It's an accolade more commonly given to Ray Palmer, the Amazing Stories magazine editor who's best known for his promotion of the "Shaver Mystery" of the late 1940s. The idea, floated in 1983 by UFOlogist John Keel in a self-assured article entitled "The Man Who Invented Flying Saucers," was that … [Read more...]
UFOs in 1929? – The Art of Frank R. Paul
Look at this picture and tell me: what does it show? Frank R. Paul’s cover for the November 1929 “Science Wonder Stories,” via Wikimedia Commons. A red and yellow UFO, you think–hovering or drifting through outer space with a skyscraper caught in its elongated tentacles? A more distant UFO behind … [Read more...]
Ray Bradbury – Prophet of the 21st Century
“I am not a prophet, nor am I a prophet’s son …” —Amos 7:14 None of us is. Doesn’t stop us from trying. For those who write science-fiction, it’s practically a professional obligation. “Terrifyingly prophetic”—aren’t those words you’d love to have on your jacket blurb? I’ve heard them … [Read more...]
UFOs and Science Fiction – MystiCon 2012
Life, they say, is what happens when you’ve made other plans. I’d intended, in this week’s post, to continue my discussion of Carl Allen a.k.a. Carlos Allende, and his epistolary activities. But I had a terrific experience this past weekend, and I don’t think I’m ready to talk about anything until … [Read more...]
