About the book…
From flying saucers and supersonic spaceships, to alien encounters and famous fakes, this classic title traces UFOs throughout history, and is the perfect companion for any space enthusiast. First published in 1977, this is the second book from Usborne’s beloved World of the Unknown series to be brought back by popular demand.
With a brand new foreword by impressionist, actor and comedian Jon Culshaw, otherwise the book remains unchanged from the original.
The third in the re-issued series of 1970’s classics, ‘The World Of The Unknown-UFOs’ was re-published in 2020, and is high on nostalgia value as it is on quality illustrations and information.
It not only defines what a UFO (unidentified flying object is), it charts their appearance throughout history, as well as presenting potential explanations for what they are, and where they come from.
As to what they want, that is entirely another matter…
The illustrations and explanations are taken as seriously as if this were a book for adults, yet is never dry and boring. One of the biggest features of the Usborne series is that it never talks down to the audience-they know the deeply questing mind of children/teens and tackle the questions we would want answered. And when there isn’t an answer, they don’t fudge it and guess.
Although the focus is on the twentieth century, there are deep dives into the seemingly inexplicable appearances of non-human entities and their travelling mechanisms going back as far as the pyramids, the Mayans and the Easter Island statues.
The idea of the Moon as a secret UFO, the Project Blue Book case, and the so-called ‘Washington Invasion’ are discussed with bystander stories examined under a critical scientific eye.
The only drawback, as such, is that this book is not updated, it is exactly as it was in the 1970’s, therefore maybe it is time for a new edition? And the latter half of the twentieth century/early half of the twenty first surely has a lot more to add in terms of scientific investigation, as well as released government files which finally acknowledge the existence of UFOs.
I like the way it also guides you on how to look for UFOs yourself, and how to create your own report, complete with a template for filling in!
Perfect for the enquiring mind of a young Fox Mulder, this is a great starting point for any scientific leaning child in your family circle!
About the author…
Again, I couldn’t find much in my research about the mysterious Mr Ted Wilding-White, so if anyone knows about him, I would be so grateful to find out more!
Twitter @AnnaHowarth @Usborne @jonculshaw
Author
bridgeman.lenny@gmail.com