Flying Saucer News - 1961 08 - August

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Vol. 26, No. 1
Date: August 1961
Publisher: James S. Rigberg
Price: 25c

This issue of Flying Saucer News delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related esoteric topics. The cover prominently features an "EXCLUSIVE" on Mr. George Adamski and a statement from a "Top Space Expert" regarding life on other planets.

Cover Story: "Life on Planets" Says Top Space Expert

The lead article on the cover highlights Mr. Roy W. Johnson, identified as America's top space planner and director of the U.S. Government's Advanced Research Projects Agency. Johnson stated on October 19 that life on other planets is highly probable and that humanity should actively pursue contact. He was addressing members of St. John's Lutheran Church, where he serves as a deacon, suggesting that the church will inevitably be involved in future discussions about humanity's quest for outer space and its ultimate destiny.

Exclusive: Mr. George Adamski

The magazine presents an "EXCLUSIVE" feature on Mr. George Adamski, a prominent figure in the UFO community, though the specific content related to him is not detailed on the cover page.

Articles and Features

Reinhold Schmidt and "Edge of Tomorrow"

On page 4, Reinhold O. Schmidt is introduced as a "NOTED FLYING SAUCER LECTURER TO APPEAR IN PERSON." Since the completion of his motion picture "Edge of Tomorrow," which is set to open locally, Schmidt has received numerous offers for personal appearances worldwide, including potential trips to Japan, France, Italy, England, and India. The film is described as the first motion picture to "actually relates a true incident in space contact with peoples of another planet." Schmidt was somewhat secretive about the film's production, challenging Hollywood Press to explain the flying saucer used. The movie is noted for its "glorious color" and for being the first motion picture about a contactee's personal experience. A particular scene involving a submarine shot under polar regions also generated buzz. The exact geographic location of the scenery in the film remains a mystery to most, but not to Schmidt and his director.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

"THEY CAN READ YOUR THOUGHTS" (Page 6) recounts an incident on August 26, 1958, in Catania, Sicily, involving Signor Franco Brancatelli and Signor Guiseppe Bocchetti. Bocchetti described seeing a very large UFO with a sudden right-angled turn and rapid decrease in diameter, making it almost invisible. Brancatelli suggested that "space people can read our thoughts." Later that evening, a brilliant green object with a reddish tail was observed by many in a park, traveling noiselessly across the sky. Bocchetti concluded that this event proved space people could indeed read thoughts.

"STRANGE THINGS HAPPEN UP ABOVE" (Page 6) details an event on October 14, 1958, in Rome, Italy. Mrs. Lina Coletta observed what she described as a "well-defined circular-shaped cloud" near the Church of the Mother of God.

Book Reviews and Advertisements

"ALL NEW" - THE NEW HIEROGLYPHIC BIBLE (Page 2) is advertised as a new edition with over 30 pictures and sketches, including sections on "Flying Saucers," "Airplanes," and "Automobiles," priced at $1.00.

"About BOOKS" (Page 2) reviews "COUNTER-CURRENT" by James S. Rigberg, a book of poems, priced at $1.00. It also lists other works by Rigberg and notes endorsements from various religious and spiritual leaders.

"BIBLE PROPHECIES FULFILLED" (Page 3) by James S. Rigberg, Ms. D., is also advertised. This volume contains 28 pictures and sketches and covers topics like "Color of the Skin (How It Became Black)" and "Lost Books Of The Bible." It is priced at $1.00.

"EGYPTIAN MAGIC" (Page 4) by Sir Wallis Budge is presented as revealing the "unique system of magic existing in ancient Egypt." It discusses how Egyptian priests used spells and enchantments and explores modern survivals of Egyptian "black magic." The book is priced at $5.00.

"THE COMPLETE PROPHECIES OF NOSTRADAMUS" (Page 7) is offered in a single volume, containing over 1,000 prophecies dating to the year 3797 A.D., translated and interpreted by Henry C. Roberts. It promises insights into the end of the world, atomic warfare, the return of Hitler, and the fate of the Jews, capitalism, and trade unionism. This book is priced at $5.00.

• "THE BOOK SHELF" (Page 10) lists several other publications for sale, including:
• "MEN IN FLYING SAUCERS IDENTIFIED" by W.V. Grant (50¢)
• "FLYING SAUCERS ARE" by Bob Young (50¢)
• "FLYING SAUCERS TOP SECRET" by Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe ($3.95)
• "SOVIET SPUTNIKS" (75¢), imported from England, noted for its many pictures and relevance to the "MAN IN SPACE" article in this issue.
• "MY CONTACT WITH FLYING SAUCERS" by Dino Kraspedon ($3.75)
• "FROM OUTER SPACE TO YOU" by Howard Menger ($4.50)
• "FLYING SAUCERS and the U.S. AIR FORCE" by Lt. Col. Lawrence J. Tacker ($3.50)

Other Content

"NEW MOVIES" (Page 5) briefly reviews "Atlantis and Lamuria" and "The Time Machine" as excellent. It also mentions a recent flying saucer movie shown on TV Channel 5, urging fans to write in to encourage more showings.

"HOMECOMING" (Page 8) is a poem-prophesy by Dickhoff, for the Buddhist UFO Research Center, dated October 1959. It speaks of a future where Earth is a wasteland and humanity seeks a home on Mars.

"SPACENAP..." (Page 9) is an advertisement for a book by Dickhoff, UFO & GRAVITY RESEARCHER, titled "Homecoming of the Martians." The advertisement features an illustration of the inside of a Martian Saucer and describes the book as having 145 pages of classified text, illustrations, and a five-color jacket, priced at $3.50.

"Man in Space" (Page 8) discusses the future of space travel, including the development of satellites and rockets capable of reaching the Moon and providing information about its surface and far side.

"LATE BULLETINS" (Page 7) contains brief, often cryptic, news items. These include reports of used car dealers offering low prices because owners "went up in the Rapture," politicians and governors missing, and textile mill employees in the Carolinas disappearing, all noted as Christians. One bulletin quotes Matthew 6:19, 20.

"UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE" (Page 10) assures readers of satisfaction with merchandise, offering refunds without question.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the existence of extraterrestrial life, the exploration of space, and the interpretation of prophecies. The magazine appears to cater to an audience interested in the unexplained, the mystical, and the future possibilities of humanity, particularly in relation to space and potential alien contact. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting reports, theories, and advertisements for related literature and services. There's a blend of scientific speculation (space planner Johnson, rocket development) with more esoteric content (Nostradamus, Egyptian Magic, psychic phenomena).

This document is an issue of the magazine "FLYING SAUCER NEWS", identified as issue "II" and dated "1961". It is published in the USA and written in English. The cover headline proclaims "1961 BARGAIN DAYS are HERE!". The magazine appears to be a newsletter or publication focused on UFOs, space exploration, and related topics, including occult subjects.

The Book Shelf

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "THE BOOK SHELF", which lists and briefly reviews various books available for purchase. These books cover a wide range of topics including UFOs, space travel, and the occult.

• INSIDE SAUCER POST by Leonard Stringfield ($2.75) is described as a workmanlike, well-illustrated book that heeds no introduction, with the author proving that UFOs are not made in the U.S.A.
• WHY WE ARE HERE by Gloria Lee ($3.75) is presented as a work by an airline stewardess who is beautiful, intelligent, and possesses an earthly mind.
• MY TRIP TO MARS by Dr. A Wm Goetz ($1.00) is a soft-covered, little book described as a fine, different, and well-written piece of work.
• SON OF THE SUN by Orfeo Angelucci ($3.75) is noted as a masterpiece of work by a prolific writer, promising an enjoyable space trip.
• HOMECOMING OF THE MARTIANS by Dr. R.E. Dickhoff ($3.50) is well-illustrated, printed and published in India, and considered essential for any library. Other available titles by the author include "THE MARTIAN ALPHABET" ($2.00) and "ETERNAL FOUNTAIN" (2.50).
• LOS PLATOS VOLADORES by Jorge and Nappy Duclout (in Spanish only) ($2.50) is a well-illustrated book and a good seller.
• THE SKY PEOPLE by Brinsley Le Poer Trench ($4.50) is described as a fascinating story about sky people visiting Earth for millions of years.

A general note indicates that these books are for sale at the store or by mail from Flying Saucer News, located at 119 East 96th St., New York 28, New York.

Space Exploration

Page 12 discusses the future of space travel. A flight to the Moon is considered a near-future possibility, requiring a speed of about seven miles a second, with the trip potentially taking no more than five days. Soviet scientists are also working on projects for flights to Mars, involving the assembly of ten 1,700-ton space ships on space stations. The trip to Mars is estimated to take 256 days, with a return flight requiring a wait of 440 earth days, making the total trip duration 952 days, or nearly three years. Scientists believe these flights will occur towards the end of the present century. Unmanned flights using cybernetics for measurement and data transmission are also being developed.

Advertisements

Page 3 features an advertisement for the "HYPNO-SPIRAL MACHINE" for $9.95, offering features like portability, a durable construction, a fine quality motor, and a detachable spiral disc. It is sold by the "Academy of Applied Mental Sciences".

Page 4 lists various titles covering the occult, such as "Forgotten Mysteries", "Lemuria, The Lost Continent", and "Strangest of All", along with their prices. It also includes a section on "TELEPATHY -- Mind Reading ... Etc.", listing books like "Mind Power" and "Mental Telepathy". The "FLYING SAUCER NEWS" address is repeated for ordering items.

Page 6 continues the "MAGAZINES" section, mentioning that "Psychic Observer" has changed its name to "THE SEARCHER" (50¢). Other magazines listed include "CHIMES Magazine" (20¢), "LITTLE LISTENING POST" (a flying saucer publication, 50¢), and "RAYS FROM THE ROSE CROSS" (Rosicrucian Magazine, 25¢). It also notes that "SEARCH Magazine" and "FLYING SAUCERS" are Ray Palmer's publications. Spanish books are also available.

Page 7 contains a "CLASSIFIED" section with "WISE BUYS....". It offers name publication for 25¢ per issue or 5 times for $1.00, promising free samples and gifts. It also lists "NEW FLYING SAUCERS Chart" for $1.00 and mentions "FLYING SAUCER NEWS" selling metaphysical books, religious supplies, incense, etc. An advertisement for "HYPNOSIS - The Hypnotists' Magazine" is present, offering a free bonus with subscription and listing books by Harry Arons. Advertisements for correspondence courses from the "COLLEGE OF DIVINE METAPHYSICS, INC." and "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" (London) are also included.

Pages 8 and 9 provide extensive lists of "BOOKS ON FLYING SAUCERS", detailing authors, titles, and prices. Notable authors include George Adamski, Orfeo Angelucci, Gray Barker, Truman Bethurum, Charles Fort, Gerald Heard, Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, and George W. Van Tassel.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Page 5 features two photos of a saucer snapped over Pescara, Italy, in September 1957. The accompanying text describes a sighting by Mrs. Coletta, who observed a luminous moon crescent shaped object within a cloud. The object later broke into two whitish tubes, and the cloud turned pink. A black disc then appeared, with another red-glowing disc behind it. The observation lasted 15 minutes. The report was sent to "FLYING SAUCER REVIEW" by Signor Francesco Polimeni, who commented on the intelligent activity of the UFOs.

Another report, "ANOTHER PILOT SEES THEM", details a sighting on October 24 over Vaalhartz. Ex-S.A.A.F. Lieut. Frans Venter reported seeing three UFOs, described as flying saucers about 50 ft. in diameter with circular lights, hovering for about ten minutes before disappearing.

Other Sections

• WANTED-----STORIES OR POEMS: A call for original stories (under 500 words) and poems (under 16 lines).
• QUESTIONS: An invitation for readers to send in questions.
• YOUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS: A reminder to notify the publication of address changes.
• Have You Paid Your DUES?: A question prompting readers to check their membership status.
• International Space Project Convention: An announcement for a convention in Bakersfield, Calif., on Sept. 1, 2, 3.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and phenomena, space exploration (particularly to the Moon and Mars), and the occult. The magazine actively promotes the sale of books and other publications related to these subjects, positioning itself as a source for information and merchandise for "saucer fans". The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest and engagement in these topics, as evidenced by the "BARGAIN DAYS" promotion and the extensive book listings. The publication also encourages reader participation through submissions of stories, poems, and questions.