Encyclopedia of Strange and Unexplained Physical Phenomena

Library Journal

Clark, vice president of the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), takes an agnostic approach to the accounts of anomalous occurrences collected in this new encyclopedia. In his introduction, Clark places topics such as Big Foot, crop circles, sea serpents, unidentified flying objects, the Loch Ness Monster, and the Yeti into scientific and sociological context. His bottom line is that ``weird stuff happens'' but that skepticism should always be our initial response. The book is arranged alphabetically by topic and includes noted investigators, societies, and cross references. A table of contents and detailed index make the volume easy to use. Added features include the source lists that accompany most of the essays and numerous black-and-white photographs. This is one encyclopedia that can actually be read cover to cover, so don't restrict it to the reference shelves. Recommended for school and public libraries.-- Gary D. Barber, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.

From The Critics

This is a moderately interesting book about unusual physical phenomena (as opposed to psychic phenomena). About 150 entries are alphabetically arranged, ranging in length from one-half page ("Fate Magazine") to six or seven pages ("Fairies") or more (12 pages for "Unidentified Flying Objects"). "See" and "see also" references are found in the text; an index concludes the volume Articles tend to present many viewpoints, leaving open the possibility that "Orang-Pendeks" or "Pterosaurs" exist or that "weird stuff happens." Such words and phrases as "supposed", "presumed", "best-documented", and "view with suspicion" indicate that the author made an effort to be objective. In many cases, theories or beliefs have been shown to be hoaxes, and these are presented as such ("Tatzelwurm" and "David Lang Disappearance") Most articles begin with a description of the event, phenomenon, or reseacher, as well as some historical background. Writing is clear, easy enough for junior high students but still interesting for adults. Information is recent (e.g., the crop circles of July, 1992) and bibliographies follow each entry. However, some bibliographies are incomplete. A well-known title, McCloy's "The Jersey Devil" (Middle Atlantic Press), isn't listed with the article on New Jersey's most famous monster although several journal articles are. Unexpected headings are often used and are not always cross-referenced. For instance, there is no "see also" reference from "Falls from the Sky" to "Ice Falls" Black-and-white photographs are provided for some phenomena, but additional photographs or drawings might have added authenticity to other articles. Surely "Yeti Photograph" and "Cottingley Fairy Photographs" should have included the photos that are described No title in print includes so much information about strange phenomena and their investigators. Patrons will be likely to use this one for browsing as well as for the odd report or question. Libraries that need more information on the Loch Ness Monster and UFOs will want to consider purchase.