1953 04 00 Journal of the Franklin Institute - Vol 255 No 4 - Levitt

Magazine Overview This document is a book review from a publication identified as "BOOK REVIEWS" with the issue number "360" and volume indicator "J. F. I.". The review is for the book "FLYING SAUCERS" by Donald H. Menzel, published by Harvard University Press in 1953. The book has 319 pages, includes illustrations, and measures 14 x 21 cm. Its price was $4.75.

Book Review: Flying Saucers by Donald H. Menzel

The review begins by noting that flying saucers have been a subject of interest for a long time, perhaps 3,000 years, but have only recently captured the attention of the entire population due to instantaneous communication. Historical sightings are mentioned, including those seen by the French in the late 18th Century and the "Durham Lights" in mid-19th Century England. The reviewer posits a correlation between a nation's global leadership and its susceptibility to these apparitions, suggesting a psychological element where those with most to lose might be more prone to seeing threats.

The book "Flying Saucers" by Dr. Donald H. Menzel, Acting Director of the Harvard College Observatory and a renowned astrophysicist, is presented as an explanation for the formation, appearance, and behavior of these objects. The reviewer states that the book is a natural evolution of articles and stories written by Menzel in 1952.

Menzel's book details how flying saucers can be the result of atmospheric phenomena, specifically explaining the role of mist, ice crystals, and mirages in creating these apparitions. The review highlights Menzel's detailed accounts of spectacular sightings, including the incident involving Captain Thomas F. Mantell. Mantell crashed his P-51 in Kentucky while chasing a flying saucer, an event Menzel explains could have been a "mock sun" caused by ice crystals in high cirrus clouds.

The review also addresses the "little men from Venus" phenomenon, which Dr. Menzel discusses. According to the review, this story originated from a lecture class at the University of Denver and spread rapidly. However, a journalist named J. P. Cohn of the San Francisco Chronicle reportedly debunked it as a hoax, linked to a future stock promotion scheme involving a "mysterious scientist X" and Dr. Gee, who were allegedly indicted for fraudulent stock practices. The review notes that newspapers largely buried this information or deemed it not newsworthy.

The reviewer, I. M. Levitt, shares an anecdote from his own lectures, where about 40% of the audience had heard of the "little men from Venus" story, but less than 1% knew the debunking details presented in Menzel's book.

Another case discussed is the encounter of Lieutenant George F. Gorman with a flying saucer, which is vividly described in the book, along with its explanation. The review emphasizes that the book is filled with case histories of flying saucer sightings from diverse perspectives and circumstances.

"Flying Saucers" is welcomed as the first "sober volume" in the growing literature on the subject, aiming to alleviate anxieties and apprehensions by suggesting that these objects are not necessarily interplanetary. The reviewer concludes that Dr. Menzel has successfully positioned himself as a leading debunker of flying saucer phenomena and congratulates him on a "magnificently written book" that addresses the needs of many.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The primary theme of this review is the debunking of flying saucer phenomena, presenting them as natural atmospheric occurrences rather than extraterrestrial craft. The editorial stance, as conveyed through the reviewer I. M. Levitt, is one of advocating for a rational, scientific, and less anxious approach to the subject, aligning with Menzel's work as a definitive debunking effort. The review highlights the importance of critical thinking and journalistic integrity in reporting such phenomena, contrasting it with sensationalism and the suppression of debunking information by the press.