AFU Newsletter - No 02 - 1975

Magazine Overview

This is the second newsletter, Volume 1, from Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (Group for Ufology) in Sweden, dated May-June 1975. The publication serves as a library and archive for UFO literature, offering library services, bibliographic research, and information.

Editorial and Reader Interaction

The editorial section begins with a thank you to supporters for their books and financial contributions. It addresses several reader requests and suggestions. Acknowledging the difficulty for newcomers to navigate the extensive UFO literature, the group plans to compile a list of approximately 15 recommended titles. They also explain that while the initial book list only included books and pamphlets, journals are being set aside due to the significant effort required for classification. Interested individuals are encouraged to inquire directly about specific journals, and a future list might provide an overview of the journal collection.

The editorial also addresses the 'X-marked' books, which are reference books not currently available for loan. This is described as a temporary measure, with the hope of removing most X-markings as more copies become available. Updates on this policy will be provided in future newsletters.

Two reminders are issued: first, to return borrowed books in their original packaging to help protect them and reduce costs. Second, some borrowers have forgotten to return their registration cards, which are essential for the group's work.

The newsletter concludes this section with a wish for pleasant reading and a continued nice summer, signed by Håkan Blomqvist.

Organizational News

Project URD

Project URD continues its work of training field reporters, with the latest course held in Linköping, bringing the total number of reporters to about 50. Training courses are planned for Stockholm and Gothenburg in the autumn. Interest has also been shown from other Nordic countries, including Finland, Forge, and Denmark. Collaboration is also underway with Hynek's "Center for UFO Studies" in the USA. Anders Liljegren, a staff writer, attended the Linköping course and reports positively on its effectiveness as a foundational instruction for UFO reporters. He notes that the UFO Identification Group has developed a comprehensive teaching package and recommends participation.

New Stockholm Group

A new association is in the process of being formed in Stockholm. Its focus will be on studying not only UFOs but also ancient mysteries, spiritualism, and related topics. While the association has not yet been formally constituted, an initial meeting has been held to discuss its structure. The aim is to establish an active group with study circles. Interested individuals can contact Marianne Bäck.

Reviews

"Flygande tefat"...vad säger vetenskapen? by Sven Magnusson

This book, published in 1975, is a compilation of articles from Sven Magnusson's journal "Sökaren" since the mid-1960s. The author admits to not having delved deeply into the subject, acknowledging how little he truly understands about the UFO problem despite his work. Nevertheless, the book is described as a solid, fundamental presentation of various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The reviewer, Anders Liljegren, notes that much of the material is familiar, referencing cases like the Anten incident and Imjärvi. He expresses a desire for more recent material and criticizes Swedish publishers for overlooking excellent foreign UFO literature, such as books by Fuller, Vallée, and Lorenzen, while producing Swedish original manuscripts that could have been fewer in number. He points out that Hynek's "The UFO Experience" might not even be translated into Swedish.

"The New UFO Sightings" by Glenn McWane & David Graham

Published by Warner Books, Inc. in the USA in 1974, this pocket book is described as a surprisingly objective presentation of the "new ufology." It covers the breadth of UFO phenomena, including overlaps with ESP, occultism, folklore, and fortean topics. The authors, affiliated with "Other Dimensions," approach the subject with a particular perspective. The book begins with UFO events from 1972 and discusses the significant wave of 1973. It also covers topics such as prehistoric visitors, contactees, monster sightings, and UFOs behind the Iron Curtain. A notable feature is interviews with prominent UFO researchers and contactees like John Keel, Brad Steiger, and Ted Owens. The concluding chapter, "The frustration of it all," summarizes the ongoing mystery of UFO phenomena, echoing John Keel's question about the true nature of what is happening.

Current Literature in the Library

"Gods and spacemen of the ancient past" by W. Raymond Drake

This 1974 book from Signet Books, USA, revisits Drake's previous work on similar themes. This time, he interprets biblical stories, focusing on figures like Enoch, Moses, and Solomon and their unusual experiences.

"In search of the ancient mysteries" by Alan & Sally Landsburg

Published by Bantam Books, USA, in 1974, this book is compared to the style of Erich von Däniken. Chapter titles like "Who was Virococha?", "Who taught the Egyptians?", and "Secrets in stone" are highlighted. The book includes a useful bibliography.

"The New UFO Sightings" by Glenn McWane & David Graham

This is the same book that was reviewed earlier in the newsletter.

New on the Bookshelf

Uri Geller: My story

Uri Geller's autobiography, "Uri Geller: My story," published by Praeger Publishers, New York, USA, is mentioned as having been released in the June issue of Fate magazine. The book is 283 pages long and costs $8.95.

The Mothman Prophecis by John Keel

John Keel has released a book titled "The Mothman Prophecis." It can be obtained from Saturday Review Press, New York, USA, for $7.95.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently promotes the study and documentation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the importance of a library and archive for UFO literature. There is a clear effort to educate new enthusiasts and train field reporters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the complexity and ongoing mystery of UFOs, as evidenced by the quote from John Keel. The group also advocates for better access to international UFO literature, criticizing Swedish publishers for perceived shortcomings in this area. The newsletter serves as a hub for information exchange, connecting researchers, authors, and the public interested in ufology.