Where did "modern" civilization begin? What lies beneath the waves? Do myths describe interstellar impact? How'd they lift that stone? Was the Ark of the Covenant a mechanical device? Were there survivors of an Atlantean catastrophe? Who really discovered the "New" World? "Hidden history" continues to fascinate an ever wider audience. In this massive compendium, editor Preston Peet brings together an allstar cast of contributors to question established wisdom about the history of the world and its civilizations. Peet and anthology contributors guide us through exciting archeological adventures and treasure hunts, ancient mysteries, lost or rediscovered technologies, and assorted "Forteana," using serious scientific studies and reports, scholarly research, and some plain old fringe material, as what is considered "fringe" today is often hard science tomorrow. Contributors Graham Hancock ( Fingerprints of the Gods and Underworld ), David Hatcher Childress ( Lost Cities and Civilizations series), Colin Wilson ( From Atlantis to the Sphinx ), Michael Cremo ( Forbidden Archeology ), William Corliss ( Ancient Infrastructures ), Robert Schoch ( Voyages of the Pyramid Builders ), John Anthony West ( Serpent in the Sky ), Michael Arbuthnot ( Team Atlantis ), Erich Von Daniken ( Chariots of the Gods ), and many more.
Preston Peet is a writer, editor, photographer, musician, actor, DJ, activist and adventurer. A regular contributor to High Times magazine and website, the editor of the controversial website DrugWar.com, and a columnist for the New York Waste, he lives in Manhattan with his other half and 10 rescued cats.
In its sampling of about 30 authors, this book attempts to cover a lot of territory. In some cases it succeeds at informing the curious about other areas of research and exploration into the mysteries of the origin of mankind and his lost past. I found unexpected discussions on topics ranging from the ancient wall constructions of South America to a dissertation on inferred meaning in the New Testament to the theory of the Giza pyramids as a super power plant complex. For a person who has just begun the inquiry, perhaps they will get beyond the "Ancient Aliens" branding and see that there is truly a profound discourse going on and join the circle inspired and piqued.
For me, this book is a great jumping off point into a wider study of information on the subject of our lost identity. By reading the words of those whom I had only seen referenced, I now have a sense of their voice and level of credibility and sincerity. That is exactly why I picked it up in the first place.
However, as a book on the whole, it seems a bit schizophrenic in its scope. Moving from one topic to the other without a segue or common thread jars the reader at times. It might have been interesting to buffer the sections with a few recorded discussions between the authors. Many of them know one another and their candor regarding the various topics might have made a reference book into something more tangible.
Very interesting, and contains a lot of information I would have never even been exposed to had I not received this book! I will admit the print is very small, and this book reminds me more of a college text or required reading for a graduate class! That being said, this book is best read in small increments. Not a book you'd sit down and read for hours, but it does have some fascinating information and is best taken in in small parts. I recommend it to anyone interested in ancient history!
*I received this book as part of a First Reads Giveaway*
This collection of essays and book excerpts by many of the noted writers of "forbidden" history and archeology and astronomy always present some very intriguing facts that are indeed confirmed facts. Embrace or discard the theories explaining the facts but certainly ponder the underlying enigma.
The book rates 5 stars for many of the intriguing facts it presents, but has 2 stars subtracted for the unevenness of the individual essays. Some are merely tedious and meander and a couple are tainted with uninformed political polemical diatribes.
Great introduction to a variety of incredibly interesting subjects!
Each chapter in this book is written by a different person, and about a different subject. All of them seem really well researched and informed. The subjects vary wildly but are all of the same general notion of fringe science and how mainstream scientists are close-minded and dangerously out of control with their new religion.
If you're at all interested in finding out some interesting truths, this is a good place to start!
Nice to be able to get some knowledge of what archeologists are finding out about, these days. Good to have different authors and then you can pick from their books just what you would be interested in knowing more about. After all, no matter, I think it concerns us all. The planet we live on is all so important to our survival as a species. We all need to contribute to make our home better if we can. Happiness is a happy home.
An interesting collection of data not being taught in our school system. Most interesting is the speculation of an advanced civilization that existed long before the Deluge, elements of which are being discovered today.
I thought this book was super interesting. I got this book from GoodRead's First Reads and I learned a lot about things that I never knew about. They made a fan out of someone who was never interested in these topics!
An okay survey of a wide-ranging field of inquiry, filled with both earnest explorers and those open to a wider variety of explanations than the average sane person. A good snack for an open mind.
There was a glitch so it is not linked to my kindle app and so I can't share any highlights/notes but I did find this to be this very interesting to read with lot's of food for thought
I was so excited to receive this book. The topics and material contained inside of this book are fascinating to me. This book appears to be filled with interesting information that would make for great discussions. Unfortunately, the print is so small, I have given up trying to read "Aliens, Lost Civilizations, Astonishing Archaelogy & Hidden History."