Was Ray Palmer ‘the man who invented flying saucers’, as John Keel claimed? Perhaps this book will help answer the question.
Fred Nadis. The Man from Mars: Ray Palmer’s Amazing Pulp Journey. Tarcher/Penguin. (May 5, 2013)
From the publisher’s website: The Man from Mars: Ray Palmer’s Amazing Pulp Journey by Fred Nadis is the first-ever biography of the man who shaped science fiction and changed our perception of the universe as we know it. As the editor of the groundbreaking pulp magazine Amazing Stories, as well as Fate, Mystic and Flying Saucers, Palmer made invaluable contributions to popular culture, like jumpstarting the flying saucer craze; popularizing “hollow earth” theory; and publishing stories by some of sci-fi’s biggest players, including Ray Bradbury and the first professional story by a young Isaac Asimov.
20.5.13
15.5.13
New Generation
Carl Sagan's son carries on in his father's footsteps:
Dorion Sagan. Cosmic Apprentice: Dispatches from the Edges of Science. University Of Minnesota Press. (April 24, 2013)
Publisher's website: In the pursuit of knowledge, Dorion Sagan argues in this dazzlingly eclectic, rigorously crafted, and deliciously witty collection of essays, scientific authoritarianism and philosophical obscurantism are equally formidable obstacles to discovery. As science has become more specialized and more costly, its questing spirit has been constrained by dogma. And philosophy, perhaps the discipline best placed to question orthodoxy, has retreated behind dense theoretical language and arcane topics of learning.
Guided by a capacious, democratic view of science inspired by the examples set by his late parents—Carl Sagan, who popularized the study of the cosmos, and Lynn Margulis, an evolutionary biologist who repeatedly clashed with the scientific establishment—Sagan draws on classical and contemporary philosophy to intervene provocatively in often-charged debates on thermodynamics, linear and nonlinear time, purpose, ethics, the links between language and psychedelic drugs, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the occupation of the human body by microbial others. Informed by a countercultural sensibility, a deep engagement with speculative thought, and a hardheaded scientific skepticism, he advances controversial positions on such seemingly sacrosanct subjects as evolution and entropy. At the same time, he creatively considers a wide range of thinkers, from Socrates to Bataille and Descartes to von Uexküll, to reflect on sex, biopolitics, and the free will of Kermit the Frog.
Dorion Sagan. Cosmic Apprentice: Dispatches from the Edges of Science. University Of Minnesota Press. (April 24, 2013)
Publisher's website: In the pursuit of knowledge, Dorion Sagan argues in this dazzlingly eclectic, rigorously crafted, and deliciously witty collection of essays, scientific authoritarianism and philosophical obscurantism are equally formidable obstacles to discovery. As science has become more specialized and more costly, its questing spirit has been constrained by dogma. And philosophy, perhaps the discipline best placed to question orthodoxy, has retreated behind dense theoretical language and arcane topics of learning.
Guided by a capacious, democratic view of science inspired by the examples set by his late parents—Carl Sagan, who popularized the study of the cosmos, and Lynn Margulis, an evolutionary biologist who repeatedly clashed with the scientific establishment—Sagan draws on classical and contemporary philosophy to intervene provocatively in often-charged debates on thermodynamics, linear and nonlinear time, purpose, ethics, the links between language and psychedelic drugs, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the occupation of the human body by microbial others. Informed by a countercultural sensibility, a deep engagement with speculative thought, and a hardheaded scientific skepticism, he advances controversial positions on such seemingly sacrosanct subjects as evolution and entropy. At the same time, he creatively considers a wide range of thinkers, from Socrates to Bataille and Descartes to von Uexküll, to reflect on sex, biopolitics, and the free will of Kermit the Frog.
14.4.13
Prophecy in the New Millennium
Interest in apocalyptic prophecies is unlikley to diminish following the 'Mayan Calendar' anticlimax. This book attempts to put them into a broader perspective.
Sarah Harvey, Suzanne Newcombe. Prophecy in the New Millennium (Ashgate Inform Series on Minority Religions and Spiritual Movements) Ashgate. (New edition, April 2013)
Secular and spiritual prophets of doom abound in the information-rich twenty-first century - as they have for millennia. But there has yet to be worldwide floods, meteor impact, global computer failure, obvious alien contact, or direct intervention from God to end the world as we know it. Considering the frequency with which prophecy apparently fails, why do prophecies continue to be made, and what social functions do they serve?
This volume gives a concise, but comprehensive, overview of the rich diversity of prophecy, its role in major world religions as well as in new religions and alternative spiritualties, its social dynamics and its impact on individuals' lives. Academic analyses are complimented with contextualized primary source testimonies of those who live and have lived within a prophetic framework. The book argues that the key to understanding the more dramatic, apocalyptic and millenarian aspects of prophecy is in appreciating prophecy's more mundane manifestations and its role in providing meaning and motivation in everyday life.
Sarah Harvey, Suzanne Newcombe. Prophecy in the New Millennium (Ashgate Inform Series on Minority Religions and Spiritual Movements) Ashgate. (New edition, April 2013)
Secular and spiritual prophets of doom abound in the information-rich twenty-first century - as they have for millennia. But there has yet to be worldwide floods, meteor impact, global computer failure, obvious alien contact, or direct intervention from God to end the world as we know it. Considering the frequency with which prophecy apparently fails, why do prophecies continue to be made, and what social functions do they serve?
This volume gives a concise, but comprehensive, overview of the rich diversity of prophecy, its role in major world religions as well as in new religions and alternative spiritualties, its social dynamics and its impact on individuals' lives. Academic analyses are complimented with contextualized primary source testimonies of those who live and have lived within a prophetic framework. The book argues that the key to understanding the more dramatic, apocalyptic and millenarian aspects of prophecy is in appreciating prophecy's more mundane manifestations and its role in providing meaning and motivation in everyday life.
7.4.13
Universal Vampire
A new title demonstrating the continuing academic interest in the figure of the vampire both as historical legend and as contemporary cultural icon:
Barbara Brodman and James E. Doan (Editors). The Universal Vampire: Origins and Evolution of a Legend. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. (1 April 2013)
From the publisher's website: For almost 200 years, since the publication of John Polidori's The Vampyre (1819), the vampire has been a mainstay of Western culture, appearing consistently in literature, art, music (notably opera), film, television, graphic novels and popular culture in general. Even before its entrance into the realm of arts and letters in the early 19th century, the vampire was a feared creature of Eastern European folklore and legend, rising from the grave at night to consume its living loved ones and neighbors, often converting them at the same time into fellow vampires. A major question exists within vampire scholarship: to what extent is this creature a product of European cultural forms, or is the vampire indeed a universal, perhaps even archetypal figure? In this collection of sixteen essays, the editors shed light on this question.
One essay traces the origins of the legend to the early medieval Norse draugr, an "undead" creature who reflects the underpinnings of Dracula, the latter first appearing as a vampire in Anglo-Irish Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, published in 1897. In addition to these investigations of the Western mythic, literary and historic traditions, other essays in this volume move outside Europe to explore vampire figures in Native American and Mesoamerican myth and ritual, as well as the existence of similar vampiric traditions in Japanese, Russian and Latin American art, theatre, literature, film and other cultural productions.
The female vampire looms large, beginning with the Sumerian goddess Lilith, including the 19th-century Carmilla, and moving to vampiresses in 20th-century film, literature and television series. Scientific explanations for vampires and werewolves constitute another section of the book, including 18th-century accounts of unearthing, decapitation and cremation of suspected vampires in Eastern Europe. The vampire's beauty, attainment of immortality and eternal youth are all suggested as reasons for its continued success in contemporary popular culture.
Barbara Brodman and James E. Doan (Editors). The Universal Vampire: Origins and Evolution of a Legend. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. (1 April 2013)
From the publisher's website: For almost 200 years, since the publication of John Polidori's The Vampyre (1819), the vampire has been a mainstay of Western culture, appearing consistently in literature, art, music (notably opera), film, television, graphic novels and popular culture in general. Even before its entrance into the realm of arts and letters in the early 19th century, the vampire was a feared creature of Eastern European folklore and legend, rising from the grave at night to consume its living loved ones and neighbors, often converting them at the same time into fellow vampires. A major question exists within vampire scholarship: to what extent is this creature a product of European cultural forms, or is the vampire indeed a universal, perhaps even archetypal figure? In this collection of sixteen essays, the editors shed light on this question.
One essay traces the origins of the legend to the early medieval Norse draugr, an "undead" creature who reflects the underpinnings of Dracula, the latter first appearing as a vampire in Anglo-Irish Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, published in 1897. In addition to these investigations of the Western mythic, literary and historic traditions, other essays in this volume move outside Europe to explore vampire figures in Native American and Mesoamerican myth and ritual, as well as the existence of similar vampiric traditions in Japanese, Russian and Latin American art, theatre, literature, film and other cultural productions.
The female vampire looms large, beginning with the Sumerian goddess Lilith, including the 19th-century Carmilla, and moving to vampiresses in 20th-century film, literature and television series. Scientific explanations for vampires and werewolves constitute another section of the book, including 18th-century accounts of unearthing, decapitation and cremation of suspected vampires in Eastern Europe. The vampire's beauty, attainment of immortality and eternal youth are all suggested as reasons for its continued success in contemporary popular culture.
2.4.13
Maritime Mysteries
A new book on folklore and legend from the author of the excellent Kent Urban Legends, reviewed HERE.
Neil Arnold. Shadows on the Sea: The Maritime Mysteries of Britain. The History Press Ltd (1 April 2013)
The great oceans of the world have long been considered alien environments said to harbor strange creatures and unfathomable mysteries. This new book, from The History Press's successful Shadows series, examines the maritime-rich heritage surrounding the coastline of Britain and the mysterious activity said to take place there. Neil Arnold explores eerie stories of phantom ships upon frothing waves, sailor's stories, fishermen's tales and impossible monsters said to hide within the inky depths, not forgetting weird tales of USOs - unidentified submarine-type objects - and other mysterious lights witnessed out at sea. Compiling hundreds of stories and many eyewitness accounts, Shadows On the Sea is an exploration of the unknown that takes the reader on a voyage through strange tales and roaring seas.
Neil Arnold. Shadows on the Sea: The Maritime Mysteries of Britain. The History Press Ltd (1 April 2013)
The great oceans of the world have long been considered alien environments said to harbor strange creatures and unfathomable mysteries. This new book, from The History Press's successful Shadows series, examines the maritime-rich heritage surrounding the coastline of Britain and the mysterious activity said to take place there. Neil Arnold explores eerie stories of phantom ships upon frothing waves, sailor's stories, fishermen's tales and impossible monsters said to hide within the inky depths, not forgetting weird tales of USOs - unidentified submarine-type objects - and other mysterious lights witnessed out at sea. Compiling hundreds of stories and many eyewitness accounts, Shadows On the Sea is an exploration of the unknown that takes the reader on a voyage through strange tales and roaring seas.
26.3.13
Alien Mysteries
Kevin Randle has always seemed to be amongst the most cogent ET and Roswell proponents. It will be interesting to see his approach to UFO conspiratism abductions and ancient astronauts.
Kevin D. Randle. Alien Mysteries, Conspiracies and Cover-Ups. Visible Ink Press (April 1, 2013)
Publisher's website: Thoroughly investigated by a former Army officer and taken from his review of hundreds of historical and government documents and in-person interviews, this book chronicles more than 100 sightings, events, and discoveries of alien encounters, government conspiracy, and the influence of extraterrestrials on human events throughout history.
From prehistoric UFO sightings, cave paintings, and ancient astronauts to modern sightings around the world, this book investigates claims of aliens living among us, abductions of humans to alien spacecraft, and accounts of interstellar cooperation since the UFO crash in Roswell, along with evidence of what the government knows and what it has covered up. This discussion of the government secrets, theories, and mysteries surrounding aliens is packed with thought-provoking stories and shocking revelations of alien involvement in the lives of Earthlings.
Kevin D. Randle. Alien Mysteries, Conspiracies and Cover-Ups. Visible Ink Press (April 1, 2013)
Publisher's website: Thoroughly investigated by a former Army officer and taken from his review of hundreds of historical and government documents and in-person interviews, this book chronicles more than 100 sightings, events, and discoveries of alien encounters, government conspiracy, and the influence of extraterrestrials on human events throughout history.
From prehistoric UFO sightings, cave paintings, and ancient astronauts to modern sightings around the world, this book investigates claims of aliens living among us, abductions of humans to alien spacecraft, and accounts of interstellar cooperation since the UFO crash in Roswell, along with evidence of what the government knows and what it has covered up. This discussion of the government secrets, theories, and mysteries surrounding aliens is packed with thought-provoking stories and shocking revelations of alien involvement in the lives of Earthlings.
19.3.13
Strange Tales
One of the strangest rumours to emerge from the ufological undergrowth in recent years is the story of the Serpo journey. This account is from someone who seems to take the whole affair at face value. Make of it what you will:
Len Kasten. Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel. Bear & Company. (15 Mar 2013)
Documents how 12 people, as part of a top-secret U.S. government program, traveled to the planet Serpo and lived there for 13 years.
• Based on the debriefing of the Serpo team and the diary of the expedition’s commander
• Explains how the aliens helped us reverse-engineer their antigravity spacecraft and develop technology to solve our planet-wide energy problems
• Reveals how our government has an ongoing relationship with the Serpo aliens
On July 16, 1965, a massive alien spacecraft from the Zeta Reticuli star system landed at the Nevada test site north of Las Vegas. Following a plan set in motion by President Kennedy in 1962, the alien visitors known as the Ebens welcomed 12 astronaut-trained military personnel aboard their craft for the 10-month journey to their home planet, Serpo, 39 light-years away. In November 2005, former and current members of the Defense Intelligence Agency--directed by Kennedy to organize the Serpo exchange program--came forward to reveal the operation, including details from the 3,000-page debriefing of the seven members of the Serpo team who returned after 13 years on the planet.
Working with the DIA originators of the Serpo project and the diary kept by the expedition’s commanding officer, Len Kasten chronicles the complete journey of these cosmic pioneers, including their remarkable stories of life on an alien planet, superluminal space travel, and advanced knowledge of alien technologies. He reveals how the Ebens presented the U.S. with “The Yellow Book”--a complete history of the universe recorded holographically, allowing the reader to view actual scenes from pre-history to the present.
He explains how the Ebens helped us reverse-engineer their antigravity spacecraft and develop technology to solve our planet-wide energy problems--knowledge still classified.Exposing the truth of human-alien interaction and interplanetary travel, Kasten reveals not only that the Ebens have returned to Earth eight times but also that our government continues to have an ongoing relationship with them--a relationship with the potential to advance the human race into the future.
Len Kasten. Secret Journey to Planet Serpo: A True Story of Interplanetary Travel. Bear & Company. (15 Mar 2013)
Documents how 12 people, as part of a top-secret U.S. government program, traveled to the planet Serpo and lived there for 13 years.
• Based on the debriefing of the Serpo team and the diary of the expedition’s commander
• Explains how the aliens helped us reverse-engineer their antigravity spacecraft and develop technology to solve our planet-wide energy problems
• Reveals how our government has an ongoing relationship with the Serpo aliens
On July 16, 1965, a massive alien spacecraft from the Zeta Reticuli star system landed at the Nevada test site north of Las Vegas. Following a plan set in motion by President Kennedy in 1962, the alien visitors known as the Ebens welcomed 12 astronaut-trained military personnel aboard their craft for the 10-month journey to their home planet, Serpo, 39 light-years away. In November 2005, former and current members of the Defense Intelligence Agency--directed by Kennedy to organize the Serpo exchange program--came forward to reveal the operation, including details from the 3,000-page debriefing of the seven members of the Serpo team who returned after 13 years on the planet.
Working with the DIA originators of the Serpo project and the diary kept by the expedition’s commanding officer, Len Kasten chronicles the complete journey of these cosmic pioneers, including their remarkable stories of life on an alien planet, superluminal space travel, and advanced knowledge of alien technologies. He reveals how the Ebens presented the U.S. with “The Yellow Book”--a complete history of the universe recorded holographically, allowing the reader to view actual scenes from pre-history to the present.
He explains how the Ebens helped us reverse-engineer their antigravity spacecraft and develop technology to solve our planet-wide energy problems--knowledge still classified.Exposing the truth of human-alien interaction and interplanetary travel, Kasten reveals not only that the Ebens have returned to Earth eight times but also that our government continues to have an ongoing relationship with them--a relationship with the potential to advance the human race into the future.
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