UFOs, Aliens and the Battle for the Truth: A Short History of UFOlogy by Neil Nixon

Published by Oldcastle Books, 2020, pp.159

Dear potential reader, don’t judge a book by its cover (nor a website for that matter), allow yourself to enjoy this read because few UFO books are objective enough to be honest with you.

Like many UFO veterans, I first encountered Neil Nixon twenty plus years ago in an old copy of Fortean Studies. The article offered a fresh perspective on the subject. Nixon continues to write on the subject, demonstrating his passion and breadth of knowledge. In UFOs, Aliens and the Battle for the Truth he brings to the reader clarity, honesty, objectivity, humour, and respect, especially for the UFO percipient. 

When this was offered for review, I knew it was going to be a decent read, and I wasn’t disappointed, except by its short size. The green cover incorporates a black and white photograph of American citizens pointing to the sky, very reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s B-movies of the time. This wonderfully captures the essence of Nixon’s subject matter.

It’s difficult to write a short history of the UFO subject as there’s so much one could or should say about it – opinions vary quite a bit. Nixon, however, focuses on the salient points, and newcomers to the subject would do well to read a copy as perhaps an entry level guide into a complex, sensitive and intriguing subject.

What is apparent is Nixon’s genuine search for answers. Although he doesn’t personally subscribe to the popular Extra-Terrestrial Hypothesis (that UFOs represent alien beings visiting planet Earth), Nixon acknowledges the profound nature of the subject and maintains a healthy open mind. It is this thinking that will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers. The book is accessible to everyone, and consists of an introduction, 5 chapters, notes, website suggestions and an index. Here and there, Nixon kindly inserts his own personal experiences so that we can perhaps relate our own to his – it is a very human subject after all. The author isn’t trying to force us to take on board his personal view, instead he presents the reader with a wide range of opinions that already exist. 

The first chapter discusses the evidence for alien invasion and visitation. The second chapter spotlights the UFO community – now this is different. Readers are usually instructed on how to study UFO reports and are offered prescribed evaluations about what the UFO witness (the percipient) has experienced, but little attention is given to the community at large. Who are these people? Why is the subject so meaningful? Chapter three brings to light several well-known UFO sightings and experiences. As one would expect, Rendlesham and Roswell are included but they’re thankfully reduced to a few pages, but there are others. Chapter four advises caution with UFO experiences as sometimes solutions can stem from unlikely sources and generate unique pieces of research that lead to a new scientific understanding of our world, such as earthlights. 

Nixon’s final chapter is a gentle reminder that decent research in the subject exists and that answers are beginning to penetrate that shroud of mystery loved by all. It’s true that many in the community belong to a modern religion – UFOlogy has its sacred experiences, its priests, its sacred texts and holy places for members to congregate – it’s just that many in the community are in denial. There is as much belief in the presence of alien beings visiting this world as there is a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God – shocking, but true. 

My only concern with Nixon’s writing is that there isn’t enough meat on the bone – he’s left me wanting more, and this can only be a good thing for the reader. Read this and the reader will be delightfully spring boarded to other wonderful books. I am going to include this in my list of recommended UFO books.

Reviewed by Tony Eccles (September 2021)