Emery spent over two decades gathering documentation and evidence about the use of hypnotic techniques by government agencies, therapists, and others.
The book covers the technical aspects of how hypnosis works on the human mind and body, supported by case studies and declassified documents. Emery explores various methods of inducing hypnotic states, from traditional techniques to covert approaches used without subjects' knowledge or consent.
This comprehensive volume includes detailed chapters on hypnosis in medicine, psychology, military operations, and intelligence work from the 1940s through the modern era. The text incorporates interviews, official records, and scientific studies to build its factual foundation.
Beyond its role as a technical manual, the book raises fundamental questions about personal autonomy, consciousness, and the ethical implications of mind control technology. The intersection of hypnosis with power structures and institutional authority emerges as a central theme.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a reference book on hypnosis history and techniques, with emphasis on its potential misuse for manipulation and control.
Readers appreciated:
- Detailed documentation and research citations
- Real case studies and court records
- Clear explanations of hypnotic methods
- Focus on protection from covert hypnosis
Common criticisms:
- Writing style can be disorganized
- Some sections feel repetitive
- Author occasionally strays into speculation
- Print quality issues in some editions
Review Stats:
Amazon: 4.5/5 (147 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (56 ratings)
Specific Reader Comments:
"Invaluable resource for understanding how hypnosis can be weaponized" - Amazon reviewer
"Could have used better editing, but the content is solid" - Goodreads user
"Important information buried in meandering text" - LibraryThing review
Most readers recommend it for the unique information despite writing style concerns.
📚 Similar books
Operation Mind Control by Walter Bowart
Chronicles documented cases of CIA mind control experiments and their effects on unwitting subjects during the Cold War period.
The Search for the Manchurian Candidate by John D. Marks Examines CIA behavioral modification programs through declassified documents and interviews with former intelligence officers.
The CIA Doctors by Colin Ross Details the connection between intelligence agencies and psychiatric research in mind control experiments from the 1950s to 1970s.
Mind Wars by Jonathan D. Moreno Explores the intersection of neuroscience, national security, and government research into psychological manipulation techniques.
The Control of Candy Jones by Donald Bain Investigates the case of a fashion model who claimed to be a victim of government mind control programs through hypnosis and conditioning.
The Search for the Manchurian Candidate by John D. Marks Examines CIA behavioral modification programs through declassified documents and interviews with former intelligence officers.
The CIA Doctors by Colin Ross Details the connection between intelligence agencies and psychiatric research in mind control experiments from the 1950s to 1970s.
Mind Wars by Jonathan D. Moreno Explores the intersection of neuroscience, national security, and government research into psychological manipulation techniques.
The Control of Candy Jones by Donald Bain Investigates the case of a fashion model who claimed to be a victim of government mind control programs through hypnosis and conditioning.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 Carla Emery spent over 20 years researching hypnosis, mind control, and government experiments before writing this book, compiling information from declassified documents and interviews.
🔍 The book extensively covers Project MKULTRA, including details about how the CIA used hypnosis in conjunction with drugs and other methods for behavioral modification between 1953 and 1973.
💭 Author Carla Emery was better known for writing "The Encyclopedia of Country Living," a comprehensive guide to self-sufficient living that became a homesteading classic.
⚠️ The book reveals how stage hypnotists use specific verbal patterns and physical techniques to achieve rapid induction, making subjects more susceptible to suggestion within seconds.
🏛️ Many of the documented cases in the book were sourced from court records where hypnosis was used either as a defense or was proven to be involved in criminal activities.