Behind the Flying Saucers

Behind the Flying Saucers, published in 1950, represents one of the earliest books about UFO incidents and alleged crashed flying saucers. Author Frank Scully, a columnist for Variety magazine, presents accounts from scientists and witnesses regarding encounters with extraterrestrial craft. The book focuses on three reported UFO crash recoveries in New Mexico, with detailed descriptions of the recovered craft and occupants. Scully includes technical specifications of the alleged spacecraft and interviews with sources who claim direct knowledge of the incidents. The narrative chronicles the author's investigation into these cases through meetings with key figures and examination of purported evidence. The book also explores government involvement and theories about the origins of the craft. This work stands as an influential text in UFO literature, raising questions about disclosure and the relationship between civilian researchers and official institutions. The book's impact on public discourse about UFOs continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of the phenomenon.

Most readers view this 1950 UFO book as an interesting historical curiosity but ultimately a hoax. The book claimed to expose recovered alien spacecraft but was later debunked when its key source was revealed as a con man. Readers appreciate: - First-hand glimpse into early UFO culture and beliefs - Documentation of post-WW2 public fascination with flying saucers - Engaging writing style that captures the era's paranoia Common criticisms: - Relies on fraudulent sources and unverified claims - Lacks credible evidence or documentation - Author failed to fact-check key assertions Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (84 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (12 reviews) Reader quote: "Important as a historical document of early UFO mythology, but the claims don't hold up to scrutiny" - Goodreads reviewer Many readers note the book's significance in UFO literature despite its flaws, as it helped establish common elements of crash retrieval narratives.

Flying Saucers From Outer Space by Donald Keyhoe A military officer presents declassified documents and interviews with pilots about UFO encounters in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward J. Ruppelt The first director of Project Blue Book details the US Air Force's investigations into UFO reports from 1951-1953.

The UFO Experience: A Scientific Inquiry by J. Allen Hynek An astronomer and scientific consultant for Project Blue Book examines UFO cases through the lens of scientific methodology.

Incident at Exeter by John G. Fuller A journalist investigates multiple UFO sightings in New Hampshire during 1965, including interviews with police officers and civilians.

The Interrupted Journey by John G. Fuller The documented account of Betty and Barney Hill's reported UFO abduction in 1961 includes medical records and hypnosis session transcripts.

🛸 Frank Scully's book, published in 1950, was among the first to claim that the U.S. government had recovered crashed flying saucers, predating more famous crash retrieval stories like Roswell. 📚 The book sold over 60,000 copies in hardcover and became a bestseller, helping establish many of the tropes that would later become common in UFO literature. 🔍 Two main sources for Scully's book, Silas Newton and Leo GeBauer, were later exposed as con men who had been trying to sell fake alien technology and petroleum-finding devices. 💫 The book claims the recovered saucers contained tiny humanoid pilots approximately three feet tall, wearing suits made of a material similar to aluminum. 🌍 Despite being largely discredited, the book's influence can still be seen in modern UFO culture, particularly regarding claims of government cover-ups and descriptions of alien beings.