Ah, Zecharia Sitchin...if only the world could be reduced to such a bad SF movie!
I despair about academic standards when an accredited Ph.D. appears to have such a poor grasp of what constitutes evidence. You've pretty much lost any claim to credibility when you assert that Sitchin's work is so ground-breaking and innovative that there's no one qualified to peer review it (p. 19) and you refuse to acknowledge criticism (p. 15).
There's just so much wrong with this book (and Sitchin's delusions in general) but I'll limit myself to one example:
"The Adam" of the Bible was not the genus Homo, but the being who is our ancestor - the first Homo sapiens.
So...the biblical Adam was not a hominin but he was the first hominin? Do I have that right?
The quality of scholarship don't get much better.
On the other hand, this is a marvelous condensation of Sitchin's work and a blast to read (4 stars!).
I enjoyed the translations of the ancient epics into a less formal tone, and recommend this book for those all-too-brief segments. It is clear that the author was convinced by Sitchin's hypotheses. I'm only convinced to give Sitchin himself another try, hoping for more translations. The hypotheses mentioned earlier are taken as theses by the author, and so while it's a well-written book it didn't do much for me on its own merits. YMMV.
4 Star Review – Zecharia Sitchin and the Extraterrestrial Origins of Humanity
This book offers a fascinating deep dive into the life and work of Zecharia Sitchin, best known for his controversial theories about the Anunnaki and ancient astronauts. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of his ideas or a curious skeptic, this biography-style exploration gives a compelling look at how Sitchin developed his theories and why they continue to spark debate today.
One of the book’s strengths is how it situates Sitchin within the larger context of alternative archaeology and ancient alien theories. It doesn’t just summarize his claims—it delves into the man behind the movement, adding depth to the narrative. The author's tone remains balanced, giving credit to Sitchin's influence without blindly endorsing his conclusions.
That said, some parts feel repetitive, especially if you're already familiar with his core ideas from The 12th Planet or other books in his Earth Chronicles series. While this book adds valuable context, it occasionally retreads familiar ground.
Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-researched read that sheds new light on one of the more polarizing figures in alternative history. Even if you don’t walk away convinced, you’ll likely finish the book with a better understanding of why Sitchin's theories have endured for decades.
For any open minded person interested in the history of mankind, this books gives introductory insights and explanations into questions that have not been answered by books like The Bible.
Diligent research and interpretations done on the Sumerian tablets, show us what many of us have intuitively known for a long time. In 2019 where the great awakening of humanity is happening, more and more souls will be open to receive this information with an open mind.
The last 2 chapters are a bit redundant though, as they are talking about possible future timelines.
This book definitely evokes the curiosity to study Zacharia Sitchin’s work in depth.
I would rate this 3.5-4. The book is a good overview and commentary on Zechariah Sitchin's work. I think it is more valuable if you are just starting to read his books. Those who are more familiar with his work may not uncover anything new. I like that the book is an easy read and organized in a way that is accessible to all readers.
If you have never heard of Zechariah Sitchin, or are wondering if he is worth reading. This is. great book to give you a good overview of his work, well presented and a joy to read.