UFOs and Popular Culture: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Mythology

by James R. Lewis, Thomas E. Bullard

Overview

From religious beliefs and legends to movies and TV shows, from advertising and celebrities to Internet sites and photo ops, this illustrated A–Z encyclopedia makes it easy to locate each topic, and the opportunities for further research assure its timeliness.

Is the human race the result of a breeding experiment carried out by ancient astronauts? Are satanists, extraterrestrials—or both—mutilating cattle? Whimsical and fascinating, UFOs and Popular Culture explores a rich facet of Americana and its impact on contemporary society. The UFO phenomenon is put into folkloric and psychological perspective, revealing much about our collective psyche.

From religious beliefs and legends to movies and TV shows; from advertising and celebrities to Internet sites and photo ops; this illustrated A–Z encyclopedia is your first stop resource for understanding UFO beliefs and their impact on contemporary America. Topics explored include Music and UFOs, Naked Aliens, Reincarnation, Roswell, Brad Steiger, Heaven's Gate, War of the Worlds, and UFO Conventions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781576072653
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/01/2000
Pages:	438
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.94(d)
Age Range:	12 - 18 Years

About the Author

James R. Lewis is a professional writer and academic specializing in new religions and the New Age.

Editorial Reviews

Sure to entice casual readers. . . . Should be included in all UFO collections, for its alphabetical table of contents makes it easy to locate each topic, and the opportunities for further research assure its timeliness.” —Library Jourbanal

“A worthwhile investment for X-Files fans and other enthusiasts who will seek it out for pleasure. The video fan looking for classic science fiction and the student writing a first report on unidentified flying objects also will find it a useful source.” —VOYA

From the Publisher

Written by experienced authors who rely on in-depth research and draw careful conclusions, these works compellingly highlight key events, issues, themes, and theories concerning UFOs and myriad other unsolved mysteries. Wilson revises and updates material he has already presented in such works as The Encyclopedia of the Unsolved Mysteries (1988) and From Atlantis to the Sphinx (LJ 6/15/97), dividing his investigation into 75 enduring mysteries, from crop circles to poltergeists to Atlantis. For example, he probes the history of the curse of the Hope Diamond, bringing to light the possibility that the diamond, like other crystals, is sensitive to the vibrations of the mind and that a curse could therefore be imprinted on it. Though not all entries are of equal depth, they include enough information to make this work helpful. Lewis (The Astrology Encyclopedia; Angels A to Z; religion, Univ. of Wisconsin, Stevens Point) here highlights UFO religions, folklore, and mythology, and the details seem to flow like water. In addition to articles from 20 contributors, the book contains an extensive bibliography, a chronology of UFO sightings from 1837 to 1998, and, as an example of UFO spirituality, a document from the Heaven's Gate cult, whose members committed mass suicide in 1997 in expectation of arriving UFOs. A listing of UFO-related organizations, periodicals, and web sites enable readers to pursue the subject as interest dictates. Good primers for those first exploring this territory, both works are sure to entice casual readers. Lewis's, perhaps better suited than Wilson's to the reference shelf, should also be included in all UFO collections, for its alphabetical table of contents makes it easy to locate each topic, and the opportunities for further research assure its timeliness.--Leroy Hommerding, Fort Myers Beach P.L. Dist., FL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Lewis (religious studies, U. of Wisconsin) has compiled an encyclopedia (with 21 contributing authors) that is an accessible guide to the UFO craze, covering both the notoriously humorous pop culture aspects of the subject, as well as the sinister side. The editor's introduction differentiates this encyclopedia from others on the topic in its coverage of the abduction phenomenon (earlier encyclopedias downplay this aspect) and its coverage of religious meanings and imaginative works related to ufology. The foreword by folklorist Thomas E. Bullard places the topic in its context in relation to myth, New Age Religion, and humanity's archetypal need to encounter the super-natural. Each entry includes bibliographic references. Appendices include documents related to Heaven's Gate, and lists of organizations and resources. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews