UFO Mail - No 253 - 2018

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Mail nr. 253
Issue Date: January 9, 2018
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Content Focus: This issue of UFO-Mail, a newsletter from Skandinavisk UFO Information, focuses on reviewing three significant books related to the UFO phenomenon, offering critical analysis and insights into ufology.

Book Reviews

Before and After Roswell - The Flying Saucer in America 1947-1999 by David A. Clary

Kim Møller Hansen reviews David A. Clary's self-published book, 'Before and After Roswell.' Clary, a history graduate and former university lecturer, provides a well-written and easily readable account of the development of the UFO myth in the USA. The book is divided into two parts: the first covers the period from 1947 to 1980, focusing on how the Roswell myth was popularized by authors with a loose relationship to facts. The second part details the evolution of the UFO myth after 1980, particularly after the publication of 'The Roswell Incident' by Charles Berlitz and Bill Moore, which, according to Clary, replaced fascination with paranoia and conspiracy theories. Clary argues that the flying saucer is not an object but an idea, and that the UFO myth is alive and well. He critically analyzes books like 'The Roswell Incident,' 'Crash at Corona,' and 'The Day After Roswell,' dismantling their arguments. The reviewer notes that Clary's strength lies in placing UFO-related events within their broader historical and cultural context, including films and TV series.

The Close Encounters Man - How One Man Made the World Believe in UFOs by Mark O'Connell

This section introduces Mark O'Connell's biography of J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer who was a scientific consultant for the U.S. Air Force's UFO investigation projects for two decades. The book draws on letters and private records from Hynek's former colleagues and friends, offering a detailed look at both his personal life and professional career. The review highlights Hynek's 1972 book, 'The UFO Experience - A Scientific Inquiry,' as his major breakthrough. This book was translated into Danish as 'UFO - dokumenteret' and published in 1974 by SUFOI. The Danish version is now out of print but available for loan from libraries or as a free e-book download from ufo.dk.

UFOs, Chemtrails, and Aliens - What Science Says by Donald R. Prothero and Timothy D. Callahan

This book is presented as a thorough and well-written scientific analysis of topics related to ufomyten. The authors examine a wide range of subjects, including UFOs, chemtrails, and the 'ancient astronaut' theory, often linking them to conspiracy theories. The review notes that the book aims to provide a scientific perspective, contrasting with the more speculative approaches of figures like Erich von Däniken and Zecharia Sitchin. It is recommended for those with an open and curious mind who want to understand the UFO phenomenon from a scientific viewpoint. The book also discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories in the US, suggesting that 25-40% of the American population believes in at least one. It posits that humans tend to see patterns and connections where none exist, and that the brain struggles to accept random events, leading to the creation of conspiracy theories.

Other Sections

"Lidt af hvert" (A Bit of Everything)

• This section briefly mentions several other items of interest:
• UFO Watch: 8 Times the Government Looked for Flying Saucers: A slideshow summarizing official government investigations into UFOs.
• Rendlesham Incident Film: The Rendlesham incident from 1980 is being adapted into a film by Sony Pictures Television and Eleventh Hour Films. Readers are advised to consult the chapter "Hemmeligheden i skoven" in 'UFO - Myter og viden' for background.
• Kevin Randle's 'Encounter in the Desert: The Case for Alien Contact at Socorro': This book is reviewed, noting that while it covers aspects of the Socorro case, Randle remains somewhat vague in his conclusions, leaving the possibility of a landed UFO open, possibly to cater to the US market.

Questions and Answers

A reader asks about the credibility of TV shows on channels like H2 (History 2) regarding topics like Roswell and Area 51. SUFOI's response criticizes such shows for manipulating information and presenting natural explanations as mysteries. They recommend the Danish documentary 'UFOerne vender tilbage' by Ole Retsbo as a more serious program. SUFOI also promotes its own book, 'Area 51,' as an alternative to popular books and documentaries on the subject.

Membership and Support

Skandinavisk UFO Information operates on a voluntary basis and aims to provide serious information about ufomyten and register sightings. Readers are encouraged to support the organization through membership in their 'Støttekreds' (Support Circle) for 2019, with options to receive one of four selected books as a thank you gift.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO literature, the historical development of the UFO myth, and the importance of a scientific approach to the subject. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reviews and the Q&A section, is one of skepticism towards sensationalized media portrayals and popular conspiracy theories, advocating for evidence-based analysis and critical thinking. SUFOI positions itself as a source of reliable information, contrasting its approach with what it perceives as manipulation in mainstream media and speculative content in some books.