Clypeus - 1967 - Vol 4 No 2-3

Magazine Overview

This is the March-May 1967 issue of "CLYPEUS", a bi-monthly Italian magazine dedicated to exploring the enigmas of the universe. Titled "MONUMENTI SULLA LUNA EXTRATERRESTRI IN CINA" (Monuments on the Moon, Extraterrestrials in China), the issue features a prominent red illustration on the cover and a price of 300 Lire. The magazine is published by Clypeus and based in Torino, Italy.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

Monuments on the Moon?

This article by Bill Fargo discusses the hypothesis of lunar monuments. It references ancient thinkers like Luciano di Samòsata and modern observations, particularly an image from the "Lunar Orbiter 2" taken on November 2, 1966. Professor William Blair, a specialist in physical anthropology and archeology from the "Boeing" Institute, drew attention to this photo, which shows distinct shadows resembling spires and a large rectangular depression. Blair suggests these formations are not natural and compares them to prehistoric monuments on Earth, noting their geometric arrangement. He posits that if they were natural geophysical events, they would be randomly distributed, but their structured pattern suggests artificial origin. The article also touches upon the idea of these being observation or navigation tools for an extraterrestrial intelligence.

Atlantis: Notes for a Study

Cecile Trilland Parisini contributes an extensive article on the mythical continent of Atlantis. The author highlights the vast amount of literature on the subject, noting that while Italy has limited resources, the Smithsonian Institute in America holds over fifty thousand volumes, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in France has over a thousand. Clypeus itself boasts over two hundred volumes on Atlantis. The article references Plato's "Timaeus" for a detailed description of the continent's civilization and its downfall. It presents evidence from various fields, including paleontology (horse evolution), botany (plant distribution), and linguistics (similarities between Maya, Greek, and Sanskrit languages), to support the theory of a land bridge or continent connecting the Eastern and Western hemispheres. The author discusses the possibility of Atlanteans being the ancestors of various ancient races, including the Berbers, Libyans, Hebrews, Basques, Etruscans, Guanches, Toltecs, Mayas, and Incas. The article also delves into the religious aspects, suggesting that Atlanteans worshipped a supreme God through natural symbols like the Sun. It mentions the catastrophic end of Atlantis due to a great earthquake and geological upheaval, and the subsequent dispersal of survivors, linking it to the concept of a "Noé" figure saving humanity. The text also references the work of scholars like Donnelly, who suggested the Bible is an echo of an Atlantean book, and Louis Rinn's research on Berber language, which points to a brown-skinned race with connections to Atlanteans.

For a Return to Esoteric Traditions

Remo Fedi's article explores the moral and material crisis of the modern West and contrasts it with Eastern traditions. He highlights the work of René Guénon, who emphasized the traditional unity of all religions and attributed the East-West divide to the West's gradual abandonment of contemplative spirit in favor of mechanical action. Fedi argues that the West's focus on action over contemplation, and its embrace of materialism and mechanization, has led to a spiritual crisis. He calls for a return to universal principles and inner spirituality, suggesting that true progress lies in integrating Eastern and Western wisdom. The article critiques the superficiality of modern spiritual movements and advocates for a deeper, more universal understanding of spirituality.

Donated to the Egyptian Museum of Turin: The Temple of Ellesya

This section reports on the donation of the pharaonic temple of Ellesya by the United Arab Republic to Italy. The temple, originally carved into rock near Assuan, was submerged by the Nasser Lake. Italian efforts to save it involved cutting it into 65 blocks, which were then transported to Torino for reconstruction. This donation is presented as a reciprocal gesture for Italy's contribution to saving Nubian monuments.

Other Contributions and Sections

The magazine also features a "Sommario" (Table of Contents) listing numerous articles and contributors, including "Monuments on the Moon?" by Bill Fargo, "Atlantis" by Cecile Trilland Parisini, "For a Return to Esoteric Traditions" by Remo Fedi, and "Donated to the Egyptian Museum of Turin: The Temple of Ellesya." Other listed topics include "Atlante" (Atlantis), "Esotericism," "Archeology," "Astrophysics," "Astronautics," "Anthropology," "Astronomy," "Lost Civilizations," "Space Philately," and "Unusual Art and Literature." The issue also includes sections for "Abbonamenti" (Subscriptions), "Tariffe Pubblicitarie" (Advertising Rates), and contact information for various editorial representatives and distributors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

CLYPEUS positions itself as a platform for disseminating knowledge about universal enigmas, particularly those related to esotericism, ancient civilizations, and potential extraterrestrial influences. The magazine champions a traditionalist and spiritualist viewpoint, contrasting it with modern Western materialism and rationalism. It encourages critical thinking and a return to deeper, universal spiritual principles. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a clear bias towards exploring ancient mysteries and alternative explanations beyond conventional science. The magazine emphasizes its independence, stating it has no financial backers and is not driven by speculative aims. It also highlights its commitment to publishing articles that are exclusive and signed, and it discourages anonymous submissions.

This issue of the magazine, titled "SIAMO EXTRATERRESTRI?" (Are We Extraterrestrials?), published in 1969 and edited by Roberto Pinotti, delves into the controversial intersection of religion, science, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The cover features a provocative question and a quote from Alexander Pope, setting a tone of inquiry into humanity's origins and place in the cosmos.

The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis and Biblical Interpretation

The lead article explores the idea that biblical accounts, particularly the Book of Enoch and references in the New Testament, might describe interactions with extraterrestrial beings rather than purely spiritual entities. It discusses how early interpretations of angels depicted them as human-like beings, and how later Greek influences led to winged representations. The text cites S. Paolo's epistles, which mention hospitality to strangers potentially being encounters with angels, and the Letter to the Hebrews, which speaks of angels being like humans. The article posits that the biblical narrative gains a new dimension if one considers the possibility of beings from other worlds.

Agrest's Theory on Sodom and Gomorrah

Soviet scholar M. Agrest is presented as a proponent of the theory that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in Genesis, was caused by a nuclear explosion from extraterrestrial visitors. Agrest interprets the biblical account of "a rain of sulfur and fire" as a description of atomic warfare. He further suggests that Lot's wife, turned into a pillar of salt for looking back at the destruction, was a victim of the "blast wave" of the explosion, which may have coated her with salt crystals from nearby deposits, similar to the vitrification observed after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

The Baalbek Terraces and Tektites

Agrest's claims extend to the ancient city of Baalbek, suggesting that its colossal stone terraces, weighing two thousand tons, were built by extraterrestrial astronauts as a makeshift spaceport. The scholar's hypothesis is partly based on the presence of mysterious "tektites," crystalline formations that he believes are fragments from the hulls of ancient spacecraft, dislodged by the intense heat of atmospheric entry. This phenomenon is compared to the re-entry of modern spacecraft.

The Compatibility of Faith and Extraterrestrial Life

Father Francis J. Connel, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the Catholic University of America, is quoted as stating that Catholic faith is perfectly compatible with the "most astounding possibilities regarding life on other planets." This perspective is used to support the idea that biblical angels might be highly evolved beings from other worlds, both technologically and spiritually.

The Book of Enoch and Celestial Journeys

The article references the "Secret Books of Enoch," pseudo-epigraphal texts from the early centuries of the common era, which describe Enoch being taken by angels to the first heaven and shown a vast, celestial sea. The text draws a parallel between this description and how a modern astronaut might describe the view from orbit, suggesting a consistent depiction of celestial travel.

Artistic Depictions of Celestial Objects

An fresco from the Visoki Decani monastery (14th century) is analyzed for its depiction of two luminous, circular objects with apparent "tails," resembling comets. While initially suggested as representations of the sun and moon, their unusual appearance and context lead to speculation about their true meaning. The article notes that while Christian art sometimes depicted celestial bodies, these figures are unusual. The possibility of them being representations of angelic "chariots of fire" from biblical texts, or even Enoch and Elijah being transported to heaven, is explored. The resemblance to modern unidentified flying objects (UFOs) is also highlighted.

"Souvenirs" from Another World: Archaeological Anomalies

This section, authored by Peter Kolosimo, presents a series of archaeological discoveries that challenge conventional historical and scientific understanding. These "impossible archaeological discoveries" and "objects that do not exist" are presented as evidence of advanced ancient technologies or extraterrestrial interference.

Ancient Coins and Artifacts

The article begins by referencing a story about "pennies" found in a 400-year-old Indian burial mound, questioning the dismissive attitude of mainstream archaeologists towards anomalous findings. It then details several specific discoveries:

• A bronze coin found in Illinois in 1871 at a depth of over 42 meters.
• Two copper rings found at a depth of 36.5 meters in Whiteside Country, Illinois, in 1851.
• A bell-shaped vessel made of an unknown metal, found in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1851.
• A metallic object resembling a bucket handle, found within a piece of gold-bearing quartz in California.
• A similar "bucket handle" object found embedded in a 23-centimeter stone block in Kingoodie, England, dating back to the Pleistocene era.
• A strange metallic cube found in an Austrian coal seam from the Tertiary Era, composed of iron and carbon.
• A screw, 5.08 cm long, found in a rock in Treasure City, Nevada, dating back to an unknown ancient period.
• A human footprint impression found in clay in Cow Canyon, Nevada, from a period predating human evolution according to traditional anthropology.

Kolosimo argues that these findings, when considered collectively, suggest that the history of humanity may be far more complex and ancient than currently understood, potentially involving extraterrestrial contact.

Radiesthesia and Dowsing

This section, written by Benedetto Lavagna, explores the practice of radiesthesia, a form of dowsing using a pendulum. The author explains the technique for using a pendulum to determine the suitability of food, drinks, or medicines for an individual, based on the pendulum's oscillation. It emphasizes that this method is based on personal radiant emissions and is not dependent on personal taste but on physiological needs. The article describes how the pendulum's movement indicates harmony or disharmony between the operator and the 'witness' (the object being tested). It also touches upon the idea of mental commands influencing the pendulum's movement, citing experiments with a suspended copper spiral.

"Audizione Colorata" (Colored Hearing)

This part of the magazine discusses the phenomenon of "colored hearing" or synesthesia, where individuals perceive colors in response to sounds. It mentions historical figures and artists who reportedly experienced this, such as Arthur Rimbaud, who associated specific colors with vowels (A-black, E-white, I-red, U-green, O-blue). The article also refers to studies by doctors like Laurent and Chébalier, who documented cases of individuals associating colors with spoken words. A radio survey conducted by the Italian Society of Metapsychics is described, where listeners were asked to report their visual impressions (colors, images) when listening to music. The results indicated that many listeners perceived colors and imagery related to the music's theme, such as "sea," "boats," and "waterfalls" when listening to pieces about water.

Psychological Explanations and Associations

The phenomenon is discussed in relation to psychologist Théodore Flournoy's theories, which suggest that music evokes emotions, and these emotions, in turn, trigger specific images and colors through psychological association. The article also references Léon Gozlan's concept of "color of states of mind," providing examples of color associations for emotions like hope (tender green), excitement (bright green), fear (black), and melancholy (grey). However, it notes that some of these associations are subjective and not universally agreed upon.

Dialogue: Love and Life

A poetic dialogue between Paola Minucciani and Angelo Arpaia explores themes of love, life, and self-discovery. Minucciani, as the questioner, expresses a profound lack of experience with love, having lived a life focused on self and travel. She seeks to understand love from Arpaia, asking for stories and explanations, even if the love described is unrequited or painful. Arpaia, in response, uses metaphors of nature, such as a small rose blooming or a river flowing to the sea, to describe the multifaceted nature of love, encompassing tenderness, passion, joy, sorrow, and torment. He concludes by suggesting that true love is an all-encompassing experience, a journey that leads to self-realization.

Selene: Lunar Enigmas and Curiosities

This section is dedicated to the Moon, exploring its historical significance, mythological associations, and scientific enigmas. It lists numerous names given to the Moon across different cultures and mythologies, including Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Celtic, and pre-Columbian civilizations. The article mentions ancient beliefs about the Moon's influence on earthly events, such as calamities, and its association with the afterlife and superior beings, citing figures like Plato, Orpheus, Pythagoras, Xenophanes, and Eraclides Ponticus.

Lunar Travel and Phenomena

The text highlights literary and scientific works that have explored lunar travel, from ancient myths to the works of authors like Lucian of Samosata, Cyrano de Bergerac, Jules Verne, and H.G. Wells. It notes that the Moon has been considered a dwelling place for gods, saints, and dreamers. The article also touches upon strange phenomena observed on the Moon, such as unusual lights, which science is still trying to explain, pending future human landings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the idea of the extraordinary and the unexplained, challenging conventional scientific and religious dogma. There is a strong undercurrent of ancient astronaut theory, suggesting that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations may have influenced human history and mythology. The magazine appears to embrace a perspective that is open to unconventional interpretations of historical texts, archaeological findings, and unexplained phenomena, seeking to reconcile these with scientific inquiry and, in some cases, religious belief. The editorial stance is one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to question established narratives and consider alternative explanations for the mysteries of the universe and human existence.

Title: Clypeus
Issue: 21
Volume: IV
Year: 1967

This issue of Clypeus, a magazine focused on UFOlogy and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles, from groundbreaking space photography to ancient legends and philatelic news.

The Other Face of the Moon: Soviet Discoveries

The cover story prominently features the first photograph of the far side of the Moon, released by the Soviet Union. The accompanying text explains the numbering system used on the image, with Roman numerals indicating previously known 'seas' and Arabic numerals identifying craters and 'seas' named by the Russians. These include 'Mare di Mosca' (Sea of Moscow), 'Baia degli Astronauti' (Bay of Astronauts), 'Cratere Tsiolkovski' (Tsiolkovski Crater), 'Cratere Lomonosov' (Lomonosov Crater), 'Cratere Joliot-Curie' (Joliot-Curie Crater), 'Catena dei monti Sovietici' (Soviet Mountains Chain), and 'Mare dei sogni' (Sea of Dreams). The image itself is a detailed, albeit somewhat grainy, depiction of the lunar surface.

Pages 2 and 4 further explore lunar imagery, with page 2 showing the final photograph taken by the Ranger 6 probe before its impact, indicating the impact point with a black dot within a circle. It also displays images from the Soviet 'ZOND 3' probe. Page 4 includes a humorous advertisement suggesting that advertising on the Moon is not yet possible, but urging readers to advertise on Clypeus.

Page 5 showcases the first lunar globe constructed by the Moscow Astronautical Institute, which reportedly displays four hundred topographical reliefs from the 'Lunik 3' mission.

Extraterrestrials in Ancient China?

Authored by Raymond W. Drake, this extensive article explores ancient Chinese legends and chronicles, suggesting a possible connection to extraterrestrial visitors. The text posits that Chinese civilization may have been inherited from the 'Sons of the Sun' from Lemuria. It references ancient documents like the 'Tchi manuscript' and the 'Huai-nan-tzu', describing an idyllic past where humans and animals were spiritually united, and celestial beings descended to impart wisdom. The article details the decline of humanity into greed and perversion, leading to the exile of a winged race known as the 'Miao'.

It recounts the legend of the emperor Yao, who faced natural calamities and monstrous creatures, and was saved by the archer Tsu-yu, who shot down nine false suns. The story of Tsu-yu and his wife Heng-o, who flew to the Moon, is also presented, along with the idea that the Sun and Moon might have been inhabited, a theory echoed by astronomer Sir William Herschel.

The article draws parallels between ancient Chinese descriptions of dragons and modern UFO sightings, noting the use of advanced weaponry like light rays, poisonous gases, and flying machines. It highlights the dragon as a symbol of Chinese civilization and discusses the belief that dragon kings possessed supernatural powers and lived in palaces in the sea, obeying a lord from the stars. The text questions whether an illiterate ancient Chinese person could have conceived of such advanced concepts without external influence.

Further evidence is presented through sightings of unknown flying objects, including a description from the year 12 BC of a 'comet-like substance' and a 1932 description of 'fire wheels' attached to a celestial vehicle. The article also mentions the 'red dragon' as the father of the first dynasty of 'divine emperors' and the belief that some ancient Chinese might have worshipped solar beings.

Philately and Space Exploration

'IN ORBITA CON I FRANCOBOLLI' (In Orbit with Stamps), curated by Phil Aster, focuses on space-themed postage stamps. This section highlights stamps issued by Yemen commemorating the Gemini 6 and 7 missions, depicting astronauts, rocket launches, and recovery operations. It also details a Soviet 'triptych' stamp featuring the trajectory from Earth to the Moon, the USSR emblem, and images of the Luna 9 probe transmitting photos from the lunar surface. The article notes that the Luna 9 probe was launched on January 31, 1966, and landed on February 3, transmitting significant lunar photos.

Another part of this section discusses the US Postal Service's hesitation in issuing a stamp to commemorate the American cosmonauts who perished during an experiment, suggesting a wait for a future US space success. It also mentions a special album for schoolchildren in the USSR to collect Soviet space stamps, featuring the portrait of scientist Tsiolkovski.

Other Sections and Features

'È PRIMAVERA!' (It's Spring!): This short piece encourages readers to enjoy outdoor activities and mentions the possibility of encountering 'something' like a UFO, a weather balloon, or a meteorite, suggesting that having optical equipment like binoculars or cameras would be beneficial.

Lunar Eclipses in 1967: The issue notes that two lunar eclipses will occur in 1967, on April 24 and October 18, neither of which will be visible in Europe.

• Clipeodictionary: This section provides brief entries on various individuals and topics related to clipeology. Notable entries include:
• Atlas - Score (USA): Details of a satellite launched in 1958 and its disintegration in 1959.
• Drake W. Raymond: Described as a leading clipeologist and representative for Clypeus in England.
• Explorer IV (USA): Information on another US satellite launched in 1958 and its disintegration in 1959.
• Fedi Remo: An Italian scholar of philosophy and religious criticism, known for his extensive writings on various esoteric and spiritual topics.
• Hutin Serge: A French literary figure and researcher, author of numerous books on alchemy, secret societies, and gnosticism.
• Kolosimo Peter: An Italian author and researcher specializing in archaeology, astronautics, and psychology, known for his books on UFOs and space.
• Li-Chi: Refers to ancient Chinese texts.
• Liu-Shi, Ch'Un Ch'iu: Mentions the 'Annals of Spring and Autumn' by Confucius.
• Matsumura J. Yusuke: Identified as a leading clipeologist and editor of 'Flying Saucer News' and 'Brothers' in Japan.
• Shu-Ching or Shang-Shu: Refers to ancient Chinese documents.
• Sputnik 3° (URSS): Details of a Soviet satellite launched in 1958 and its disintegration in 1960.
• Vanguard 1° (USA): Information on a US satellite launched in 1958.
• Wilkins Harold T.: Author of several books on flying saucers.
• Zinsstag Lou: Co-author of a book on UFO sightings in Switzerland.

Messages and Requests: This section includes various reader requests and information, such as inquiries about Peter Kolosimo's books, requests for accommodation in Turin, and offers to exchange or purchase specific books and recordings.

Attention!: Announces an upcoming series of articles by Roberto Pinotti titled 'IL CREPUSCOLO DEGLI DEI' (The Twilight of the Gods).

Friends: Provides contact information for magazine correspondence.

'L'ECO DELLA STAMPA': Mentions an agency that provides articles and news to the magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Clypeus are the exploration of space, particularly the Moon, through scientific endeavors (Soviet and US missions) and ancient legends. There's a strong emphasis on the possibility of extraterrestrial influence on ancient civilizations, particularly China, drawing parallels between mythological descriptions and modern UFO phenomena. The magazine also caters to enthusiasts of space-themed philately, showcasing relevant postage stamps. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, bridging scientific discovery with historical and mythological interpretations, while also serving as a platform for reader interaction and information exchange within the UFOlogy community.

This issue of "Clypeus" (N. 3, October-December 1963) is a multifaceted publication delving into science fiction, unusual art, literature, and paranormal phenomena. It features a blend of fictional narratives, critical essays, and informational pieces, reflecting the burgeoning interest in these topics in Italy.

Literary Contributions

"Scambio Culturale" by Giuliano Talamonti

The issue opens with a fictional short story titled "Scambio Culturale" by Giuliano Talamonti. The narrative begins with the protagonist fishing by a river, seeking tranquility. His peace is disrupted by the passage of numerous round, greenish flying machines, which he initially dismisses as low-flying military exercises. However, a radio broadcast announces widespread UFO sightings, describing them as 'science fiction events.' The protagonist is then approached by a journalist named Xjngx from 'Vega's Press,' who interviews him about his fishing experience, subtly probing his beliefs about extraterrestrials and UFOs. Xjngx, who has an unusual appearance and a six-fingered hand, speaks with a peculiar accent and expresses a belief in the power of intention in fishing. The story touches upon themes of the unusual and the unexplained, with the protagonist's mundane activity contrasted against the backdrop of potential alien encounters.

"Alessandri, pittore 'surfanta'" by Emilio Citrone

Emilio Citrone profiles the artist Alessandri, describing his work as "Surfanta," a blend of fantastic realism and surrealism. Alessandri's paintings feature bizarre creatures and fantastical landscapes, with titles like "Fantasberocchia satellato" and "Sclassaberocchia intrinseco." Citrone highlights Alessandri's unique artistic vision, his exploration of the impossible, and his dedication to his craft, which he pursues with an almost obsessive passion, even at financial cost. Alessandri's personal philosophy includes a belief in asceticism, yoga, reincarnation, and 'Superiors from elsewhere,' while rejecting television, sport, racism, and nuclear physics. He is depicted as a complex and unconventional figure.

"Fossati, poeta genovese" by Enzo Mariani

Enzo Mariani reviews "Relatività della Solitudine," a first work by young Genoese poet Franco Fossati. Mariani notes that the collection, while imbued with a sense of solitude and the representation of death, also reveals a vibrant feeling of love and a desire to share it. The poetry explores new themes and expresses a deep-seated melancholy stemming from a perceived decline in societal values and a fear of solitude. Fossati's work is characterized by its fantastical imagery and a sense of regret for unlived experiences.

"Mistero archeologico a Fontainebleau" by Serge Hutin

Serge Hutin investigates the enigmatic rock formations in the Fontainebleau forest, suggesting that beyond natural erosion, these stones bear the marks of ancient human intervention. Hutin posits that early inhabitants, struck by the rocks' fantastic appearance, sculpted them to represent mythological figures and created pathways for initiation ceremonies. He proposes that these sites served as sanctuaries for communities who worshipped the sun and moon, and that the area might later have been used by druids. The article cites Robert Ganzo's archeological discoveries as confirmation of these ancient rituals.

Science Fiction Market and Fanzines

"TELESTAR - Libri e Riviste di S.F." by I Trifidi

This section, curated by "I Trifidi," aims to provide a guide to the used science fiction book market, with the goal of making rare items more accessible and combating speculation. It lists several antiquarian bookstores that specialize in science fiction, including Flumen Dantis, G. Berruto, and G. Montanari, and provides their contact information. A table of prices for used copies of "Scienza Fantastica" (1952-1953), "Urania Rivista" (1952-1953), and "I Romanzi di Urania" (1952-1953) is also presented, indicating their market value in lire.

"La Botteggaccia"

This short piece describes "La Botteggaccia," an art gallery in Giaveno run by Citrone, which is presented as a unique venue for exhibitions and encounters. It hosts unusual 'personal exhibitions' and has featured figures like the 'King of Coazze' and other eccentric characters, offering a lively and unconventional atmosphere.

"Premio Internazionale Numeri Unici"

This article reports on the awarding of the "Premio Internazionale Numeri Unici" in Turin, an event organized by the fanzine "Numeri Unici" and curated by Luigi Naviglio. The prize attracted 86 entries, with 50 from Italy and 36 from abroad. Gianfranco de Turris (Italy) won first place, with Michel Demuth (France) and Bertill Mortensson (Sweden) taking second and third, respectively. The article highlights the success of the fanzine in bringing together writers and fostering a competitive environment, and notes that several Italian authors, including Vittorio Curtoni, Giuseppe Pederiali, and Franco Fossati, were recognized.

"SEVAGRAM - PARALLEL"

Diego Gabutti and Riccardo Valla are preparing a new non-professional magazine called "SEVAGRAM - PARALLEL." This publication aims to explore the most notable aspects of science fiction, including its literary genre, ideas, and hypotheses. It will be published quarterly, in three colors, with fifty pages per issue, and will feature reviews, recommendations, and articles on the relationship between science fiction and science. A special offer for "Clypeus" readers is mentioned.

"SELVA - PERIODICO DI ARTE E CULTURA"

"SELVA" is presented as a periodical of art and culture that publishes short stories, novellas, and poems by young authors, and also handles the publication of literary volumes. Contact information for subscriptions and information is provided.

"QUESTIONARIO N. 3"

This section contains a reader questionnaire from "Clypeus" (N. 3), seeking to identify which past issues readers possess. The aim is to re-publish articles from earlier, sold-out issues if there is sufficient reader interest. Readers are asked to return the questionnaire with a list of the "Clypeus" numbers they own.

Other Content

"Referendum – questionario N. 3"

This is the actual questionnaire, asking readers about their interests in various topics such as exobiology, astronomy, UFOs, and unusual art. It also inquires about preferred collaborators and writers, willingness to contribute to "Clypeus," opinions on the magazine, and suggestions for improvement. Readers are asked if they are members of any UFO study centers or subscribe to Italian or foreign magazines, and if they read science fiction, naming their favorite authors. Finally, it asks about participation in national UFO congresses and preferred locations.

Advertisements

The issue includes advertisements for Alberto Bolaffi (philatelists), Franco-bolli per Collezione (stamp collectors), and the magazine "HYBRID," which is presented as not needing publicity but offering a discount for "Clypeus" subscribers. It also lists several antiquarian bookstores.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of "Clypeus" appears to be one of promoting and exploring niche interests, particularly science fiction, unusual art, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine actively engages its readership through questionnaires and by providing a platform for both established and emerging writers and artists. There is a clear effort to demystify and make accessible the market for science fiction literature and to foster a community around these subjects. The inclusion of diverse content, from fictional stories and art critiques to market guides and reader surveys, suggests a commitment to providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for its audience.