Michaels (environmental studies, University of Virginia) argues that scientists, politicians, and the media too often exaggerate their claims about the environment, especially with regard to global warming. He documents hundreds of exaggerations, misstatements, and errors that have appeared in major peer-reviewed scientific journals and in top media outlets, and explains why the gap between perception and reality persists. A section of color graphics is included. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)