1966 09 02 Time AFU scan Contact International archive

Magazine Overview

Title: TIME
Issue Date: September 2, 1966
Volume: LXXXVIII
Publisher: TIME INC.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of TIME magazine features a cover story on the burgeoning phenomenon of flying saucer sightings and the books attempting to explain them. The main cover headline is "FLYING SAUCERS-SERIOUS BUSINESS," accompanied by a subtitle "Heavenly Bogeys" and an illustration of insect-like alien figures. The issue also includes book reviews of "Cannibals and Christians" by Norman Mailer and "Writer by Trade: A Portrait of Arnold Bennett" by Dudley Barker.

Books on Flying Saucers

"Flying Saucers-Serious Business" by Frank Edwards

The review of Frank Edwards' book highlights his fervent belief that UFOs are the creations of technically superior beings from unknown parts. Edwards, a former radio commentator, is described as having an evangelistic style, blending religious conviction with scientific inquiry. The article notes his assertion that UFOs may have resolved the conflict between religion and science, suggesting that biblical figures like the "angels" in Genesis 19 and the "giants" in Genesis 6:4 were extraterrestrial visitors. Edwards warns of an imminent "denouement" and presents a "weird record of incidents" involving hundreds of sightings worldwide. The reviewer finds Edwards' explanations more unlikely than the phenomena themselves, questioning the logic behind his assertion that UFOs were improving their design between 1926 and 1946. Edwards also posits a conspiracy involving the U.S. Air Force and the Pentagon to suppress the truth about UFOs, claiming they are designed to make the public believe the sightings are psychological, meteoric, or astral in origin. This alleged cover-up is said to extend globally, with the Kremlin also implicated in a secret pact.

"Incident at Exeter" by John G. Fuller

John G. Fuller's book is described as a simpler account, focusing on his interviews with witnesses in Exeter, New Hampshire, following a sighting of a "glowing red object" on September 3, 1965. Fuller himself later saw a similar UFO and reported it in a "documentary style." The reviewer notes that Fuller's work, like Edwards', does not significantly advance the understanding of UFOs' ontological status.

Other UFO Sightings and Theories

The article mentions several other alleged UFO incidents:

• Ann Arbor, Michigan: Ghostly visitations over a swamp.
• Rio Vista, California: Boys with .22 rifles reportedly shot at a UFO hanging about a town water tower, eliciting an "angry red glow."
• Milan, Italy (October 1954): Italian farmers allegedly pelted a UFO with rotten oranges, scoring hits on "little men" about 4 ft. high, who wore light-colored pants, helmets, and other equipment. The UFOs were described as bigger and "hideous."
• LeRoy, Kansas (April 1897): Farmer Alexander Hamilton reported a sighting of a UFO with "hideous humanoids" that stole his heifer and hauled it aboard their "airship."

The article notes that the Air Force is planning to award a $300,000 grant to a university for UFO research.

Book Reviews

"Cannibals and Christians" by Norman Mailer

Norman Mailer's latest book is characterized as a collection of "warmed-over Mailer," including pseudo poems, essays, dialectic, sermonizing, book reviews, literary criticism, and political reportage. The reviewer finds Mailer's writing obsessive and often nonsensical, yet acknowledges his ability to draw a crowd. Mailer's philosophical excursions are described as beginning at the level of a college bull session. His observations on sex and food are noted, as is his focus on the "bowel" as a means to understand man's nature. Despite the "silly stuff," the review points to some "devastatingly unchivalrous and perceptive" examinations of Mary McCarthy's "The Group," a report on the 1964 Republican National Convention, and a survey of contemporary fiction. Mailer's self-indulgence is attributed to his belief that he "feel[s] the truth of the thing first and discover[s] the explanations later."

"Writer by Trade: A Portrait of Arnold Bennett" by Dudley Barker

This biography of Arnold Bennett portrays him as a dominant figure in British literature who was both a prolific author and a respected critic. Bennett's overwhelming physical presence and sharp wit are described, alongside his crude manner. Rebecca West suggested judging him as a character rather than an author, comparing him to literary figures like Squire Western and Mr. Micawber. The review notes that Bennett, a child of the Midland slums, was a dedicated craftsman who aimed to write good books and make money. He maintained a rigorous writing schedule of 1,000 words a day for most of his career. Despite a stammer and shyness in his youth, he developed a show-off's mantle. The biography also touches on his personal life, including a difficult marriage and his later relationship with actress Dorothy Cheston, with whom he had a daughter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of TIME magazine approaches the topic of UFOs with a degree of skepticism, presenting the sensational claims of authors like Frank Edwards while also offering critical analysis. The editorial stance appears to be that while UFO phenomena are intriguing and warrant investigation (as evidenced by the Air Force's grant), the explanations offered by some enthusiasts are often far-fetched and lack rigorous evidence. The magazine seems to favor more grounded literary reviews, dedicating significant space to Norman Mailer and Arnold Bennett, suggesting a preference for established literary and cultural commentary over speculative extraterrestrial theories. The overall tone regarding UFOs is one of cautious observation, acknowledging the public interest while questioning the validity of the more extreme claims.