Magazine Summary
Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Summary
This issue of Alternate Horizons Newsletter delves into the historical context of 'men in black,' questioning if they are a modern UFO phenomenon or have older roots, referencing historical accounts of figures dressed in black associated with folklore and demonic entities. It also touches upon a Loch Ness sighting and presents a narrative from Lucius Farish about anomalous phenomena captured in a storm cloud photograph. Additionally, the newsletter provides an extensive reference list for 'Alternate Reality Theory,' covering both non-fiction and fiction works that may offer insights into inter-reality translation and strange phenomena.
Magazine Overview
Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Issue: Volume Three, Whole Number 16, Number Four
Date: June 16, 1969 (cover date for UFO Sighter reference), with other dates mentioned including August 29, 1969, and August 1969.
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Content: This issue of the newsletter explores historical and contemporary accounts related to UFO phenomena, 'men in black,' and the concept of alternate realities.
Men in Black: Historical Antecedents
The lead article, likely authored by Allen H. Greenfield, questions whether the modern phenomenon of 'men in black' has historical precedents. It references Montague Summers' "The Werewolf" (published March 1966, first printing) concerning a 1603 werewolf case where the individual was dressed in black. Further references are made to Eric Maple's "The Domain Of Devils" and "The Dark World of Witches," which apparently link 'men in black' to guises of the devil or demons. The newsletter suggests that Britain may have experienced a 'wave' of such cases, possibly starting around the Elizabethan post-Reformation era. The article poses whether these 'men in black' cases are related to visits by 'demonic' entities from past eras.
Loch Ness and UFO Sighting Reports
The newsletter briefly touches upon a report from the Atlanta Journal (August 29, 1969) concerning the Loch Ness 'thing' or 'things.' It notes that a color photograph was allegedly taken and that the phenomenon has been reported again. The article questions the increase in sightings and the ratio of eyewitness accounts to reports received by distant persons, using Atlanta, Georgia, as an example.
Anomalous Storm Photo
A separate narrative by Lucius Farish details a photograph taken in mid-April 1969 near Plumerville, Arkansas. Farish was photographing an approaching thunderstorm when he noticed an unusual downward projection from the storm cloud. He took two photos with a Kodak "Brownie Chiquita" camera. Upon developing the film several weeks later, he discovered anomalous "phenomena" on one of the photos, including a "beam," a "doughnut-shaped object," and a "glare." These features were not visible to the naked eye at the time the photos were taken. Farish emphasizes that he does not claim the "doughnut" is a UFO or that the effects are other-than-normal, but states he has not yet heard a satisfactory explanation. He offers to make the prints or negative available for professional analysis.
Alternate Reality Theory Reference Data
Authored by Allen H. Greenfield, this extensive section provides a reference list for researchers interested in the "Alternate Reality Theory" (AR Theory). Building on a previous article in "UFO Sighter" (Fall-Winter 1968-69), this list aims to support the AR theory with background material. The works are categorized into:
- (A) THE MULTIPLE STATES OF REALITY - non-fiction
- "Microcosm and Macrocosm: An Approach To The Synthesis Of The Real" by Michael M. Hare (Julian Press), noted for its potential importance and technical mathematical viewpoint.
- "The Unexplained" by Allen Spaggett (Signet), with a foreword by Bishop James A.
- "The Enigma Of The Poltergeist" by Susy Smith (Ace Books), with a foreword by Raymond Bayless.
- "Astral Projection: A Record Of Out-Of-The-Body Experiences" by Oliver Fox (University Books), with a foreword by John C. Wilson.
- Observations suggest AR researchers might find clues to poltergeistic or apparitional presences, the nature of alternate realities, and inter-reality translation methods in these works, particularly referencing the case "Aston" in "Flying Saucer Review's" "The Humanoids."
- (B) THE MULTIPLE STATES OF REALITY - fiction
- "The Incomplete Enchanter" by L. Sprague De Camp and Fletcher Pratt (Pyramid Books).
- "Three Hearts and Three Lions" by Poul Anderson (Doubleday).
- "Assignment In Nowhere" by Keith Laumer (Berkley Medallion Books).
- "Glory Road" by Robert Heinlein (G.P. Putnam's Sons).
- Observations note that these works may offer explanations of "AR" (e.g., "Assignment In Nowhere," page 51) and descriptions of inter-reality translation.
- (C) ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM PREHISTORY FORWARD - non-fiction
- "Flying Saucers From The Moon" by Harold T. Wilkins (Peter Owen Limited), with Chapter VIII (pages 153-199) potentially valuable for establishing a history of strange phenomena.
- "The History of Atlantis" by Lewis Spence (University Books), with a foreword by Leslie Shepard.
- "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World" by Ignatius Donnelly (Gramercy Publishing Company), edited by Eggerton Sykes.
- "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (Bantam Books), Section V, Chapter 1 by Samuel Rosenberg (pages 481-502) may aid in UFO history research. Introduction by Dr. Edward U. Condon, Walter Sullivan.
- "The Morning Of The Magicians" by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier, translated by Rollo Myers (Avon Books).
- Observations suggest AR researchers might look for clues to alternate reality interrelationships explaining prehistoric technology and historical strange phenomena.
- (D) INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OUR OWN REALITY - non-fiction
- "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" by Gray Barker (Tower Books).
- "Beyond Unseen Boundaries" by Brad Steiger (Popular Library), with pages 25-26 ("What of the Flying Automobiles") noted as of particular interest.
The section concludes by stating that while authors may use AR as a literary device, the fictional works can still provide useful insights into the Alternate Reality concept. The AR notion is linked to UFOs and other esoteric phenomena in "Glory Road" (page 133).
Recent Activities and Visitors
The newsletter reports on recent activities, including hosting Mr. Jim McClarin and Mr. C.A. Eagan at the home office. They also met with Dr. Lindtner of UFOIC in Australia during a stopover in Atlanta. Additionally, they met with Ron Willis and Paul Willis of the International Fortean Organization (INFO) during a visit to the Washington, D.C. area. A trip in August 1969 to the Brown Mountain, North Carolina area is also mentioned, where they met Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R Steinberg and contactee Ralph Lael.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related entities like 'men in black,' and their potential historical or even supernatural origins. There is a strong emphasis on exploring fringe theories and alternative explanations, as evidenced by the extensive bibliography on Alternate Reality Theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and references for the reader to consider, rather than asserting definitive conclusions. The newsletter encourages researchers to delve into these subjects and seek explanations for anomalous events.
Are the so-called "men in black" a product of the modern UFO era? Or do they, like "little men" and the UFOs themselves, have a record of historical antecedents in the same vein?
Key Incidents
An alleged werewolf case involving an individual dressed in black.
A period possibly experiencing a 'wave' of 'men in black' cases.
A report of the Loch Ness 'thing' or 'things' being seen again, with a color photograph allegedly taken.
Lucius Farish photographed a storm cloud with an unusual downward projection, which later revealed an anomalous 'beam', 'doughnut-shaped object', and 'glare' on the developed film.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical references are made to 'men in black'?
The newsletter references Montague Summers' 'The Werewolf' (circa 1603) for a case involving an individual dressed in black, and Eric Maple's 'The Domain Of Devils' and 'The Dark World of Witches' for apparent references to men in black associated with the guise of the devil or demons, possibly beginning in Britain during the Elizabethan post-Reformation era.
What is the 'storm photo' narrative about?
Lucius Farish describes taking photos of a thunderstorm in April 1969 near Plumerville, Arkansas. Upon development, the photos revealed an anomalous 'beam', 'doughnut-shaped object', and 'glare' that were not visible to the naked eye at the time, for which he has not yet heard a satisfactory explanation.
What is the purpose of the 'Alternate Reality Theory Reference Data' section?
This section, authored by Allen H. Greenfield, provides a list of theoretical points and reference materials, both fiction and non-fiction, for researchers interested in the Alternate Reality or AR Theory, exploring concepts of inter-reality translation and strange phenomena.
Who were some of the recent visitors or contacts mentioned?
The newsletter mentions hosting Jim McClarin and C.A. Eagan, meeting Dr. Lindtner of UFOIC in Australia, meeting Ron Willis and Paul Willis of INFO in Washington D.C., and visiting Brown Mountain, North Carolina, where they met Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R Steinberg and contactee Ralph Lael.
In This Issue
People Mentioned
- Allen H. GreenfieldEditor/Author
- Montague SummersAuthor
- Eric MapleAuthor
- Jim McClarinGuest
- C.A. EaganGuest
- Dr. LindtnerUFOIC Representative
- Ron WillisINFO Representative
- Paul WillisINFO Representative
- Eugene R SteinbergContactee
- Ralph LaelContactee
- Lucius FarishAuthor
- Michael M. HareAuthor
- +8 more
Organisations
- Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
- UFOIC
- International Fortean Organization (INFO)
- University Books
- A.S. Barnes and Company, Inc.
- Julian Press
- Signet
- Ace Books
- University Books
- Pyramid Books
- Doubleday
- Berkley Medallion Books
- G.P. Putnam's Sons
- Peter Owen Limited
- +5 more
Locations
- Britain, United Kingdom
- Loch Ness, United Kingdom
- Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Atlanta, USA
- Georgia, USA
- California, USA
- Australia, Australia
- Washington, D.C., USA
- Brown Mountain, USA
- North Carolina, USA
- Plumerville, USA
- Arkansas, USA