Magonia - No 68 - 1999 09

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 68, published in September 1999, is an issue dedicated to interpreting contemporary vision and belief, with a cover price of £1.25. The main feature, "HEADING TOWARDS THE FUTURE - Part Two of Varicose Brains" by Martin Kottmeyer, explores the evolution of human and alien forms in science fiction. The issue also includes a piece titled "plus: Jenny meets Joe - a cautious look at ufology's would-be saviour". The magazine is edited by John Rimmer, with John Harney as Associate Editor, Mark Pilkington as Web Editor, and Peter Rogerson as Reviews Editor. Subscription details and contact information are provided.

Northern Echoes: The Problem of Narrative Truth

The lead article, "Northern Echoes," by John Rimmer, delves into the challenges of discerning truth in personal narratives, particularly in the context of UFOlogy, Fortean phenomena, and paranormal literature. The author points to recent scandals involving fake Auschwitz survivors and TV hoaxers as examples of how easily narratives can be fabricated or misinterpreted. Rimmer suggests that a high proportion of such literature may be fiction, and that objective truth is difficult to ascertain without extensive investigation. He advocates for treating these stories as folklore, rather than basing grand conclusions on them. The article also touches upon the psychological appeal of such narratives, suggesting they provide shape and structure to nameless fears and terrors. It critiques the 'investigator' mentality, which often relies on subjective assessments of sincerity rather than objective evidence, and highlights the naiveté and arrogance present in some individuals within these fields who believe they cannot be fooled.

Heading Towards the Future: Part Two of Varicose Brains

This extensive article by Martin Kottmeyer traces the evolution of the "Big Brain" concept in science fiction from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, exploring how authors envisioned future humanity and alien life forms. The narrative begins with Camille Flammarion, an astronomer who also wrote speculative fiction. His work "Urania" (1890) and particularly "Omega: The Last Days of the World" (1893) are discussed for their depictions of future humanity evolving towards greater intellect and diminished physicality, with smaller bodies and larger heads. Flammarion's vision is largely utopian, foreseeing a humanity that transcends earthly limitations.

Louis Boussenard's "Ten Thousand Years in a Block of Ice" (1898) is presented as a less utopian take, featuring levitating, psychic future humans who are a blend of Chinese and black ancestries. George Griffith's "A Honeymoon in Space" (1901) features decadent, warlike, and hyper-rational macrocephalic humanoids on Mars. Eden Philpotts' short story "A Story Without an End" (1901) includes a future man with a cone-like head, pink, pliable skin, gills, and telepathic abilities.

H.G. Wells' "First Men in the Moon" (1901) is noted for its depiction of a society of large insects on the moon, where a portion of the society specialises in intellect, leading to individuals with greatly enlarged brains. George Raffalowitz's "Planetary Journeys and Earthly Sketches" (1908) includes a story with floating, hairless, macrocephalic entities communicating telepathically.

Edgar Rice Burroughs' "The Chessmen of Mars" (1925) features the Kaldanes, a race that is 90% brain by volume, with hideously inhuman eyes, hypnotic powers, and a lack of emotion. This depiction is seen as a precursor to modern descriptions of "Grays". James Beresford's "The Hampdenshire Wonder" (1911) describes a child with a large, bald head and prodigious intellect. William Greene's "The Savage Strain" (1911) envisions future North Americans with enhanced mental abilities but physical degeneration.

Harry Keeler's "John Jones's Dollar" (1915) also features characters with larger heads and punier bodies. The Russian author Aleksandre Romanovich Beliaev's "The Struggle in Space: Red Dream, Soviet-American War" (1918) is mentioned in passing.

E.M. Forster's "The Machine Stops" (1928) is highlighted as a cautionary tale about over-reliance on technology, depicting a future where humanity has become physically atrophied and dependent on machines.

Olaf Stapledon's "Last and First Men" (1931) is a significant work that presents multiple stages of human evolution, including "Second Man" with larger craniums and "Third Man" as a variation that supersedes them. The article notes Stapledon's exploration of evolutionary pressures and potential degeneration.

The article then moves into the 1930s and beyond, discussing G.O. Olinik's "evolution ray" concept, which Edmond Hamilton adapted in his story "The Man Who Evolved" (1931). This story depicts a scientist who transforms himself into a "Brain Monster" with an enormous, bulging head and a shrivelled body, ultimately leading to a circular evolution that results in protoplasm.

Hamilton's other works, such as "Crashing Suns" (1928) and "A Conquest of Two Worlds" (1932), are mentioned for their depictions of alien races with large heads and slender bodies. John W. Campbell's "Twilight" (1934) features a future where humans are small, bewildered, and have disproportionately large heads, living in a machine city.

Nat Schachner's "Past, Present, and Future" (1937) describes humans waking up in the future with large foreheads and spindly limbs. Henry Kuttner's "No Man's World" (1940) features "Titans" with bulbous heads and spindly limbs. Robert Arthur's "Evolution's End" (1941) depicts future humanity enslaved by "The Masters" with "great, thin-skulled heads and mighty brains."

The article also touches upon the influence of scientific theories like orthogenesis and mutation pressure on these fictional concepts. It notes the recurring theme of sterility or lack of procreation associated with the "Big Brain" figures, possibly reflecting a folk wisdom about the relationship between intelligence and fertility.

In the 1940s, Roy Chapman Andrews' article in Readers Digest, "How We Are Going to Look," is cited for its description of future humans as "caricatures in our eyes - something out of a bad dream. Big round heads, almost globular, hairless as a billiard ball; even the women!" The illustrations accompanying this article are noted for evoking the look of the Grays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the concept of future human evolution, particularly the "Big Brain" trope, and its manifestation in science fiction. The magazine explores how these fictional narratives have often mirrored or influenced contemporary ideas about alien life and human destiny. There is a consistent thread examining the physical and mental transformations envisioned for humanity, often involving increased cranial capacity and reduced body mass. The editorial stance, as articulated in the "Northern Echoes" piece, leans towards skepticism regarding the literal truth of many paranormal accounts, advocating for a folkloric interpretation and emphasizing the difficulty of verifying subjective experiences. The issue also implicitly critiques the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement and the philosophical implications of evolutionary trajectories.

This issue of Magonia, identified as issue 14, focuses on the contemporary state of ufology, particularly in the United States, and features an article by Jenny Randles. The cover headline highlights Randles' observation of American ufology splitting into two directions and her encounter with a new prominent figure in the field.

The MUFON Conference and the Rise of Joe Firmage

The issue opens with a description of the MUFON conference held in Washington D.C. in July. The author notes the polarized nature of modern ufology, dividing into two warring factions: fringe ufologists versus those adhering to rationality. While some lectures, like one on an 'alien dating agency,' were met with enthusiasm, others, such as Kevin Randle's critique of abduction beliefs and Bruce Maccabee's analysis of photo cases, were seen as representing a more sober approach.

The dominant figure at the conference, however, was Joe Firmage, a 28-year-old computer whiz kid whose web company was valued at three billion dollars. Firmage garnered significant media attention and a standing ovation, with many attendees viewing him as a hero. His prominence stems from his recent book, 'theword is truth,' published online, and his assertion of the alien presence on Earth for millennia. The author draws a parallel between the adulation for Firmage and that previously given to John Mack.

Firmage's lecture blended future technology, fringe science, and neo-mysticism, with UFOs serving as a stepping stone to new scientific perceptions. He spoke of creating a 'super think tank' of technocrats and specialists to explore new propulsion systems and potentially make UFOs accessible to everyone. However, the author questions whether this is truly ufology, noting that Firmage's focus seems to be on advanced technology rather than the traditional study of UFO sightings.

Firmage's Motivations and the Future of Ufology

The article delves into Firmage's stated reasons for his involvement in ufology: first, the evidence has convinced him; second, he claims to have been contacted by high-level military and government sources who confirmed the alien presence; and third, a 'conversation' with an alien image he saw over his bed. The author expresses concern that Firmage's approach, while financially backed, may lead to the stagnation of ufology if it becomes solely focused on his agenda. There's a suggestion that Firmage might be seeking to legitimize his beliefs by associating with established ufologists, but his ultimate goal may be to shift the focus from 'UFO spotting' to 'UFO technocracy.' The author speculates that Firmage might eventually abandon traditional ufology if it doesn't align with his scientific and technological pursuits.

Book Reviews

The issue includes several book reviews, offering critical perspectives on recent publications in the field:

• 'CE-5: Close Encounters of the 5th Kind' by Richard Haines: This book, a catalogue of 242 case files, is criticized for its lack of scientific rigor and its sporadic support for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH). The reviewer notes that many cases are easily explained as IFOs (Identified Flying Objects) or psychological phenomena. Haines's endorsement of Dr. Steven Greer's Centre for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence is also viewed critically, with concerns about 'new age/evangelist speak' and a potential occultist agenda.

• 'The Cash-Landrum UFO Incident' by John Schuessler: This privately printed book details a puzzling UFO incident involving two women and a grandchild. The reviewer notes the book's science fiction scenario and reconstructed dialogue, and questions whether the witnesses' illnesses were due to radiation poisoning or other causes. The delay in reporting the case is highlighted as a factor in the lack of physical evidence.

• 'Fallen Bodies; pollution, sexuality and demonology in the Middle Ages' by Dyan Elliott: This book explores medieval church struggles with sexuality and the concept of fallen bodies, drawing parallels to modern abduction literature. The reviewer notes how medieval beliefs about demons impregnating women echo modern 'hybrid' baby narratives and the use of stolen genetic material in spiritualist seances.

• 'UFOs: a report on Australian encounters' by Keith Basterfield: This updated edition of an earlier work is reviewed. Basterfield's 'image theory,' suggesting hypnagogic imagery causes many UFO reports, is discussed. However, the reviewer questions the rejection of the fantasy-prone personality theory and notes that Basterfield's conclusions about abduction narratives and physical trace cases are based on complex cases that may not have been thoroughly investigated. The book concludes that structured object photographs submitted to Basterfield are fakes, with no unambiguous evidence beyond narratives.

• 'Spinners' by Anthony McCarten: This novel about a small-town girl abducted by spacemen is described as providing amusing background to the world of abductees, with a cast of colorful characters.

• 'Unexplained: strange sightings, incredible experiences and puzzling physical phenomena' by Jerome Clark: The second edition of this book is recommended for those who haven't read the first. The reviewer notes Clark's 'baffled agnosticism' and his forced engagement with psychosocial approaches. The book is seen as a comprehensive collection of anomalous experiences, but the reviewer questions the lack of decisive evidence for many phenomena, suggesting they may inhabit the 'goblin universe' of the human imagination.

• 'Visual Intelligence: how we create what we see' by Donald D. Hoffman: This book by a professor of cognitive science argues that perception is an active construction rather than a passive recording. The reviewer recommends it for investigators who encounter claims of radical misperceptions.

• 'Hitler's Priestess: Savitri Devi, the Hindu-Aryan myth and Neo-Nazism' by Nicholas Goodrick-Clark: This book charts the life of Savitri Devi, highlighting her intersection of Hindu nationalism, Neo-Nazism, and New Age ideologies. The reviewer suggests it could be the basis for a study on the Nazi New Age movement.

• 'Cosmic Crashes: The Incredible Story of the UFOs that Fell to Earth' by Nicholas Redfern: Redfern's book is criticized for its attempts to convince readers of UFO crashes in Britain, employing what the reviewer calls 'rumours and downright lies.' The reviewer points out that many cases have already been explained and that Redfern dismisses or ignores these explanations. The book is seen as catering to a desire for 'space aliens and their saucers' rather than providing evidence.

• 'The Abduction Conundrum' by Greg Sandow: Sandow's essay is described as a defense of abduction literalism, dismissing critics of hypnosis and psycho-social hypotheses. The reviewer argues that Sandow's dismissal of Kottmeyer's work and his acceptance of 'alien human hybrids' and 'people being sucked through solid windows' demonstrate a double standard. The reviewer suggests that Sandow's work is flawed and that a literalistic interpretation of abduction experiences is incompatible with scientific understanding.

• 'The field guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and other mystery primates worldwide' by Loren Coleman and Patrick Huyghe: This book is praised for its drawings but criticized for Coleman's intention to interpret sightings as encounters with flesh-and-blood primates. The reviewer notes the lack of physical evidence and the reliance on outdated anthropological theories.

• 'Mind Controllers' by Armen Victorian: This book is described as a conspiracy theory that mixes real historical events with speculation. The reviewer notes that the author, 'Armen Victorian,' is a pen name and that the book posits a powerful, secretive CIA involved in mind control experiments.

• 'Evil Agenda of the Secret Government: exposing Project Paper Clip and underground UFO bases of Hitler's elite scientific corps' by Tim Swartz: This book is characterized as 'crazy stuff,' weaving historical facts about Nazis and Project Paperclip with conspiracy theories about the Illuminati and Hitler's survival in Antarctica.

Readers' Letters

Several letters to the editor are included:

• Larry O'Hara responds to Stephen Woodbridge's essay 'Plots Against the World,' arguing that distrust of state agencies is not exclusive to the far right and that Woodbridge's conclusion about the cross-fertilization of New Age obsessions and extreme right ideas is too simplistic. He suggests that sentiments expressed by the New Left in the 1960s have degenerated into support for the 'benign effects of the exercise of state power.'

• John Harney addresses a previous reply regarding the 'Campbells,' clarifying that it was Donald Campbell who died in the Lake District, not Sir Malcolm. He also reiterates his view that the Manchester Air myth is based on a bolide sighting and that the Gatley witness's account is not credible.

• Chris Allan poses a question about the future of BUFORA if Malcolm Robinson continues in his present capacity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Magonia revolve around the credibility of ufological claims, the role of science versus belief, and the influence of conspiracy theories and New Age ideologies. The magazine consistently adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those related to UFO crashes, abductions, and elaborate conspiracy narratives. There is a clear emphasis on scientific rigor and evidence-based reasoning, often contrasting with the more speculative and sensationalist approaches found in some corners of ufology. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and a critical examination of the evidence, while acknowledging the existence of anomalous phenomena that warrant further investigation within a scientific framework. The reviews often highlight the perceived lack of evidence, the reliance on anecdotal accounts, and the tendency for some ufologists to dismiss opposing viewpoints or scientific explanations.