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The Cryptoterrestrials
What if the “aliens” are not from other planets? “If evidence for the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis has failed to surface—despite decades of hard work and diligent investigations—then maybe we should consider the notion that we are looking for the answers in all the wrong places. Instead of looking up, maybe we should be looking around us. And, perhaps, even below us, too.” – From the Foreword by Nick Redfern
“This book is an honest pursuit of ideas that might lead to some greater understanding of the paranormal and the existence of an apparent non-human intelligence…Mac Tonnies cuts through much of the self-satisfied, bloated fundamentalist fat of the last 50 years with the deft touch of a surgeon and the encyclopedic knowledge of a veteran.” – From the Afterword by Greg Bishop
“ The Cryptoterrestrials is the most refreshing speculation on the paranormal I've seen in ages. The ideas in this book will be harvested by science-fiction writers and TV shows like Fringe for decades. Even skeptics will have a great time reading this well written book of wild conjecture. Mac Tonnies' final Fortean landmark is the Book of the Damned for the 21st century. Fans of the be there or be square.” – John Shirley, author of Bleak History
“This book is an honest pursuit of ideas that might lead to some greater understanding of the paranormal and the existence of an apparent non-human intelligence…Mac Tonnies cuts through much of the self-satisfied, bloated fundamentalist fat of the last 50 years with the deft touch of a surgeon and the encyclopedic knowledge of a veteran.” – From the Afterword by Greg Bishop
“ The Cryptoterrestrials is the most refreshing speculation on the paranormal I've seen in ages. The ideas in this book will be harvested by science-fiction writers and TV shows like Fringe for decades. Even skeptics will have a great time reading this well written book of wild conjecture. Mac Tonnies' final Fortean landmark is the Book of the Damned for the 21st century. Fans of the be there or be square.” – John Shirley, author of Bleak History
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Mac Tonnies
6 books8 followersMac Tonnies was an American author and blogger with an interest in cosmology, nonhuman intelligence, UFOs, consciousness studies, and futurism. Through his blog Posthuman Blues, he developed a a "small, but devoted" readership as described by The New York Times in a 2011 article. He also developed the "cryptoterrestrial hypothesis." suggesting that some UFO and alien sightings might be of potentially unknown but earthly species in origin. He died of cardiac arrhythmia in October 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 6, 2019
This entertaining books toys with the hypothesis that UFOs and 'aliens' aren't extraterrestrial at all. No conclusions are drawn, but the overview of the UFO and abduction phenomena is broad, the author being well read in the field. Being immersed in such literature, I was impressed, finding most of the material familiar, but with a few additions from the author's correspondents and acquaintances. This book is not recommended as an introduction to the evidences and the controversies surrounding them.
January 24, 2012
Review snippet: In a way, this book is a perfect example of the sorts of ideas that made me a fan of the odd. When I was a kid, books on Forteana were not so insistent. They posited what happened (fish falling from the sky), posited a few potential answers (waterspouts drawing water and fish from streams, or an angry god), and left the reader to wonder and maybe discuss the topic. Now the book on fish falling from the sky has spurious science to prove a particular point of view, all other points are dismissed, and the discussion becomes entrenched and adversarial. Tonnies’ book made the fun of Forteana real again.
Read my entire discussion here.
Read my entire discussion here.
December 30, 2011
Rambling, repetitive, and way too dry to be as lacking in proper supporting research as it is. If one is going to write something as un-entertaining as this, it would at least be a good idea to throw in some actual witness accounts and historical information. It's a shame, because I think the theory proposed is actually really interesting, but where are the testimonies? Where is the evidence, even anecdotal? Where are the fantastical stories from eye-witnesses to keep the reader biting for more? To offer any kind of support to the author's argument?
I understand that in this field concrete evidence is literally nonexistent, but the author constantly references historical cases and situations but provides no description or even a simple summary of any of them, beyond a vaguely-described myth or two. Perhaps Tonnies is writing to his audience here, but it was way too 'inside baseball' for me - and I am genuinely interested in the topic he's writing about.
The whole thing was one disappointment after another. Starting a chapter with 'Hey, maybe these native Non-Human Entities live under the ocean, you guys!' following it up with two paragraphs describing the possibility before again diving into the already-established and fully-understood theory that the NHE's use misdirection to fool us into thinking they're from outer space... it's just maddening. Again and again and again the same idea is pounded into place, surrounded by not a lick of entertaining or interesting information. Fifty more pages of actual witness accounts or historical records, or even any kind of hard data, would have saved this book but as it is it's a rambling, needlessly-repetitive mess and a huge letdown.
Just because you're writing about an interesting idea, doesn't mean you don't have to be a good writer. Or that you don't have to make a proper argument, with proper resources and citations. This kind of thing is why the mainstream can't take Ufological 'research' seriously.
I understand that in this field concrete evidence is literally nonexistent, but the author constantly references historical cases and situations but provides no description or even a simple summary of any of them, beyond a vaguely-described myth or two. Perhaps Tonnies is writing to his audience here, but it was way too 'inside baseball' for me - and I am genuinely interested in the topic he's writing about.
The whole thing was one disappointment after another. Starting a chapter with 'Hey, maybe these native Non-Human Entities live under the ocean, you guys!' following it up with two paragraphs describing the possibility before again diving into the already-established and fully-understood theory that the NHE's use misdirection to fool us into thinking they're from outer space... it's just maddening. Again and again and again the same idea is pounded into place, surrounded by not a lick of entertaining or interesting information. Fifty more pages of actual witness accounts or historical records, or even any kind of hard data, would have saved this book but as it is it's a rambling, needlessly-repetitive mess and a huge letdown.
Just because you're writing about an interesting idea, doesn't mean you don't have to be a good writer. Or that you don't have to make a proper argument, with proper resources and citations. This kind of thing is why the mainstream can't take Ufological 'research' seriously.
January 9, 2011
I "knew" the late Mac Tonnies as many others did-- through interaction on his blog (http://posthumanblues.blogspot.com) and on Twitter. This book, published posthumously, represents not the culmination of his ideas, nor a starting point. I think it would do a disservice to Mac's work to describe its development in such linear terms, for Mac was a thinker whose ideas scattered in myriad directions simultaneously. Look at his blog and you'll see speculation on the paranormal along side thoughts on music, art, design, technology and a host of other subjects.
The Cryptoterrestirals would have, I'm sure, launched Mac's career in directions he could not have foreseen. Its subject--the possibility of a hidden humanoid species on Earth being at least partially responsible for "alien" encounters--made, and still makes, the UFOlogical world mock nervously.
I'm trying to write this without revealing too much--it's worth your time to go on this journey with Mac yourself--but suffice it to say that this book is a magnificent speculation; not an argument, but a series of informed notions that one day, might lead to something altogether strange and wonderful.
Looking at it makes me miss Mac. I think I'm going to go read some posthumanblues this evening, spending time with a friend gone, but not forgotten.
For more on Mac, and his legacy, check out the excellent New York Times Magazine piece.
The Cryptoterrestirals would have, I'm sure, launched Mac's career in directions he could not have foreseen. Its subject--the possibility of a hidden humanoid species on Earth being at least partially responsible for "alien" encounters--made, and still makes, the UFOlogical world mock nervously.
I'm trying to write this without revealing too much--it's worth your time to go on this journey with Mac yourself--but suffice it to say that this book is a magnificent speculation; not an argument, but a series of informed notions that one day, might lead to something altogether strange and wonderful.
Looking at it makes me miss Mac. I think I'm going to go read some posthumanblues this evening, spending time with a friend gone, but not forgotten.
For more on Mac, and his legacy, check out the excellent New York Times Magazine piece.
May 24, 2019
I found this well written book to be interesting and it contains some refreshing musing on the subject matter. I don't necessarily agree with with the hypothesis that the author puts forward. But, it is important to point out that the author himself, isn't claiming either that his hypothesis is the answer to the mystery. This fact is stated clearly in the afterward written by Greg Bishop.
We don't know who or what is truly behind the mystery. Perhaps it is a mixture of all the leading hypotheses?, including this hypothesis that is presented in this book?
Mac Tonnies sadly passed away at the age of 34 in 2009. This was his last book that he wrote. I highly recommend this book and I'm happy to have it in my collection.
We don't know who or what is truly behind the mystery. Perhaps it is a mixture of all the leading hypotheses?, including this hypothesis that is presented in this book?
Mac Tonnies sadly passed away at the age of 34 in 2009. This was his last book that he wrote. I highly recommend this book and I'm happy to have it in my collection.
June 23, 2010
The book is very inside baseball, may not be for everyone...especially anyone that is tied to the notion that UFO's are spaceships occupied by beings that hoped in them on one planet and took a spin several thousand light-years over to this planet.
April 26, 2017
Well-written and good food for thought. But, with that being said, I don't buy it....
December 20, 2022
You’ve heard of aliens from outer space. You’ve heard of aliens from other dimensions. You’ve even heard of aliens from the collective psyche of humanity. Now you’ve heard of aliens as an indigenous, subterranean splinter species.
The book relies heavily on Keel and Vallée, similarly stating that UFOs and ufonauts cannot logically be from outer space. However, the author gives a very half-hearted attempt to explain that the more plausible theory is that UFOs are actually from a biological species native to earth, living in seclusion from mankind.
He waffles back and forth a lot on just how plausible this is, stating maybe they started on earth and now travel to outer space or maybe inhabit a spiritual realm too. Then why does the theory need the piece about their having originated in earth? Lots of authors think aliens have established bases on earth, which is essentially what Tonnies is saying. He has no real evidence or reasoning that doesn’t also support other theories of UFO origins.
He explains the contactees being told UFOs are from space and the variety of ships and entities as a misinformation campaign. He theorizes holograms or other illusions being used to trick humanity for some unknown purpose.
That being said, the cases and experiences presented are interesting. I think the theory that UFOs/aliens are a terrestrial species native to our planet makes the least sense. Why is there no fossil, artifact or otherwise biological record? He proposes they may live underground or underwater. Surely in eons past they would have had to live on land as they are always portrayed as terrestrial. Why did they move, well before human technology was developed? I was left unpersuaded.
The book relies heavily on Keel and Vallée, similarly stating that UFOs and ufonauts cannot logically be from outer space. However, the author gives a very half-hearted attempt to explain that the more plausible theory is that UFOs are actually from a biological species native to earth, living in seclusion from mankind.
He waffles back and forth a lot on just how plausible this is, stating maybe they started on earth and now travel to outer space or maybe inhabit a spiritual realm too. Then why does the theory need the piece about their having originated in earth? Lots of authors think aliens have established bases on earth, which is essentially what Tonnies is saying. He has no real evidence or reasoning that doesn’t also support other theories of UFO origins.
He explains the contactees being told UFOs are from space and the variety of ships and entities as a misinformation campaign. He theorizes holograms or other illusions being used to trick humanity for some unknown purpose.
That being said, the cases and experiences presented are interesting. I think the theory that UFOs/aliens are a terrestrial species native to our planet makes the least sense. Why is there no fossil, artifact or otherwise biological record? He proposes they may live underground or underwater. Surely in eons past they would have had to live on land as they are always portrayed as terrestrial. Why did they move, well before human technology was developed? I was left unpersuaded.
January 10, 2024
Superficial overview of a particular pov on the UAF topic. But good nonetheless.
June 5, 2021
Decades of popular culture and the studies of ufologists teach that those unidentified craft seen in our skies and those apparently operating them are of extraterrestrial origin. Indeed, it's been a convenient theory that fits the strange world around the phenomenon and its auxiliary elements. Yet, before an untimely death in 2009 at the all too young age of 34, Mac Tonnies asked those with an interest in the field (and, to risk sounding self-promotional, as someone who has written a book on the Dark Skies TV series I am one of them) to consider another possibility. Namely, that these apparent extraterrestrials and their craft might have an origin far closer to home.
Published posthumously and essentially collected together after Tonnies's passing, The Cryptoterrestrials is a meditation of sorts. Sometimes rambling, perhaps repetitive in places, but an intriguing one that takes in not only the familiar aspects of ufology with its potential spacecraft, gray beings, and controversial abduction cases but also folklore, history, and the nature of consciousness itself. Not to mention dealing with influences as wide-ranging as Jacques Valle, Whitley Strieber, and the skepticism of Carl Sagan and Seth Shostak. Whatever sacred cows you might have, or rather dogs in the fight that is ufology, Tonnies likely will have skewered them by the time you finish this slim but packed volume. Yet it doesn't read like it's done for the sake of it, nor with axes to grind, but simply in the process of Tonnies asking some pertinent questions. Inquires that, with revelations piling up regarding sightings and governmental interest in them in recent years, cry out for answers.
Does Torries have all the answers? To risk spoiling things, I have to say, "nope." There's a genuine sense reading the book that this was the beginning of a journey, not an ending. Skeptics and ufologists alike may look at it and cry out, "You're nuts!" But Tonnies was the first to admit among these pages that one can't disprove a negative, though he suggested quite strenuously that those on both sides might need to ask more questions than have been.
By the time you finish reading it, hopefully, you'll be asking more questions, too.
Published posthumously and essentially collected together after Tonnies's passing, The Cryptoterrestrials is a meditation of sorts. Sometimes rambling, perhaps repetitive in places, but an intriguing one that takes in not only the familiar aspects of ufology with its potential spacecraft, gray beings, and controversial abduction cases but also folklore, history, and the nature of consciousness itself. Not to mention dealing with influences as wide-ranging as Jacques Valle, Whitley Strieber, and the skepticism of Carl Sagan and Seth Shostak. Whatever sacred cows you might have, or rather dogs in the fight that is ufology, Tonnies likely will have skewered them by the time you finish this slim but packed volume. Yet it doesn't read like it's done for the sake of it, nor with axes to grind, but simply in the process of Tonnies asking some pertinent questions. Inquires that, with revelations piling up regarding sightings and governmental interest in them in recent years, cry out for answers.
Does Torries have all the answers? To risk spoiling things, I have to say, "nope." There's a genuine sense reading the book that this was the beginning of a journey, not an ending. Skeptics and ufologists alike may look at it and cry out, "You're nuts!" But Tonnies was the first to admit among these pages that one can't disprove a negative, though he suggested quite strenuously that those on both sides might need to ask more questions than have been.
By the time you finish reading it, hopefully, you'll be asking more questions, too.
November 15, 2024
This book is a meta-analysis of the Cryptoterrestrial Hypothesis (CTH). It does not provide evidence or case studies for it, but rather seeks to call the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ETH) into question by asking readers to reinterpret it as evidence for a Cryptoterrestrial phenomenon.
Lots of good references and a fantastic discussion of prevailing ideas, but not necessarily a book which can be read with the hopes of supporting the CTH beyond an introduction to its basic assumptions and detailing a history of the ETH examined under a CTH lens. The book ricochets the reader through an inordinate number of possibilities that would fall under CTH without providing much detail about the implications beyond presenting them as more plausible under CTH than ETH. To this end, it is very, VERY good, and should serve the community well if they're willing to do further research on their own.
Any person who recently came to the conclusion that the ETH may be a useful distraction or that perhaps we should take ancient cultures at their word with regard to claims of interactions with intelligent non-human entities will appreciate the journey Mac Tonnies has laid out before them. In any case, it's a great introduction to the CTH.
Lots of good references and a fantastic discussion of prevailing ideas, but not necessarily a book which can be read with the hopes of supporting the CTH beyond an introduction to its basic assumptions and detailing a history of the ETH examined under a CTH lens. The book ricochets the reader through an inordinate number of possibilities that would fall under CTH without providing much detail about the implications beyond presenting them as more plausible under CTH than ETH. To this end, it is very, VERY good, and should serve the community well if they're willing to do further research on their own.
Any person who recently came to the conclusion that the ETH may be a useful distraction or that perhaps we should take ancient cultures at their word with regard to claims of interactions with intelligent non-human entities will appreciate the journey Mac Tonnies has laid out before them. In any case, it's a great introduction to the CTH.
Read
December 4, 2024Reads like a bunch of essays that overlap in content, so it does get a little repetitive. But Mac Tonnies was plotting a course that very few other ufologists were charting before him. If he had lived longer, he probably would have made many more unique contributions to the field. Even legendary engineer and researcher Hal Puthoff, a leading figure in the CIA’s remote viewing program and many other anomalous government efforts, referenced this work in his amazing 2022 paper ”Ultraterrestrial Models”. In his short oeuvre as a blogger and author, Tonnies made his way into the major canon of ufology.
This book is worthwhile in showing that ‘nuts and bolts’ ET materialism and the Vallee/Keel consciousness perspective are not the only two valid territories, nor are they mutually exclusive.
This book is worthwhile in showing that ‘nuts and bolts’ ET materialism and the Vallee/Keel consciousness perspective are not the only two valid territories, nor are they mutually exclusive.
March 13, 2026
This is an interesting, enjoyable, and thought-provoking look at the idea that so-called UFOs are not actually from outer space but from somewhere here on Earth.
No firm conclusions are drawn but this book at least opens the possibility that the ossified about the extraterrestrial hypothesis has not yet reached an end. The author doesn’t claim that aliens are indeed cryptically hiding among us on Earth but he definitely offers some serious things to think about.
Perhaps the UFO phenomenon is purely extraterrestrial, perhaps it is an ultra-terrestrial superintelligence or perhaps they are here on Earth already. Maybe all of the above? There should always be room for more debate and discussion in UFOlogy and Mac Tonnies certainly delivers.
No firm conclusions are drawn but this book at least opens the possibility that the ossified about the extraterrestrial hypothesis has not yet reached an end. The author doesn’t claim that aliens are indeed cryptically hiding among us on Earth but he definitely offers some serious things to think about.
Perhaps the UFO phenomenon is purely extraterrestrial, perhaps it is an ultra-terrestrial superintelligence or perhaps they are here on Earth already. Maybe all of the above? There should always be room for more debate and discussion in UFOlogy and Mac Tonnies certainly delivers.
January 30, 2019
What if aliens are not from other planets? The Cryptoterrestrials proposes this idea and brings up some of the cases that could support this notion. If you are familiar with the famous cases of abductions and interactions with UFOs and aliens, then you will be able to follow Tonnies points. For readers who are less familiar with extraterrestrial lore and history, this book would be difficult to follow. The writing is bogged down by some of the word choices. It read like someone using a thesaurus to try to appear smarter and more respectable. This was not necessary, since Tonnies' ideas are interesting. 3 stars because it is satisfying enough to read.
September 15, 2024
Genuinely original, clear, and entertaining thought about the possibilities within UFO and “alien abduction” phenomena. The author suggests that these encounters originate from an intelligent species sharing our earth and space. While this hypothesis has a myriad of issues to overcome; it critically avoids the seemingly impossible physics of interstellar travelers meddling with humanity. Had this been poorly written, it would be laughable in the extreme — but it is well-done and excites the mind to possibilities, even as a skeptic.
February 4, 2020
Take a guy who has read a bunch of books on UFO's. Add his own unique theory that its not an external problem but an internal one...and you got the cyptoterrestrial theory.
I really enjoyed the last line of the book - "I walk a fine existential edge, fearing and cherishing, enlivened by the vertiginous sense of astonishment and horror."
I really enjoyed the last line of the book - "I walk a fine existential edge, fearing and cherishing, enlivened by the vertiginous sense of astonishment and horror."
July 22, 2023
This is the first UFO related book, in a long time, that I couldn't help but copy & paste excerpt after excerpt right till the end. I highly recommend this book to any open minded person with a deep familiarity with the UFO subject. However, UFO conventionalists should look elsewhere, they'll be severely irritated. **We miss you Mac, RIP.
February 27, 2024
Interesting and viable/quality theories, invoking core ideas from others in the field. I think it’s a good read to maintain familiarity with CTH, but I don’t find it compelling. I think Keel and Vallee are more in line with what we’re seeing. An interdimensional/predominantly spiritual intelligence.
July 3, 2023
It was OK. I can get down with aliens being part of our world but nothing was really new. I liked the examples given but it was just scratching the surface. Shame he never got to write any more books!
January 25, 2018
What I didn't realize until after I read this book is that Tonnies has passed, and the book is really an amalgamation of blog posts ... interesting but lacks an arc.
August 5, 2020
A moderatley interesting exercise in "what if" thinking
June 25, 2022
One of the best books on aliens, per page. Great book to help anyone open their mind and consider all the possibilities.
October 9, 2023
This book is a revolution.
April 7, 2024
Este libro me sorprendió, el autor hace un recorrido muy interesante por las diferentes teorías sobre el tema ovni/uap mientras plantea su propia teoría sobre los tripulantes de éstos objetos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
Well written , interesting and refreshing musing on the subject matter.
If you know and appreciate the ideas of Jacques Vallée, then this book is for you.
Too bad the writer died so young.
If you know and appreciate the ideas of Jacques Vallée, then this book is for you.
Too bad the writer died so young.
August 26, 2025
Purely speculative but eloquently written and refreshingly intelligent. A real shame the writer died at 34 of a heart condition, as I'd love to hear his thoughts on the state of UFOs today.
February 28, 2026
An important book.
Reminds us that we still don't understand the ufo phenomenon. He asks good questions and helps you adjust your mind to a new viewpoint.
Reminds us that we still don't understand the ufo phenomenon. He asks good questions and helps you adjust your mind to a new viewpoint.
March 18, 2026
this author presents a very unique perspective on ufology. short book, definitely worth the read.
April 23, 2026
This is a good book. Admittedly he sounds like derivative John Keel, Jacques Vallee, and John Fort, but I like this book. He sounds like he has a strong narrative voice.
May 21, 2021
It's a shame Mac passed away so young. He brings some real insight to the UFO/UAP issue, and I tend to lean more towards his and Keel and Vallee's hypotheses than the traditional ALIENS FROM SPACE arguments. I love the idea that there are other species that live among us undetected, with access to far superior technology than we currently posses. The ideas presented here are fascinating, but it doesn't delve too deep into the details of what this indigenous species could be or what the purpose is behind their interactions with us. Perhaps Mac planned more titles that would go deeper into this, but sadly that won't happen. If you like this, check out John Keel and Jacque Vallee's books. They were the first that I know of to start this type of thinking, and this feels like the beginning of an evolution of those ideas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews