NICAP Reporter - Vol 1 No 11 - 08 1963 - No 11a

Magazine Overview

This document is a book review from the National Investigations Commission on Aerial Phenomena, located in Seattle, Washington. The review focuses on the book "The World Of Flying Saucers" by Donald H. Menzel and Lyle G. Boyd, published by Doubleday & Company, Inc. The review was conducted by Robert J. Gribble, Director of the National Investigations Commission on Aerial Phenomena.

Book Review: "The World Of Flying Saucers"

The reviewer, Robert J. Gribble, initially felt impressed by the claim on the book's dust cover that the authors, Dr. Menzel and Mrs. Boyd, had been granted full access to Project Blue Book files by Major Carl R. Hart, an Information Officer for the U.S. Air Force. This led Gribble to believe the book contained a scientific analysis of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) reports that had not been previously disclosed. However, this impression was quickly shattered upon reading the book.

Gribble found that the book contained nothing more than a rehash of cases already well-known to experienced UFO investigators. Furthermore, he stated that in the majority of cases, the information presented was sourced from a variety of books and magazines, not from actual Air Force files as insinuated by the authors.

The book is presented as "A Scientific Examination Of A Major Myth Of The Space Age." Gribble described the writing as very cleverly written, following a "rubber-stamp pattern of egotistic writing." He felt as though he was the subject of an attempted brainwashing, recalling the saying, "If you tell a big enough story long enough, most everyone will believe it." Gribble believes the book would be convincing to any layman or scientist unfamiliar with UFO investigation but that those with considerable experience would easily detect the authors' misleading statements and conclusions, which he asserts are based entirely on assumption and second-guessing.

The reviewer also noted that the book contains numerous negative statements about individuals and groups involved in UFO investigation. Gribble felt that these "insulting juvenile-like remarks" were designed to sow ridicule towards the subject of UFOs and anyone associated with it, questioning if such an approach could be part of an "honest" scientific examination.

Additionally, Gribble observed that the authors seemed to go to great lengths to portray the United States Air Force as a "poor defenseless organization" that is constantly undermined by those who reject the Air Force's explanations for UFO sightings. He questioned how this portrayal fit into a scientific examination but suggested it might be perceived as "touching" by those outside the field of UFO investigation.

Gribble concluded by drawing a parallel between gullible citizens who believe every UFO is a spaceship and orthodox scientists who believe every UFO is a natural phenomenon. He stated he had encountered both types and had just read the conclusions of two such scientists in "The World of Flying Saucers."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is a critical examination of a specific book on UFOs, "The World of Flying Saucers." The editorial stance, as represented by the reviewer Robert J. Gribble and the National Investigations Commission on Aerial Phenomena, is one of skepticism towards claims of scientific authority that are perceived as misleading or biased. The review emphasizes the importance of experienced investigation and critical analysis when evaluating UFO phenomena, contrasting it with what is seen as the authors' superficial and potentially manipulative approach. There is a clear defense of UFO investigators and a questioning of the authors' motives in discrediting them and their work.