In Richard Bach’s best-selling book Illusions, the mysterious hero Donald Shimodaseems to carry the keys to the universe with him as he barnstorms the Midwest ina Travel Air biplane. Shimoda’s secret is a small book, bound in what appears to besuede, called the Messiah’s Handbook. This slim volume, which the hero frequentlyquotes, is said to contain “whatever you need to know.” All Shimoda has ...