The CIA UFO Papers: 50 Years of Government Secrets and Cover-Ups

by Dan Wright, Jan Harzan (Foreword)

The secret CIA papers that prove that the government has been tracking UFOs and extraterrestrials for over 50 years

In autumn 2016 the CIA sent to its website (www.cia.gov/library/readingroom) a cache of electronic files previously released under the Freedom of Information Act but housed at the National Archives. Among a variety of subjects were “unidentified flying objects.” Finally, a stockpile of reports and correspondences were available for serious UFO researchers to examine at home.

This book consists of selections from those secret files. Dan Wright spent 18 months selecting, editing, and organizing the 550 files that are relevant to UFO research and has produced a chronological collection of CIA documents spanning 1949 to 2000.

Each chapter focuses on a particular year. The summary of documents for each year is followed by a section called “While You Were Away from Your Desk,” which provides historical and cultural context for the document summaries and examines other sightings and contacts that are not mentioned in the CIA files.

Among the fascinating tidbits are:

A memo to J Edgar Hoover about flying saucer reports
The 1949 conference at Los Alamos that include Edward Teller, upper atmosphere physicist Dr. Joseph Kaplan, and other renowned scientists in which the participants debated whether recent incidents were natural phenomena or UFO sightings
This is a must-have book for those fascinated by the history of UFO sightings and those interested in government secrets and cover-ups.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Aliens

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kimber · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 2016, the CIA released to their website cia.gov 20,000 files which were housed in the National Archives, declassified and released per the FOIA. Wright takes on the daunting task of wading through these files-most of which are repetitive-and comes up with 550 of the most relevant.

He writes a chapter for each year from 1949-1999, setting the CIA data side by side with the data from the files at MUFON. Interesting what the CIA does not reveal, juxtaposed with these files. Each year, Wright also includes UFO news and happenings giving a nice, orderly history.

A valid reference. Tedious to read sometimes but well worth it for the most dedicated ufologist.

[MacWithBooksonMountains Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is to be taken seriously. UFO incidents are chronologically arrayed from the 40s to the year 2000. Altogether well researched if a bit on the dry side.

[Grumpus · Rating 4 out of 5]

For only the most hardcore UFO buffs, like me. Others will find it a dry reading of many reports. The information is compelling and worthy of consideration for folks like me, but don't make this your first UFO read.

[Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when this document dump occurred and I quickly gave up looking through because so many existed. The author spent a tremendous amount of time and pulled a out a few gemstones and a few bombshells. One concerning Wernher von Braun.

I bought this book in audio form. I should have bought it in paper for reference.

It contains many collected stories from many walks of life and countries. The CIA seems to have been collecting stories and reports, while not dedicating a full time human resource to manage them.

As an novice UFOLOGIST, I greatly enjoyed this work and look forward to his future work.

[Tom · Rating 2 out of 5]

UFOs have never been more boring.

[AttackGirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do you want to read a ledger of basic inputs how can you say it... BORING!

How about some narrative along with the information. Okay so what are the real details is there any story at all around the event. Geech can you say it.... BORING and BORING and even more BORING to the point of turning people away for the most important question and final answer there has been upsetting even the concept of GOD and the small minded Christian Jesus died for you well what about the aliens did he die for them too?

Anyway you won't find anything like that concept in this book which if I have not said it enough yet but ..... its B___ING.

[Glenn Franco Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was good. I listened on Audible. For me, it might have been a better read in a book. Nothing surprises me about the evil CIA. It is an un-American, rogue institution. While many well-meaning people may work there, the CIA has worked AGAINST American interests. Just look at its disasters. As for UFOs, the last place I would look for honesty about UFOs is the lying, scheming, unpatriotic and unconstitutional CIA.

[Litsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is dry, but what do you expect from government papers? I think the sheer number of unexplained instances speaks for itself. They are a collection of government investigations into sitings from the 40s to present, plus some communications between people/bureaus on ufo information in relation to the public and if they are in fact national security issues.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me exactly what I was hoping for which was a data dump of cases and reports being made by public and/or service members both in the United States and overseas. Obviously, this topic is being taken seriously by the mainstream and for good cause. There is certainly a high strangeness associated with these reports.

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating selection of declassified CIA files on UFOs over the years. Notably, any with national security implications are not included. Also mentions sightings in countries other than the US, such as New Zealand.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent compilation of reports from across the globe from both military and civilian perspectives, a good read for anyone interested in this subject.

[Gene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. You can start it on any page.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

You won't enjoy this unless you are a hardcore UFO nut. It is just an account of UFO incidents from the CIA papers.

[Janne Heinonen · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Äänikirja) Aika luettelomainen tyyli, mutta johtunee lähdemateriaalista. The truth is out there jne.