What the Hell, is that a UFO?
March 22, 2011 2:06 PM Subscribe
I am interested in reading books on UFOs both pro and con. Not really much else to the question. Not so much on individual abduction bios but more on theories on why (or why not), conspiracies, debunkings, and so forth.
Best answer: This book by Nick Redfern just came out and is supposed to be really really good. This podcast interview with Redfern about the book should be just what you are asking for.
The book deals with the premise that some UFO stuff could actually be occult or trans-dimensional or whatever, and that powerful geo-political factions are aware of this and driving current events accordingly.
This is a possibility that gets bandied about from time to time. My understanding is this book might provide a better treatment of this discussion than other sources.
posted by jbenben at 2:41 PM on March 22, 2011
The book deals with the premise that some UFO stuff could actually be occult or trans-dimensional or whatever, and that powerful geo-political factions are aware of this and driving current events accordingly.
This is a possibility that gets bandied about from time to time. My understanding is this book might provide a better treatment of this discussion than other sources.
posted by jbenben at 2:41 PM on March 22, 2011
Seconding Demon Haunted World by Carl Sagan. Plus it is just a fantastic book on its own.
posted by Lobster Garden at 3:12 PM on March 22, 2011
posted by Lobster Garden at 3:12 PM on March 22, 2011
Watch the Skies!: A Chronicle of the Flying Saucer Myth
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:35 PM on March 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:35 PM on March 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Above Top Secret: The Worldwide U.F.O. Cover-Up, by Timothy Good is kind of fun.
A few years later Spin Magazine published a great article that claimed, among many other things, that the entire "Alien technology / Area 51 / Roswell" thing was all part of an attempt by the American defense establishment to discredit people who were raising concerns about defense expenditures.
posted by KokuRyu at 4:28 PM on March 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
A few years later Spin Magazine published a great article that claimed, among many other things, that the entire "Alien technology / Area 51 / Roswell" thing was all part of an attempt by the American defense establishment to discredit people who were raising concerns about defense expenditures.
posted by KokuRyu at 4:28 PM on March 22, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: This is a slightly more longwinded question I asked that might have some answers to your question.
posted by Brodiggitty at 4:49 PM on March 22, 2011
posted by Brodiggitty at 4:49 PM on March 22, 2011
When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger. Not exactly your average UFO book but a fascinating read nonetheless.
posted by grounded at 5:40 PM on March 22, 2011
posted by grounded at 5:40 PM on March 22, 2011
Shirley MacLaine books. Gotta be said. Specifically Out On A Limb and Sage-ing While Aging. The latter has a lot of supposed accounts and investigations of the government's coverup of UFO's.
posted by jenfullmoon at 9:03 PM on March 22, 2011
posted by jenfullmoon at 9:03 PM on March 22, 2011
You must read Mark Pilkington's Mirage Men.
Jung's Flying Saucers is also interesting reading.
As well as the rest above, of course.
posted by galaksit at 9:47 PM on March 22, 2011
Jung's Flying Saucers is also interesting reading.
As well as the rest above, of course.
posted by galaksit at 9:47 PM on March 22, 2011
Best answer: I did a little digging a few weeks ago and discovered that both skeptics and enthusiasts praise the UFO Encyclopedia for its depth of research. Unfortunately, it's expensive, but I'd love to get my hands on a library copy.
posted by shii at 11:45 PM on March 22, 2011
posted by shii at 11:45 PM on March 22, 2011
Best answer: The Mothman Prophecies was a disappointing film but the book was very good.
I second the Jacques Vallée suggestion as well.
Rick Strassman also wrote a book you might find interesting. In the 90's he obtained permission to perform human clinical trials with DMT. One of his more surprising findings was that many of his subjects had experiences nearly-identical to alien abduction. It was recently made into a documentary film.
posted by clarknova at 1:52 AM on March 23, 2011
I second the Jacques Vallée suggestion as well.
Rick Strassman also wrote a book you might find interesting. In the 90's he obtained permission to perform human clinical trials with DMT. One of his more surprising findings was that many of his subjects had experiences nearly-identical to alien abduction. It was recently made into a documentary film.
posted by clarknova at 1:52 AM on March 23, 2011
The Eighth Tower also by John Keel was an engrossing read. Basically wraps up cryptozoology, UFOs, ghosts and all unexplained phenomena in one package. Unfortunately it's out of print and copies are expensive. I'd lend you mine, but it's a well read paperback that will fall apart if you crack the spine. I'd search for a cheap copy though, well worth it.
*Note: I don't necessarily believe any of it. But it's a great read.
posted by Splunge at 12:34 PM on March 23, 2011
*Note: I don't necessarily believe any of it. But it's a great read.
posted by Splunge at 12:34 PM on March 23, 2011
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posted by ActingTheGoat at 2:11 PM on March 22, 2011 [10 favorites]