1953 03 14 Saturday Review Review of Menzel book

Magazine Overview

This issue of SCIENCE, identified by its page number '55', features a prominent article on the cover titled 'Those Green Little Men,' which is a review of Donald H. Menzel's book 'Flying Saucers.' The magazine also includes a poem titled 'Subaqueous' by James L. Rosenberg and a section dedicated to book reviews titled 'Just Published.'

Those Green Little Men

The review, written by Fletcher Pratt, discusses Professor Donald H. Menzel's scientific approach to the controversial topic of flying saucers. Menzel, an astrophysicist with meteorological expertise, systematically analyzes sightings, including those of Kenneth Arnold in 1947. Pratt notes that Menzel eliminates hoaxes and then examines historical records, revealing that similar phenomena, often called 'airships,' were reported as early as 1897 and 1882. Menzel suggests that these sightings are likely auroral phenomena or other atmospheric effects, rather than alien spacecraft. The review concludes that Menzel's work provides rational explanations and makes for good reading, even for those not deeply interested in the subject. Pratt quotes Menzel's conclusion that explanations range from mirages and ice crystals to weather balloons and radar ducts, but not little green men.

Subaqueous

This is a poem by James L. Rosenberg that uses evocative imagery of night, mist, stars, and the sea to describe a journey into a state of inner peace and wisdom. The poem contrasts the quietude of the underwater world with the surface world, using metaphors of coral labyrinths, fractured houses, and flowing weeds to depict a dreamlike, timeless experience.

Just Published

This section provides brief descriptions of numerous recently published books, covering a wide array of subjects:

• The Art Song by James Husst Hall: Compares composition techniques in American, English, French, German, and Russian art songs.
• Doctor in the House by Richard Gordon: A humorous account of a young British doctor's experiences.
• Economic Essays by R. F. Harrod: Critiques by a noted English economist on topics from population to competition.
• Enchanted Island by Walter Lowrie: A traveler's appreciation of the island of Ischia.
• The English Primers (1529-1545) by Charles C. Butterworth: Examines religious handbooks from the English Reformation.
• Explorer's England and Explorer's Scotland by Martin Thornhill: Guides to historic and unexplored locations.
• Germany Plots with the Kremlin by T. H. Tetens: Presents evidence of a link between Bonn and Moscow.
• Freudian Psycho-Antics by Maurice Natenberg: An attack on psychoanalytic techniques.
• James I by Charles Williams: A portrayal of the king.
• James Stewart, Earl of Moray by Maurice Lee, Jr.: A political study of the Scottish Reformation.
• Living Time by Maurice Nicoll: An exploration of a continuously living past and a six-dimensional world.
• Marriage, Morals, and Sex by Sidney Ditzion: A history of American attitudes towards these subjects.
• Monkey on My Back by Wenzell Brown: A first-hand account of dealing with drug addiction.
• Out of the Midwest by Frank Siedel: Retells stories of regional figures like Clarence Darrow and Zane Grey.
• The Pilgrim Reader edited by George F. Willison: Comments linking records of prominent Colonial figures.
• Wanderings from the shores of the Old World to those of the New and experiences in settlements till the end of the eighteenth century are included.
• Phantasy in Childhood by Audrey Davidson and Judith Fay: Discusses and illustrates children's experiences and fantasies.
• The Protestant Crusade: 1800-1860 by Ray Allen Billington: A study of anti-Catholic prejudice in early 19th-century America.
• The Sea Wall by Marguerite Duras: A novel about a widow and her children facing the Pacific.
• 7 Arts edited by Fernando Puma: A symposium of text and pictures representing all art fields.
• Swords of Anjou by Mario Pei: A novel set in Charlemagne's eighth century.
• These Married People by Corinne Running: A story linking three families through domestic psychology.
• 21 Variations on a Theme edited by Donald Webster Cory: Explores homosexuality through literary works.
• U.S. 40 by George R. Stewart: A portrait of a transcontinental highway.
• Wanderlust by Hans deMeiss-Teuffen and Victor Rosen: Accounts of adventure and work across continents.
• The Wheel and the Hearth by Lucia B. Moore: A Western novel about pioneer life.
• Why Did They Kill by John Bartlow Martin: Investigates the background of a murder case.
• With Wings as Eagles by Helen Chappel White: A personal account of grief and spiritual balance.
• The Words of Justice Brandeis edited by Solomon Goldman: The jurist's views on significant contemporary matters.

An editor's note also corrects a previous review's publication date for Frank Gibney's 'Five Gentlemen of Japan.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around scientific inquiry and rational explanation, particularly evident in the review of Menzel's book on flying saucers, which emphasizes meteorological and logical interpretations over sensationalism. The 'Just Published' section showcases a broad spectrum of human knowledge and experience, from historical and scientific studies to literature and personal narratives, reflecting a diverse intellectual curiosity. The editorial stance appears to favor critical analysis and evidence-based reasoning, as demonstrated by the positive reception of Menzel's debunking of UFO myths. The inclusion of a poem suggests an appreciation for artistic expression alongside scientific discourse.