The subject matter of this book ought not to exist at all. This is a book about institutional secrets—big secrets, secrets that affect the masses. It may seem incredible that something like a club handshake or a franchised fried chicken recipe can remain a secret. Surely too many insiders know the secret (and might talk). Surely too many outsiders are exposed to the secret (and might surmise it). Yet, by and large, institutional secrets remain secrets.
No harm is done by most institutional secrets. But it is only natural to be curious about them. The best gossip, after all, is gossip somebody doesn’t want you to hear. Would anyone other than a chemist care what is in Coca-Cola if the Coca-Cola Company were not so loath to discuss the ingredients? Would the reversed message in Pink Floyd’s The Wall be as intriguing if you could play it on an ordinary stereo? Would you puzzle over Doug Henning’s magic if not for his smug assurance that you really don’t want to know how it is done? Here, then, is a whole book about what people don’t want you to know.
Few secrets are imponderable mysteries. The knack of doing a book such as this is to find out whom to talk to. I have been aided by all those who suggested topics or lines of research, directed me to friends of friends, revealed secrets, and provided advice and assistance. Thanks to Benton Arnovitz, Nicholas Bakalar, James S. Bradbury, Michael Chellel, Karon Corley, the staff of the Cornell University libraries, Paul Crouch, Jr., Mitch Douglas, Norman Farnsworth, Charles P. Grier, Cynthia Hayes, Luis Herrero, E. J. Kahn, Jr., Valerie Battle Kienzle, Gerry Kroll, Stuart C. Lernerand the staff of Associated Analytical Laboratories, James Mastroberti, Russell D. Meltzer, Cheryl Messemer, Julia F. Morton, Ric Myers, Gloria and Paul Pitzer, George A. Pollak, Stefan Rudolf and the staff of High Rise Sound, Daniel Schindler, Beverly Smith, Stewart Stogel, Barry Streims, Theresa Sullivan, and Rosalie Muller Wright.
And thanks especially to those who asked that their names not be mentioned.