Rating: 
Summary: Poorly written book. Interesting topic, though.
Review: Not the author to write such a book. I felt somewhat taken advantage of -- given that my time is so valuable and was wasted --and I suggest you steer clear of this volume and search for the hundreds of other truly interesting and valuable books.
Rating:
Summary: Good idea poor execution
Review: The book mainly promotes the use of deception over reason. I know you're thinking, duh. But this is contrary to what the author says in the introduction. The deception is supposed to be used as a device to aid in learning informal logic, not as a tool to crush others. The author has a very aggressive and pretentious tone. Capaldi, the author, encourages people to be stubborn and uncompromising rather than problem solving. This book is classic sophism. I think the most valuable part of this book is the appendix. The practice problems are nice to look over. This book is effective at being uncompromising, but that is incompatible with being a good communicator. I should have borrowed this one. Since, I want my money back. -laughs- Also, the references to the "Great Books" by the author were interesting, but extraneous in my opinion.
Rating: 
Summary: I purchased the audio version
Review: The real deception is that some people think that anyone can hook up a microphone and record a seminar and people will flock to buy it. I produce training for a living and this has to be the most dry, poorly produced program I have ever heard. The subject matter can be interesting but the author sounds over technical, & his voice is monotone. The author exhibits no variants of emphasis, no vignettes or role play. In addition you also hear what we believe are children crying and dogs barking as well as page turning in the background. There are no intros or music or alternate voices. Just the author in his kitchen recording his theories for a journal. I was looking forward to receiving this tape and could not shut it off fast enough after the first 10 minutes. Sorry to be so critical but it is honest.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Weapon Against the Trogs
Review: The techniques outlined in this book are good when you are arguing against yahoos and troglodytes. If taken to heart, this book can help you can vanquish almost everyone you encounter in day-to-day life. Do NOT use these techniques against more skillful opponents or against sincere, intelligent questioners seeking real answers to important questions. These are powerful debater's tricks, not tools for getting to the bottom of honest inquiries. Caveat emptor.
Rating:
Summary: A Practical Introduction to Informal Logic
Review: This book is one of those cases where the title really does sum up the nature of the book. This book is everything that its title implies.If you are looking for a quick read (perhaps you have a tough debate tomorrow) on how to recognize fallacies, present arguments and a basic introduction into informal logic then you will like this book (in fact, in this case, I would highly recommend it). If, however, you are seeking a formal introduction to the theoretical framework of logic then maybe "Introduction to Logic" by Copi is better suited to your needs. Overall, this book fulfilled its purpose. You'll do well in your tough debate after reading this book. TABLE OF CONTENTS ONE: INTRODUCTION. What is Logic? What is an Argument? When is an Argument Acceptable? TWO: IDENTIFYING ARGUMENTS. Arguments. Difficulties in Identifying Arguments. Grammar, Punctuation , and Reading Comprehension. Rules for Identifying Premises and Conclusions. THREE: FORMAL ANALYSIS OF ARGUMENTS. Idal of Logic. Syllogisms. Rules for Valid Syllogisms. Soundness and Informal Logic. FOUR: PRESENTING YOUR CASE. Gaining a Sympathetic Audience. Presenting the Facts. Driving Home the Conclusion. Nonverbal Devices. Advertising as a Case Study. FIVE: ATTACKING AN ARGUMENT. Audience Reaction. Anatomy of Refutation. Attacking the Conclusion. Face-to-Face Debate. SIX: DEFENDING YOUR CASE. Counterattack. Winning the Argument. Going for a Tie. SEVEN: CAUSE-AND-EFFECT REASONING. History of the Concept of 'Causation'. Hume's Definition of Cause and Effect. Causal Reasoning as Practical. Mill's Methods. Fallacies of Causal Reasoning. Problems with the Concept of 'Causation'. Good luck!
Rating:
Summary: Good Place To Start!
Review: This book is written for the amateur student of logic and rhetoric (Like Me). Mr. Capaldi is very good at not only showing what to do, but perhaps more importantly what not to do in a debate. He doesn't hold-up the pretense of being soley acedemic. For Example, he instructs the reader never to give up while in a debate, I.E., admit that you're wrong. This book is filled with what could be called Real World Debating Advice. He shows how to avoid sophism and fallacy, and teaches the Latin Words for these arguments, because he says, they make you sound better.
My only complaint with the book is that in the attempt to teach good arguments by showing bad ones he might encourage a disreputable and unscrupulous person to use them to their advantage. It's like those Head-Shops that sell Bongs for "Tobacco Use Only" when everyone knows what they're really for. Oh Well.
I also particulary liked the evaluation at the back of the book to see how well you've learned. I'd Recommend it, but it should be supplemented with other books on this topic. Dustin
Rating:
Summary: Great approach; quite thourough as well.
Review: This is a great introduction to critical thinking and presents the logic very well, although some minor points take a few readings to fully understand. All around, though, it covers most every aspect of critical reasoning with a twisted approach that allows one to be totally objective. It could be better suited for the average reader and updated some, but it is still the best handbook for critical thinking.
Rating:
Summary: Read this before your next argument with your boss
Review: Very practical and useful material. Excellent use of examples to demonstrate concepts. The author uses mini transcripts with commentaries to make techniques (and common mistakes in argumentation) crystal clear. This is a must read if you have anyone in your life who likes to argue for argumentation sake.
Rating: 
Summary: The Hitchikers Guide to Arbitration
Review: Whether you are an experienced arbitrator looking for an easy reference or someone just interested in learning more about the many techniques of winning your point, this book is for you. The structure of this book is logical and easy to follow. You'll become familiar with such terms as "theoretical constructs" ,"red herrings", and many more which you'll learn to use as you develop your point and sway your opponents. This book is an invaluabe reference for those with arbitration experience and those looking to get some. I have found the tools inside this book to be extremely usefull in settling large claims where tensions are high and points need to be made. Read it, enjoy it, and learn from it. If you enjoy the art of arguing, you'll definately enjoy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Other books on the subject are better
Review: Who open scroll always profit says an ancient Chinese motto. The same applies to books. I profited from reading this one, but I didn't profit much or enough. The work is uneven and needs focus. The title is poor because it misnames the subject of the book which is, incidentally, not how to win an anrgument, but how to think clearly. Some of the author's points would have passed me by and probably other points would have been downright confusing had I not had a background in logic. And one wonders about a book on the Art of Deception deceiving people into believing that the book is one thing when it is really about something else. Perhaps some well meaning editior or PR person mispersuaded the author to use this fake and phony title in the hope of increased sales. A few bones: I don't like the word argument because of its two meanings. Demonstration is better. The formal analysis of arguments (my demonstrations) in chapter three hits the reader on the head: Although it is technically correct, without a background in formal logic you might get lost fast. The chapter could have done better explaining the differences between contraries and contradictions and the reasons for the other errors which are never clearly stated. The author just assumes the reader will get it when I have a feeling derived from teaching logic for years that they won't and don't. For intstance, why the undistributed middle term invalidates a proof is clear to me only because I knew it from previous studies, and thought long and hard about it, not from what the author says here in his book. And the worst sin of all: Somewhere in the middle of the discussion of groupthink, the author seems to get bored with his own discussion. No wonder the reader nods off. Those interested in improving their critical thinking should read Asking the Right Questions. Those interested in understanding errors in logic might consult The Art of Argument by St. Aubyn, a book that hits hard where we need improvement by showing us the common errors of thinking of overgeneralization, false analogy, vague definition, and partial selection of the evidence.
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