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Jadoo
Someone, we know not who, once called Jadoo "the greatest book ever written on the black magic of the Orient." But we do know that there will never again be another book like it. Jadoo, a Hindi word meaning "Black Magic," captures a world that is now lost to us-the strange, dark, mysterious world that was once called the "Orient." This story of a real-life Indiana Jones of the 1950s named John Keel contains everything but a trip to Venus in a flying saucer-a subject our newsman/explorer would become famous for a decade later. In Egypt, the fearless Keel was cursed by a mummy and befriended members of a strange snake-charming cult. In Iraq, he played Russian roulette with a notorious desert bandit and lived among the Yezidi devil-worshippers. Later, in India, he was buried alive and discovered the secret of the Indian rope trick, which he then performed for incredulous reporters in New Delhi. And in a riveting finale, he chased the Abominable Snowman through the little known Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim before being unceremoniously booted out of Singapore for being "an undesirable alien." This new edition contains material never before published.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1957
22 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
John A. Keel
75 books247 followersJohn Alva Keel (born Alva John Kiehle) was a Fortean author and professional journalist.
Keel wrote professionally from the age of 12, and was best known for his writings on unidentified flying objects, the "Mothman" of West Virginia, and other paranormal subjects. Keel was arguably one of the most widely read and influential ufologists since the early 1970s. Although his own thoughts about UFOs and associated anomalous phenomena gradually evolved since the mid 1960s, Keel remained one of ufology's most original and controversial researchers. It was Keel's second book, UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse (1970), that popularized the idea that many aspects of contemporary UFO reports, including humanoid encounters, often paralleled ancient folklore and religious encounters. Keel coined the term "men in black" to describe the mysterious figures alleged to harass UFO witnesses and he also argued that there is a direct relationship between UFOs and psychic phenomena. He did not call himself a ufologist and preferred the term Fortean, which encompasses a wide range of paranormal subjects.
Keel wrote professionally from the age of 12, and was best known for his writings on unidentified flying objects, the "Mothman" of West Virginia, and other paranormal subjects. Keel was arguably one of the most widely read and influential ufologists since the early 1970s. Although his own thoughts about UFOs and associated anomalous phenomena gradually evolved since the mid 1960s, Keel remained one of ufology's most original and controversial researchers. It was Keel's second book, UFOs: Operation Trojan Horse (1970), that popularized the idea that many aspects of contemporary UFO reports, including humanoid encounters, often paralleled ancient folklore and religious encounters. Keel coined the term "men in black" to describe the mysterious figures alleged to harass UFO witnesses and he also argued that there is a direct relationship between UFOs and psychic phenomena. He did not call himself a ufologist and preferred the term Fortean, which encompasses a wide range of paranormal subjects.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 28, 2013
A battered first-edition, ex-public library. Which only added to its charm. Loved this book. Old-fashioned yarns of 1950s weirdness and derring-do. I enjoyed most the passages on the Indian Rope trick and how to do it, and Keel's own foiled attempt; and his explorations of Sikkim -- because the scenery was just so otherworldly, and the atmosphere so strange-sounding.
The book is a first-person tale of a writer's formative years, travelling the world explicitly in search of weirdness. Most of what he finds is explicable in rational terms, or is stuff that he can add to his repertoire of magic tricks. But every now and then he seems to rub up against something he can't explain, such as a sighting of a yeti, or a Buddhist monk -- encountered quite by chance -- who seems able to move around with his mind a bare wooden stool. At least, Keel can't work out how that one was done.
I wondered in a few places just quite how much Keel is bullshitting us -- because he probably is. A little bit, at least. There's a honed, commercial edge to his writing, which gives the impression he probably isn't the kind of author who lets reality obstruct a gripping story. But what's enjoyable about this book lies not so much in its attempt to grapple with the truth as in its presentation of humankind's trans-cultural fascination with strangeness. The world Keel describes is pretty much vanished now, which today offers us yet another level of exoticism -- of an elegiac kind.
The book is a first-person tale of a writer's formative years, travelling the world explicitly in search of weirdness. Most of what he finds is explicable in rational terms, or is stuff that he can add to his repertoire of magic tricks. But every now and then he seems to rub up against something he can't explain, such as a sighting of a yeti, or a Buddhist monk -- encountered quite by chance -- who seems able to move around with his mind a bare wooden stool. At least, Keel can't work out how that one was done.
I wondered in a few places just quite how much Keel is bullshitting us -- because he probably is. A little bit, at least. There's a honed, commercial edge to his writing, which gives the impression he probably isn't the kind of author who lets reality obstruct a gripping story. But what's enjoyable about this book lies not so much in its attempt to grapple with the truth as in its presentation of humankind's trans-cultural fascination with strangeness. The world Keel describes is pretty much vanished now, which today offers us yet another level of exoticism -- of an elegiac kind.
October 6, 2021
This might be my favorite John Keel book. I like all his stuff, but this one is different. It is more of a travel memoir recounting his experiences in Asia in the 1950s.
February 22, 2020
Хотел мозгоебства почитать, но не вышло. Оказалось - превосходная книжка (первая в целом ряду) от человека, который придумал "людей в черном" как концепт. Начинается с чудесного голословного заявления о том, что Максим Горький бывал в Индии, а дальше идет полив про "саньясинов и факиров" загадочной Индии, написанный во взвешенных тонах сенсационной журналистики середины прошлого века. Ничего удивительного, потому что в армии автор учился на спецпропагандиста. Нужны особые умения, чтобы начинать главы, например, так: "Верблюд сел на меня вскоре после того, как я обосновался в Египте".
Но мозгоебство на этом заканчивается, а начинаются занимательные мемуары журналиста-авантюриста и охотника за фокусами на Востоке - от Каира до освобождающегося Багдада и дальше в Индию через Кувейт, который еще не был Кувейтом, в первое послевоенное десятилетие. Один "пророк" в Каире, кстати, предсказал ему мировую войну в 2024 году. Кто бы мог подумать, что будущее настает быстрее, чем такие книжки успевают устаревать.
Добрался наш герой-автор этого травелога почти до Тибета, и вот это самая интересная часть книжки, занимательное дополнение к истории Востока ХХ века и Большой Игры. Хотя наш репортер, конечно, обо многом судит как "невежественный белый бес", начиная от некоторых практик тибетского буддизма, которых он не понимает ("линга шарира", к примеру) , и заканчивая хитросплетениями тибетской политики середины 50-х, которые он воспринимает слишком уж упрощенно (что-то там есть у него про "подростка далай-ламу, марионетку в руках китайских коммунистов").
Но мозгоебство на этом заканчивается, а начинаются занимательные мемуары журналиста-авантюриста и охотника за фокусами на Востоке - от Каира до освобождающегося Багдада и дальше в Индию через Кувейт, который еще не был Кувейтом, в первое послевоенное десятилетие. Один "пророк" в Каире, кстати, предсказал ему мировую войну в 2024 году. Кто бы мог подумать, что будущее настает быстрее, чем такие книжки успевают устаревать.
Добрался наш герой-автор этого травелога почти до Тибета, и вот это самая интересная часть книжки, занимательное дополнение к истории Востока ХХ века и Большой Игры. Хотя наш репортер, конечно, обо многом судит как "невежественный белый бес", начиная от некоторых практик тибетского буддизма, которых он не понимает ("линга шарира", к примеру) , и заканчивая хитросплетениями тибетской политики середины 50-х, которые он воспринимает слишком уж упрощенно (что-то там есть у него про "подростка далай-ламу, марионетку в руках китайских коммунистов").
June 29, 2015
Wonderful book! I read this years ago and still have it on my "books to keep" shelf. My copy has a great Frazetta cover.
Keel's journeys take him at one point through Himalayan foothills where flowers almost narcotize him into a deep sleep. There's that Indian rope trick. And, if I'm not misremembering, he comes across information in his travels that the antichrist will come from Afghanistan. In 1957, when the book was written, Afghanistan was hardly a blip on anyone's radar.
A fabulous book in the tradition of H. Rider Haggard, Talbot Mundy and Karl May -- but it's all true (?!!) Now I want to read it all over again.
Keel's journeys take him at one point through Himalayan foothills where flowers almost narcotize him into a deep sleep. There's that Indian rope trick. And, if I'm not misremembering, he comes across information in his travels that the antichrist will come from Afghanistan. In 1957, when the book was written, Afghanistan was hardly a blip on anyone's radar.
A fabulous book in the tradition of H. Rider Haggard, Talbot Mundy and Karl May -- but it's all true (?!!) Now I want to read it all over again.
March 14, 2023
«Una tarde, a principios del siglo XIV, llovió sangre sobre Hangzhou, China. Y con ella cayeron con aplomo manos, piernas y brazos desmembrados desde un cielo desolado en los hermosos jardines del Gran Khan.»
Así empieza "Jadoo", una ¿biografía? ¿crónica? ¿libro de viajes? que narra las aventuras de John Keel, viajero y estudioso de las anomalías más recordado por investigar las apariciones de cierta y extraña criatura en un pueblecito de Virginia Occidental en los años 60. En la década anterior, sin embargo, recorrió cantidad de países exóticos buscando la verdad tras los enigmas más extraños y sorprendetes: desde los trucos de encantadores de serpientes, faquieres y telépatas en Egipto y la India hasta la naturaleza del abominable hombre de las nieves que aterrorizaba a los aldeanos del Himalaya. Las desventuras del autor, más agobiado por estrecheces económicas y burocráticas que por los peligros de las selvas o los desiertos, son el testamento de un mundo que se muere, donde las viejas creencias y lugares sagrados ya empezaban a ser desplazados por los carteles luminosos de los imparables emporios occidentales. Y a estas dificultades para recoger lo atávico y heterodoxo hay que sumarle el regimiento de magos, iluminados y profetas que asedian al pobre Keel asegurando que le desvelarán sus arcanos y milenarios secretos... a cambio de unos cuantos dólares, rupias o libras egipcias, claro. Y aunque estos estafadores son habituales en las páginas de "Jadoo", también hay espacio para episodios en verdad sorprendetes. Sirva como ejemplo la estancia del autor entre los yazidíes, hermética religión de "adoradores" (o más bien temerosos) del diablo, que no comen hortalizas ni escupen al suelo para no enfadar al señor del inframundo que habita bajo tierra. O la entrevista al verdadero Ali Babá, que comenzó con cuarenta hombres y acabó liderando una horda de terroristas que sembraba el terror en el Egipto de los años 50. Por no hablar, claro está, de la frenética y accidentada cacería del ya mencionado Yeti, a quien Keel persigue bajo lluvias de sanguijuelas (sí) por las laderas de Gangtok.
Todo esto amenizado por la siempre irónica aunque certera prosa de Keel, la cual consigue que el libro nos devuelva la sensación de estar viendo una vieja película de aventureros. Es de agradecer a Reediciones Anómalas (que ya representó a Keel vestido a lo Indiana Jones en una lámina promocional) el arrojo de editar en castellano a esta gran pluma de la crónica periodística y lo extraño. Una auténtica delicia de leer, esté el lector interesado o no en temáticas forteanas.
Así empieza "Jadoo", una ¿biografía? ¿crónica? ¿libro de viajes? que narra las aventuras de John Keel, viajero y estudioso de las anomalías más recordado por investigar las apariciones de cierta y extraña criatura en un pueblecito de Virginia Occidental en los años 60. En la década anterior, sin embargo, recorrió cantidad de países exóticos buscando la verdad tras los enigmas más extraños y sorprendetes: desde los trucos de encantadores de serpientes, faquieres y telépatas en Egipto y la India hasta la naturaleza del abominable hombre de las nieves que aterrorizaba a los aldeanos del Himalaya. Las desventuras del autor, más agobiado por estrecheces económicas y burocráticas que por los peligros de las selvas o los desiertos, son el testamento de un mundo que se muere, donde las viejas creencias y lugares sagrados ya empezaban a ser desplazados por los carteles luminosos de los imparables emporios occidentales. Y a estas dificultades para recoger lo atávico y heterodoxo hay que sumarle el regimiento de magos, iluminados y profetas que asedian al pobre Keel asegurando que le desvelarán sus arcanos y milenarios secretos... a cambio de unos cuantos dólares, rupias o libras egipcias, claro. Y aunque estos estafadores son habituales en las páginas de "Jadoo", también hay espacio para episodios en verdad sorprendetes. Sirva como ejemplo la estancia del autor entre los yazidíes, hermética religión de "adoradores" (o más bien temerosos) del diablo, que no comen hortalizas ni escupen al suelo para no enfadar al señor del inframundo que habita bajo tierra. O la entrevista al verdadero Ali Babá, que comenzó con cuarenta hombres y acabó liderando una horda de terroristas que sembraba el terror en el Egipto de los años 50. Por no hablar, claro está, de la frenética y accidentada cacería del ya mencionado Yeti, a quien Keel persigue bajo lluvias de sanguijuelas (sí) por las laderas de Gangtok.
Todo esto amenizado por la siempre irónica aunque certera prosa de Keel, la cual consigue que el libro nos devuelva la sensación de estar viendo una vieja película de aventureros. Es de agradecer a Reediciones Anómalas (que ya representó a Keel vestido a lo Indiana Jones en una lámina promocional) el arrojo de editar en castellano a esta gran pluma de la crónica periodística y lo extraño. Una auténtica delicia de leer, esté el lector interesado o no en temáticas forteanas.
September 8, 2021
Reseña completa: https://laestanteriadenapster110.blog...
Al leer Jadoo de John Keel nos encontramos ante un billete en forma de libro para viajar por Asia y algunos países Árabes en busca de las supersticiones, los misterios y ese jadoo esa magia tan especial de aquellas zonas del globo.
Cazadores de víboras, reuniones de misteriosos hombres barbudos al calor de una hoguera, el truco indio de la cuerda, faquires enterrados vivos, alfileteros humanos y mucho más descubrirás si acompañas a Keel en este viaje tan especial.
Este era un libro olvidado que gracias a la genial labor de Don Pablo Vergel y su editorial podemos disfrutar.
Si no conocías este libro y te gusta el misterio corre a la web de Reediciones Anómalas cómpralo y disfruta del viaje.
Al leer Jadoo de John Keel nos encontramos ante un billete en forma de libro para viajar por Asia y algunos países Árabes en busca de las supersticiones, los misterios y ese jadoo esa magia tan especial de aquellas zonas del globo.
Cazadores de víboras, reuniones de misteriosos hombres barbudos al calor de una hoguera, el truco indio de la cuerda, faquires enterrados vivos, alfileteros humanos y mucho más descubrirás si acompañas a Keel en este viaje tan especial.
Este era un libro olvidado que gracias a la genial labor de Don Pablo Vergel y su editorial podemos disfrutar.
Si no conocías este libro y te gusta el misterio corre a la web de Reediciones Anómalas cómpralo y disfruta del viaje.
April 24, 2021
This was one of my dad's favorite books, which meant that I stole it from him years and years ago. Maybe I shouldn't have done that as I realized that my grandma had written a note to him inside the cover wishing him well at university. In my defense, I did read it back when I was very young and enjoyed it very much.
Reading it again was a nostalgic trip to my childhood and to a time when the other side of the world was full of mystery. Not a great piece of literature, but a good, fun read none the less.
Reading it again was a nostalgic trip to my childhood and to a time when the other side of the world was full of mystery. Not a great piece of literature, but a good, fun read none the less.
July 22, 2020
One of the most amazing real-life adventures I have ever had the privilege to read. A journalist in the 1950s travels across Egypt, the Middle East, and into Tibet in search of magic; from sleight of hand illusions and tricks, to the real magic. A brilliant and enlightening adventure that will take you into a world few outsiders have ever had the chance to witness, from snake charmers to nomadic monks.
July 5, 2019
Jadoo
I bought this ebook on a whim and I am really glad that I did. I really had a great time reading this ebook and the journey that the author takes. It is well worth the time to read it.
I bought this ebook on a whim and I am really glad that I did. I really had a great time reading this ebook and the journey that the author takes. It is well worth the time to read it.
October 11, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, they way it's written made it a real pleasure to read and the locations visited interested and inspired me. My first book from the author with more ordered while only halfway through this one. Reccomend to anyone who enjoys travel writing or memoirs.
March 29, 2019
Recommend. It was an easy and enchanting read quite in Keel style.
I wouldn't take everything in the book at face value, though.
I wouldn't take everything in the book at face value, though.
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January 1, 2026read some of
January 26, 2023
In this novel John Keel describes his quest for anything strange as he journeys through the ‘Orient’, a metonym for, and coterminous with, the continent of Asia, loosely classified into the Western Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, East Asia, and sometimes including the Caucasus. This is a nonfiction novel based on the 1950s, making it even more intriguing!
Most of the ‘magics & mysteries’ John Keel discovers while on his quest are rationally explainable but still interesting information to learn about. However, there are many encounters John has on his journey that are completely unexplainable and ultimately paranormal in nature such as a Yeti and a monk who proves his abilities of remote viewing and levitation!
I am super interested in the paranormal (aliens, hauntings, cryptids, etc) which is how I found John Keel. He is best know for his novel The Mothman Prophecies, which is currently sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read it! The first book I read by John Keel was The Eighth Tower and it had so many mind blowing theories that I couldn’t help but purchase almost every single book written by John Keel since then!
I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are into the paranormal like I am! I will probably read it again myself if the future!📚🍄💫
Most of the ‘magics & mysteries’ John Keel discovers while on his quest are rationally explainable but still interesting information to learn about. However, there are many encounters John has on his journey that are completely unexplainable and ultimately paranormal in nature such as a Yeti and a monk who proves his abilities of remote viewing and levitation!
I am super interested in the paranormal (aliens, hauntings, cryptids, etc) which is how I found John Keel. He is best know for his novel The Mothman Prophecies, which is currently sitting on my shelf waiting for me to read it! The first book I read by John Keel was The Eighth Tower and it had so many mind blowing theories that I couldn’t help but purchase almost every single book written by John Keel since then!
I would definitely recommend reading this book if you are into the paranormal like I am! I will probably read it again myself if the future!📚🍄💫
July 1, 2018
Great book, incredible fun! It has inspired me to travel to the exotic places he describes, although I am sadly aware most of the true "alien" cultures have been lost. It is a very different book than the rest of Keel's, as it is mostly autobiographic and he hadn't taken a full dive into the paranormal yet (although he does touch on that with the yeti and the "true" yogis in the final chapters). I truly love this guy. It saddens me that he only wrote a few books.
February 2, 2017
Adventurous & fascinating story telling!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews