AI Magazine Summary
UFOlogia Supplemento a Clypeus - 1979 No 3
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This issue, UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS N° 56, published in May-June 1979, is a bi-monthly publication focused on ufological information, produced by the SEZIONE UFOLOGICA DEL GRUPPO CLYPEUS and the CENTRO TORINESE RICERCHE UFOLOGICHE. The editor-in-chief is Gianni V.…
Magazine Overview
This issue, UFOLOGIA SUPPLEMENTO A CLYPEUS N° 56, published in May-June 1979, is a bi-monthly publication focused on ufological information, produced by the SEZIONE UFOLOGICA DEL GRUPPO CLYPEUS and the CENTRO TORINESE RICERCHE UFOLOGICHE. The editor-in-chief is Gianni V. Settimo, based in Torino, Italy. The magazine is registered with the Tribunal of Torino and operates on a non-profit basis, sent free to members of the "Gruppo Clypeus". The cover features a striking illustration related to a 'UFO Rally' and the theme 'UFO: Cogito, Ergo Sum'.
Editorial
The editorial highlights the challenges in producing this third issue, which marks the first year of UFOLOGIA. Despite tropical heat and various setbacks, the team managed to complete the issue, which includes several interesting articles. Due to the 'summer' nature of the magazine, the usual electric typewriter was temporarily unavailable, and some planned articles were postponed. The editorial emphasizes the inclusion of a study on solar activity and UFO waves, an investigation into a South American rally case, a piece on 'borderline' ufology by Italian authors, and an original hypothesis by Keith Basterfield that attempts to explain close encounters without resorting to extraterrestrial explanations.
Articles and Content
"Ondate UFO e Attività Solare" (UFO Waves and Solar Activity) by Wido Hoville
This preliminary study explores the potential correlation between solar cycles and UFO activity. The author was initially informed by an employee of a Canadian electricity company about a possible link. The study analyzes sunspot data from the past 30 years and compares it with UFO sighting data. Hoville presents several graphs (Grafico A, B, B1, C, D) illustrating these correlations. The findings suggest that major UFO waves often occur during periods of low solar activity, with a peak in sightings sometimes preceding or immediately following the solar maximum, followed by a sharp decline. The article notes that this relationship was not previously considered by researchers and that the phenomenon appears to be physical rather than purely psychological.
"UFO da Corsa" (UFO Rally) by Guillermo C. Roncoroni
This article presents the results of an investigation into a notable case involving a South American rally. Although previously reported in specialized Italian magazines, this account is presented as a first-hand source.
"UFO: Cogito, Ergo Sum" by P. Fiorino and G. Metta
This piece, integrated with a presentation by Paolo Fiorino, is part of a series dedicated to 'borderline' ufology topics by Italian authors.
"Strani Risvegli" (Strange Awakenings) by Keith Basterfield
Keith Basterfield, an Australian researcher, proposes an original hypothesis to explain a large number of close encounters occurring at night, without invoking extraterrestrial beings. The article suggests that 85% of unidentified UFOs might have a natural explanation linked to intense solar flares and geomagnetic storms. These events can cause oscillations in the Earth's electric and magnetic fields, potentially leading observers to perceive luminous globes or 'UFOs'. The article cites examples from August 1972, when large fireballs were seen in the US and Canada, and mentions the possibility that solar proton eruptions in 1966 and 1967 could have triggered significant UFO events. However, the author of the editorial expresses skepticism about the 85% figure, deeming it exaggerated, and notes that this theory does not explain all UFO events, particularly those involving 'plasma humanoid forms'.
"Osservatorio" (Observatory)
- This section includes several short reports:
- "UFO distrugge e ricrea città" (UFO destroys and recreates cities)
- "Creazione di una 'zona neutrale' per atterraggi UFO" (Creation of a 'neutral zone' for UFO landings)
- "L'atteggiamento del 'gentleman' inglese verso gli UFO" (The attitude of the English 'gentleman' towards UFOs)
"Casistica italiana 1978: un anno di avvistamenti - parte terza: 8 - 15 dicembre" (Italian Cases 1978: A Year of Sightings - Part Three: December 8-15)
This installment continues the review of Italian UFO sightings from 1978.
"III Recensioni" (III Reviews)
This section reviews the book "UFO, Triangolo delle Bermuda, Atlantide. Che cosa c'è di vero" (UFO, Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis. What is true about it).
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the potential link between solar activity and UFO waves. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and case studies, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the editorial's comments on Keith Basterfield's hypothesis. The magazine aims to inform and educate its readers, encouraging contributions from scholars and researchers in the field of ufology. There is a clear emphasis on empirical data and scientific analysis, even when exploring speculative topics.
This issue of "UFOLOGIA" focuses on the "UFO DA CORSA" (Racing UFO) phenomenon, with the main article by Guillermo Carlos Roncoroni detailing a significant UFO incident that occurred in Argentina during August, September, and October of 1978. The magazine highlights the unusual recrudescence of UFO activity in Argentina during this period, with sightings concentrated in various provinces.
The Acevedo-Moya Incident
The central piece of the magazine is a detailed report on the incident involving Carlos Acevedo and Hugo Prambs, participants in the Rally of South America, on September 23, 1978. While driving near Carmén de Patagones, their Citroën GS 1220 was enveloped by a dense, brilliant yellowish light with violet hues. Both witnesses reported losing control of the vehicle, which seemed to hover about 2 meters above the asphalt. They experienced a loss of time, with Acevedo estimating it to be between 5 to 10 seconds, but later analysis suggested a much longer period of "blank time." During this event, Acevedo could not see his companion, and the interior of the car was filled with light, making it impossible to see instruments or their surroundings.
Upon regaining control, the car was found on the side of the road, facing the wrong direction. The witnesses' subsequent journey to Pedro Luro revealed significant discrepancies: the odometer showed only 52 kilometers traveled, while the actual distance was 127 kilometers, and the trip took approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes instead of the expected 75 minutes. Furthermore, the auxiliary fuel tank, which had been filled with 40 liters, was found to be completely empty.
Witness Testimonies and Analysis
Carlos Acevedo, 38, is described as an extroverted and affable businessman living in Chile, while Miguel Angel Moya, 20, is a shy but highly skilled mechanic from Santiago. Both witnesses made a strong impression on the investigators due to their coherent and consistent testimonies. Inspector Daniel Osimi of the Pedro Luro police confirmed the witnesses' mental faculties and noted the unexplained disappearance of 40 liters of fuel. Police Chief Jesús Garcia corroborated that the witnesses were very nervous during their transport to Bahia Blanca.
Héctor Forchesatto, the manager of the service station where Acevedo and Moya stopped, noted their nervousness and stated they appeared sincere. He also mentioned that residents of Ascasubi observed a fast-moving, powerful yellowish light moving westward around 04:30-04:45.
The article delves into the "temporal reduction" and the "missing kilometers" as the most perplexing aspects of the incident. It suggests that the 110-minute "blank time" and the 71-kilometer deficit cannot be easily explained by mechanical failure or normal rally conditions. The author posits that the incident's strangeness is notable and warrants further investigation, potentially through hypnotic regression.
Effects on Witnesses and Vehicle
Physically, the car showed no signs of damage, such as paint damage or radioactivity. The witnesses, however, experienced disorientation and a "suffocating heat" during the event. Moya reported a strong pressure on his chest and uncontrollable hand tremors that lasted for over 24 hours. Acevedo felt his feet go numb and experienced dorsal pain. Both had difficulty sleeping the following night and reported unusual dreams.
Conclusions
Given the lack of material evidence, the investigation's conclusions rely heavily on the witnesses' credibility. The author finds Acevedo and Moya to be highly trustworthy, supported by other testimonies. The incident is deemed to possess a high index of veracity. The article suggests that hypnotic interrogation could yield further insights, particularly regarding the temporal anomalies.
Other Publications Reviewed
The issue also includes reviews of several other UFO-related publications:
- SKY WATCH (No. 1, June 1979): A regional UFO newsletter from the CUN's Genoa session, focusing on recent Ligurian cases.
- IL PIANETA DIMENTICATO (Jan-Feb 1979): A bi-monthly newsletter from the Centro Ricerche Uomo Natura Cosmo, featuring an editorial on Italian research groups and a local investigation.
- IL GIORNALE DEI MISTERI (No. 98, May 1979): Includes articles on UFOs and philately, a review of the 178 September sightings, an investigation of a 1957 case, and news about parliamentary interpellations related to UFOs.
- GLI ARCANI (No. 5, May 1979): Features an article on the Palenque mysteries and other UFO-related content.
- GLI ARCANI (No. 6, June 1979): Includes an article on UFO "mimicry" and a piece discussing the current state of ufology.
- NOTIZIARIO UFO (April 1979): Covers Soviet UFO cases, a metronotte's encounter, and an article on Sichuanese ufology.
- NOTIZIARIO UFO (May 1979): Features an editorial by an honorable member of parliament and discusses the publication of a book on UFOs as secret weapons.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of witness testimony in UFO investigations, particularly when physical evidence is scarce. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena, with a critical eye towards sensationalism and a willingness to explore unconventional hypotheses, such as hypnotic regression, to understand complex cases like the Acevedo-Moya incident. The reviews of other publications suggest a broad interest in the international UFO scene and a critical assessment of the quality and direction of UFO research in Italy.
This issue of the magazine features articles that delve into the nature of UFO phenomena, proposing psychological and mental energy-based explanations rather than solely extraterrestrial origins. The main articles are "E SE GLI UFO FOSSERO... ALLA RICERCA DI UNA RISPOSTA" by Giorgio Metta and "STRANI RISVEGLI" by Keith Basterfield, which presents a series of case studies.
E SE GLI UFO FOSSERO... ALLA RICERCA DI UNA RISPOSTA by Giorgio Metta
Giorgio Metta presents a strong opinion that the UFO enigma will persist because it is difficult to analyze, much like analyzing oneself. He posits that UFO phenomena are fundamentally human, suggesting that if humanity ceased to exist, UFOs would too. Metta argues against the common interpretation of UFOs as projections of the collective unconscious (as proposed by Jung) or as psychic creations, stating that such projections cannot leave physical evidence. Instead, he proposes that UFOs are a form of energy that condenses due to the constant emission of thought from millions of humans, acting as a 'byproduct of the mind.'
Metta elaborates that these condensed energy forms possess characteristics similar to electromagnetism but are not solely defined by it. He likens this to thought itself, which can interact with electromagnetic equipment. He suggests that a UFO has a short lifespan, forming and dissipating within a day as its energy is exhausted. He also posits that 'entities' or 'humanoids' associated with UFOs are not biological beings but 'UFO-satellites' of a primary object or body. These entities, he argues, are not intelligent but exhibit childish, contradictory behavior, driven by a strong instinct for self-preservation, mirroring that of living organisms.
He further explains that the 'psychism' of a UFO is minimal when distant from humans but increases as it approaches, 'sucking' psychic energy. He suggests that the absurd or hostile manifestations witnessed are the UFO externalizing the unconscious of the witnesses, similar to what he calls 'demonic possession' being an exteriorization of one's own unconscious.
Metta asserts that UFOs and their entities cannot be captured because they are not physical in the conventional sense. He believes classical science, which requires tangible evidence and repeatability, will never solve the UFO enigma. He introduces the concept of 'paraphysics,' suggesting that phenomena exist beyond classical physics. He argues that thought itself is the only thing capable of violating physical laws, and that matter as perceived by our senses is merely a manifestation of thought.
He concludes that UFOs are a type of thinking agglomerate, not 'minds,' and lack a soul, not being biological entities. He acknowledges that this hypothesis might be considered 'crazy' or 'improbable' but argues that UFOs themselves are often perceived as such. He leaves open the possibility of genuine extraterrestrial visits but considers them rare and sporadic, not currently observed.
STRANI RISVEGLI (Strange Awakenings) by Keith Basterfield
Keith Basterfield presents a series of case studies, primarily focusing on encounters that occurred during sleep or waking states, proposing that these might be explained by psychological phenomena rather than physical UFOs.
Case Study Analysis:
Basterfield begins by recounting a case that initially seemed promising but raised doubts due to certain details. He then categorizes UFO events into 'accidental' and 'deliberate' encounters. He further divides 'deliberate' encounters into those where the witness was awake and those where they were awakened. He notes that awakened encounters tend to occur between 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM.
He references an article suggesting that witnesses undergoing hypnotic regression might reveal if their experiences were psychologically generated, particularly if brainwave patterns indicate 'theta' waves, associated with imagination. Basterfield and David Seargent observed a peak in close encounters between 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM, with six Australian cases involving witnesses waking up to see objects or entities.
Basterfield then details several specific cases:
- Ivy Tanks case (Australia): A woman sleeping in a caravan was awakened by a voice and saw a luminous oval object with two figures. The object then disappeared.
- Palma, Spain (July 1967): A woman saw two small figures with large hands and enormous eyes at her window, but the light did not work, and only small footprints remained.
- Boardman, Ohio, USA (July 1967): A reverend was awakened by a noise and saw a figure in a 'space suit,' followed by a globe of light that vanished.
- Logrono, Spain (June 1972): A student saw a luminous object enter his room, emit a beam towards a radio, and then disappear. The radio was observed to 'wobble' when the beam hit it.
- Omro, Wisconsin, USA (October 1973): A witness was awakened by a sound and saw three humanoids who materialized and dematerialized. The witness fainted and later found the sheets neatly folded.
- Pikesville, Maryland, USA (October 1973): A woman was awakened by an explosion and saw a red transparent object with a figure.
- Reno, Nevada, USA (October 1973): A witness saw three large disc-shaped objects and a 'landing crew' of figures.
- Gum Creek, Australia Meridionale (February 1964): A woman saw a figure materialize and move towards her window before she fell asleep.
- Hobart, Tasmania (February 1976): A man witnessed three figures pass through a closed door and then 'explode' through the window in a flash of light.
- Burra, Australia Meridionale (January 1972): A woman saw a red mushroom-shaped object rise from the hills.
Basterfield notes the recurrence of vivid illumination, materializing/dematerializing figures, and witnesses falling asleep immediately after. He suggests that many of these cases could be explained by 'images' similar to those reported by Ivy Tanks, Gum Creek, and Boardman, while others might be borderline cases.
He posits that the desire to see 'one of these UFOs' might be the primary factor, similar to how dreams fulfill desires. He suggests that investigators should inquire about witnesses' beliefs and their sleep/dream mechanisms.
Conclusion on Psychological Explanations
Basterfield concludes that there is a strong possibility that cases occurring in the 'small hours' of the night, where witnesses wake up, might not be linked to physical UFOs but rather to spontaneously generated images from the mind. He argues that the 'clarity of detail,' 'vivid illumination,' and other characteristics reported in these cases align with hypnagogic and hypnopompic imagery. He suggests that even 'abduction' cases could be extreme examples of these nocturnal images. He acknowledges that a small percentage of cases, involving multiple witnesses or physical traces, might require further investigation beyond psychological explanations.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The issue strongly leans towards psychological and mental explanations for UFO phenomena, challenging the conventional extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring the internal, human aspects of these experiences, suggesting that the 'enigma' may lie more within human consciousness and perception than in external physical craft. The recurring theme is the potential for the human mind to generate experiences that are perceived as real, especially under altered states of consciousness like sleep or waking. The magazine also highlights ongoing research and case studies, indicating a commitment to investigating the UFO phenomenon from various angles, including those that are less conventional.
This issue of OSSERVATORIO, dated 1978, with the specific identifier '8-15 DICEMBRE' and volume '1978', presents a collection of articles and reports primarily focused on UFO phenomena. The cover headline boldly proclaims 'UFO distrugge e ricrea cittá' (UFO destroys and recreates city), setting a sensational tone for the content.
UFO Destroys and Recreates City
The lead article details a purported event in Chester, USA, on August 2, 1977, where UFOs allegedly bombarded the city, reducing it to rubble. The report, sourced from 'Official UFO' magazine, claims the city was then reconstructed identically to its original state. Furthermore, it asserts that the memory of this event was erased from the minds of the 5300 inhabitants, with only a few individuals retaining the recollection. The article includes a photograph of a water tower, with a caption describing it as emitting a strange luminous beam. The author of this piece expresses skepticism, labeling the story a 'montatura bella e buona' (a well-made fabrication) and warning readers about sensationalist 'burla' (hoaxes) from 'Official UFO', a publication known for inventing stories.
Creation of a 'Neutral Zone' for UFO Landings
Another article discusses the establishment of an 'interplanetary neutral zone' of 14 acres near Mount Rainier in the USA. This initiative, promoted by the 'New Age Foundation' and its president Wayne Aho, aims to create a safe landing area for UFOs, free from military interference. The foundation requested that the army, air force, and other defense organizations honor and protect this zone. At the inauguration, a formation of UFOs reportedly transited over the zone without landing.
The Attitude of the English 'Gentleman' Towards UFOs
This section explores the perception of UFOs within British society, particularly among the upper classes. It references a letter to the 'Daily Telegraph' questioning why 'elegant' people never report seeing flying saucers. The response, attributed to 'Genufler' from the 'Way of the World' column, suggests that UFOs are inherently 'vulgar' and that gentlemen would naturally ignore them, even if one landed on their property, and would instruct their gamekeepers to drive it away.
Other Opinions (GLI ALTRI DICONO)
This section appears to be a review or compilation of other articles and reports. It mentions an interview with the late psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung. It also lists various cases and topics covered, including Italian UFO sightings from the previous year, a report on the French GEPAN, a summary of parliamentary UFO discussions, a Marche investigation, and a rally case. It also touches upon photographic methodologies in ufology, a 'flash-back' on 'duracavalam', and a critique of articles discussing the 'intelligence' of the UFO phenomenon. The section notes the emergence of book reviews and concludes that the 'Notiziario UFO' is stabilizing in both market and quality, reaching 'fairly high standards', though suggesting room for improvement.
CASISTICA ITALIANA 1978: An Year of Sightings
The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive catalog of UFO sightings reported in Italy throughout 1978, specifically focusing on the period of December 8th to December 14th. Each entry provides a case number, date, time, location (province and town), and a brief description of the sighting, often including the shape, color, behavior, and number of witnesses. Numerous sources and abbreviations are cited for each report, indicating the origin of the information (e.g., police reports, newspapers, specific individuals).
Key details from the sightings include:
- December 8th: Multiple sightings across Italy, including a semi-spherical light in S. Maria di Catanzaro, a dazzling triangular object in Barletta, a bright white light in Siano, a dome-shaped object with three luminous beams in Pescara, and a cluster of lights in Sulmona.
- December 9th: A spherical, luminous object in Reggio Calabria emitting intermittent colored beams.
- December 10th: Sightings of luminous objects in various locations, including Gesturi (two objects hovering), Bisceglie (a luminous object observed for 15 minutes), Tra Candela and Flumeri (a patrol witnessing a spherical object), and Grottaminarda (a luminous circular object with a light beam).
- December 11th: A series of sightings including a luminous sphere in Chieti, a luminous object in Palermo, and a luminous object in Lecce.
- December 12th: Numerous reports, such as a luminous sphere in Chieti, a 'illuminated palace' lifting off in Chieti, a very large, dazzling object in Tagliacozzo, luminous objects in Pescara, two objects in Vico del Gargano, and a very luminous circular object in Cagliari.
- December 13th: A wide range of sightings, including a luminous globe in Piacenza, a spherical object emitting light beams in Lecce, a luminous object described as a 'basket' in Casalbordino, an intense light following the coast in Vasto, an object causing agitation in Montesilvano, an object emitting green and orange lights at the Brindisi Military Airport, a luminous sphere in Neive, three luminous objects in Siracusa, a green-emerald light moving towards the sea in Rome, and 'luminescent globes' in Perugia.
- December 14th: Sightings include a luminous object in Fano, a luminous object in Rome, and 'luminescent globes' in Perugia.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme throughout the issue is the reporting and analysis of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on cataloging sightings. The editorial stance, particularly in the initial articles, appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena. The detailed listing of Italian sightings suggests a commitment to documenting and investigating these events, even if the interpretation of their origin remains open. The magazine aims to provide a comprehensive overview of UFO activity, both internationally and within Italy, while also critically examining the sources and nature of the reports.
This issue of 'UFO' magazine, dated 1980, focuses heavily on a compilation of UFO sightings reported in Italy during December 1980. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO TRIANGOLO BERMUDA ATLANTIDE CHE COSA C'È DI VERO', indicating a blend of UFO phenomena with the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and Atlantis.
UFO Sightings (December 14-15, 1980)
The magazine meticulously lists numerous cases, each with a case number, date, location, and a brief description of the sighting. The majority of the reports detail events from December 14th, with a few extending to December 15th.
December 14th Sightings:
- Case N° 196 (Sciacca, AG): Early morning, workers, police, and a director observed a lenticular object with intermittent violet-blue lights moving slowly eastward for two hours. It descended, and two other mysterious lights were noted at high altitude.
- Case N° 197 (Pescara): Early morning, multiple people saw two objects rotating on themselves, showing different colored parts.
- Case N° 198 (Perugia, zona San Sisto): A 'blinding thing' was reported moving east, rotating and emitting various colored rays.
- Case N° 199 (S. Lucia del Mela, ME): A very luminous object was sighted from dawn until 10 AM, moving over Fiumedinisi and S. Lucia del Mela.
- Case N° 200 (Golfo del Ricco, Valdipino, SP): A man observed two large luminous globes, one disappearing while the other remained visible for a few minutes, moving at varying speeds.
- Case N° 201 (Genova, zona S. Martino): An extremely luminous object was observed, appearing to 'melt' until it disappeared.
- Case N° 202 (Perugia): A very luminous globe with a 'phosphorescent' halo was sighted moving eastward.
- Case N° 203 (Monte Lignano, AR): A representative, a negotiator, and others saw a luminous white object at high altitude, displaying various colored glares through binoculars.
- Case N° 204 (Albissola Marina, SV): Numerous people observed a brilliant object, like a star, emitting 'metallic' and greenish glares.
- Case N° 205 (Dolcedo, IM): A shiny, disc-shaped object approached the earth and was identified as a French sounding balloon that landed.
- Case N° 206 (Porto Maurizio, IM): A school class observed a very fast spherical object moving along the vertical of Capo Berta.
- Case N° 207 (Ramacca, CT): A luminous object moved very fast, stopped for about a minute, then moved away towards the Piana di Catania with undulating movements.
- Case N° 208 (Cattinara, TS): A luminous object was reported passing by.
- Case N° 209 (Caltanissetta, S. Cataldo, CL): Luminous objects were seen crossing the sky at high speed; one was photographed.
- Case N° 210 (Termoli, CB - Sulmona, AQ): Two police officers observed flying objects for five hours, exchanging luminous signals, which disappeared as the sun became brighter.
December 15th Sightings:
- Case N° 211 (L'Aquila, Colle di Monteluco): A photo-reporter and photographer observed and photographed a triangular object, about a third the size of the moon, with a circular hole, hovering for 10 minutes before heading towards Gran Sasso. The photo revealed a metallic object followed by a violet-blue trail.
- Case N° 212 (L'Aquila, fraz. Paganico): A formation of at least 15 UFOs was reported coming from Gran Sasso.
- Case N° 213 (Frosinone): Commuters at the station observed a yellow luminous disc for 20 minutes.
Book Review: 'UFO Bermuda Triangle Atlantis'
The magazine includes a review of a book published by Mondadori titled 'UFO TRIANGOLO BERMUDA ATLANTIDE CHE COSA C'È DI VERO' (UFO Bermuda Triangle Atlantis: What's True About It?). The reviewer expresses initial perplexity at the combination of topics and finds the book's structure, divided into three distinct parts, to be solely the author's choice. The author's name is noted as new to ufological circles, suggesting a possible pseudonym.
The review focuses on the first part of the book, which deals with UFOs, while noting that the Bermuda Triangle section briefly mentions UFOs in relation to disappearances, and the Atlantis section does not feature UFOs.
The book is described as splendidly illustrated with much previously unpublished graphic material. However, it is criticized for its almost scholastic-didactic level and its direct, abrupt start, which presents a notable series of cases (many Italian CE III) with brief hypotheses.
Several significant inaccuracies are pointed out, particularly the confusion between 'contactee' and 'contacted'. The reviewer suggests the book was 'thrown together' hastily to capitalize on the ufology trend and the summer market, especially following the surge in interest in UFOs in late 1978.
The subtitle 'What's True About It?' is seen as promising great revelations, but the reviewer concludes that no such revelations were made. The only 'revelation' is that the list of superfluous ufology books has gained another title.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring theme is the documentation of UFO sightings, presented in a catalog format, emphasizing the geographical spread and variety of reported phenomena within Italy. The editorial stance, as reflected in the book review, appears critical of sensationalism and superficial treatment of complex topics within ufology, favoring more rigorous and well-researched content. There's an underlying skepticism towards books that promise grand revelations without delivering substantial evidence or analysis.