Edge Of Reality - Progress Report On Unidentified Flying Objects

by J. Allen Hynek

J. Allen Hynek (1910-86; cf. The UFO A Scientific Inquiry) & Jacques F. Vallée (b. 1939; cf. A Scientist's Search for Alien Contact, Alien Contact & Human Deception & A Casebook of Alien Contact) were two of the most prominent UFO researchers in the 1970s & later. This jointly-written '75 book (mostly interviews with the two, separately or jointly) is a fascinating summary at that point in time by two sober researchers. They begin by stating, "The UFO represents an unknown but real phenomenon. It implications are far-reaching & take us to the very edge of what we consider the known & real physical environment." However, they also caution that "what is unidentified to one person or persons may certainly be identifiable by persons of greater technical training & experience. It has been demonstrated clearly that the great majority of what at 1st are reported to be UFOs are, after study by competent personnel, determined to be really IFOs, or Identifiable Flying Objects." Hynek was scientific consultant to the Air Force's Project Blue Book. About the period, he notes, "We had so much crud in the Blue Book! It wasn't until '66 that I decided I had to revise my views & take a new look, literally a new look at the whole thing from a different vantage point. Then, suddenly, things began to make sense to me." Hynek's position is given in an "One could spend all his energy confronting skeptics. That same energy is much better spent investigating the subject. Why waste time on people who have never bothered to learn the basic facts? It's their problem!" But he's skeptical of many famous "It seems that these creatures, like the Pascagoula ones, certainly don't resemble the products of higher evolution as we conceive it. Who would think of a clawed creature coming down & being a representative of a very advanced technology? It just doesn't fit!" An expert on hypnosis interviewed admits about regressive "A lot of times people use their imagination. A lot of times people fabricate things, from either wishful thinking, fantasies, dreams, things such as this." Vallée (cf. his Passport to Magonia, The Invisible College & Messengers of Deception) asks, "Could it be a human phenomenon? In other words, do we really need aliens fo explain UFOs if they are real? Or could the human race have been developed in a very remote past out of a contact between an advanced race or primates & extraterrestrial visitors?" (Hynek notes, however, that Erich Von Daniken's books such as Chariots of the Gods are "illogical & unscholarly.") Tho decades old, this book remains of great interest to all interested in the serious study of UFOs.--Steven H. Propp (edited)

Genres: Nonfiction, Aliens, Paranormal, Science, Audiobook, History, Occult

Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

United States astronomer, professor, and ufologist

He is perhaps best remembered for his UFO research. Hynek acted as scientific adviser to UFO studies undertaken by the U.S. Air Force under three consecutive projects:

Project Sign (1947–1949),
Project Grudge (1949–1952), and
Project Blue Book (1952 to 1969).

For decades afterwards, he conducted his own independent UFO research, developing the Close Encounter classification system, and is widely considered the father of the concept of scientific analysis of both reports and, especially, trace evidence purportedly left by UFOs.

Reviews

[MacWithBooksonMountains Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written book that has two icons of ufology discussing several intriguing encounters of the various kinds, and the pros and cons of a variety of explanations for the UFO encounter phenomenon in general. The dialog between the two seems very natural, very believable. This is perhaps the only book which lets you have a glimpse on the characters of the authors, their reflections, even regrets, and overall conclusions.

[Logan Agle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The work of Dr. Hynek and Vallée in the field of Ufology and general Anomalistics needs no introduction for anyone familiar with the field. However, this particular book ends up being interesting but may ultimately be a little too dry for anyone that doesn't have a deep preexisting invested interest in Ufology.
This book is largely a transcription of a presentation given by J. Allen Hynek & Jacques Vallée for both the press and members of the United States Government and is supplemented with interviews with the two, either jointly or separately. As you'd expect the book is highly scientific in its writing and analysis, which for many is a welcome change to a field such as Ufology, which is so unfortunately plagued with cranks, crack-pots, conspiracy-nerds, liars, hoaxers, ultra-gullible simpletons, paranoids, New Age pseudo-religious nut-cases, YouTube clickbaiters, underqualified History Channel TV-show commentators, and all sorts of other riffraff that wouldn't know the meaning of "scientific inquiry" if it came at them with a chainsaw. The professional, responsible and scientific approach to the subject-matter is very refreshing, and this book can even be cited as a recommendation for anyone you know that's a little TOO skeptical of the UFO phenomenon and convinced that "no real scientists have investigated that stuff". Hynek and Vallée's properly researched and presented findings will definitely correct that misconception.
However, the flip-side of that coin is that this is a book that really lacks a human-element to really hook you as a reader. The drawback to it being a scientific report is that it reads like a scientific report. Even worse, while it cites a few stand-out and unusual cases, the book never really covers anything so weird that it really grabs you and educates you on the bizarre nature of the UFO phenomenon. Most of the cases the book goes over are your typical UFO reports that you already know occur. Unfortunately if you really want to get to the strange and interesting stuff its elsewhere in Hynek and Vallée's canon of work.
Overall this is an extremely competently written book that will absolutely satisfy demands for scientific rigor, but it's ultimately just not that compelling or engrossing. If you're new to Phenomenology and want a good introduction to the topic, check out some of the most popular works by John Keel or other related authors.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

When did I ever think I'd be reading a book on UFOs? Never. But I'm glad I did.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Edge of Reality” is a fascinating and thought-provoking dialogue between two of the most respected and influential scientists in the field of ufology. J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee, who have both served as consultants to the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, share their insights and opinions on the nature, origin, and implications of the UFO phenomenon. They also propose a framework for further scientific investigation and exploration of this mysterious and elusive phenomenon.

The audiobook is divided into three parts. The first part covers the history and background of the UFO phenomenon, including some of the most famous and controversial cases, such as the Betty and Barney Hill abduction, the Calvin Parker Pascagoula encounter, and the Lonnie Zamora landing. The second part discusses the patterns and characteristics of the UFO phenomenon, such as the shapes, sizes, colors, sounds, maneuvers, and effects of the UFOs, as well as the possible involvement of humanoids and other entities. The third part explores the possible explanations and hypotheses for the UFO phenomenon, such as the extraterrestrial, interdimensional, psychosocial, and paranormal theories.

The audiobook is narrated by Jonathan Yen, who does a great job of conveying the tone and personality of the authors. He also uses different accents and voices to distinguish between the speakers and the quotes from other sources. The audiobook is well-paced and easy to follow, and the sound quality is clear and crisp.

“The Edge of Reality” is a must-listen for anyone who is curious about the UFO phenomenon and wants to learn more from two of the most authoritative and credible voices in the field. Hynek and Vallee are not dogmatic or sensationalist, but rather open-minded and rational. They do not claim to have all the answers, but rather pose the questions that need to be asked and the methods that need to be applied. They also challenge the listeners to think beyond the conventional and the comfortable, and to consider the possibility that the UFO phenomenon may represent a new and unknown domain of nature that awaits our discovery and understanding. “The Edge of Reality” is a classic and timeless work that will stimulate your imagination and expand your horizons. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of the audiobook.

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two of the more sober, less credulous students of what is popularly referred to as "UFO" phenomena are Hynek and Vallee. Hynek, one-time scientific consultant to the Air Force on this matter as well as former head of Northwestern University's Astronomy Department, takes an empirical approach and, from the evidence, came to the conclusion that it is worth studying. Vallée, a colleague of Hynek's for a while at Northwestern and later in the study of UFOs, takes a more historical approach, speculating that the phenomena bear significant resemblances to other experiences of the extraordinary recorded throughout human history and strongly doubting that they represent extraterrestrial craft.

This book consists primarily of interviews with these two men conducted up to the time of its publication in the seventies.

[Stefan Dziewanowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read and it’s held up surprisingly well. Some great discussions, insights and case studies. Wide ranging conversations about the extent and nature of UFO contacts that I wish I’d read a long time ago. Recommended.

[Saud Altamimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering what we know now about the UFO subject, this book may appear of little benefit. But it is enjoyable to see how some of the greatest scientific minds have discussed the subject.

[Autumn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-structured, comprehensive look at the phenomenon from two of the foremost researchers on the topic! Even though it was written in the 70s, the information is still super relevant and presented in a very level-headed, scientific manner. I really loved the Q&A style of the book, which allowed for a lot of brainstorming and bouncing ideas off one another. There were also some really interesting cases I hadn’t heard of before.

5/5 lay down respect on the work of these OG UFO boys

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SERIES OF DIALOGUES BETWEEN TWO PROMINENT UFO RESEACHERS

Josef Allen Hynek (1910–1986) was an American astronomer, professor, and ufologist, who acted as scientific advisor to the UFO studies by the U.S. Air Force under Project Sign and Project Blue Book. Initially a skeptic, he later became a ‘believer,’ and in 1973 founded the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), to conduct scientific analysis of UFO cases. (He also invented the distinction between ‘Close Encounters’ of the First Kind, Second Kind, and Third Kind.)

Jacques Fabrice Vallée (born 1939) is a French astronomer, computer scientist, ufologist, and author. He also was the person who served as the model for ‘Claude Lacombe’ in the movie, ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’

They wrote in the Introduction to this 1975 book, “We start with the incontrovertible fact that REPORTS of Unidentified Flying Objects exist. Furthermore, such reports continue to be made daily, in all parts of the world, by all sorts of people, from all walks of life and all degrees of education. The sheer number of such reports … is embarrassingly large---embarrassing because we still do not know what UFOs are. Some individuals believe they know. Many dismiss them all as nonsense, hoaxes, or the products of ‘overheated’ imaginations. Others are sure that they represent visitors from outer space … The stark fact is that we do not know. What adds to our intellectual frustration is that … for every UFO report made, at least a dozen UFO sightings go unreported, often because of fear of ridicule… The UFO represents an unknown but real phenomenon… All this makes the study of UFO reports a tremendously fascinating subject, combining a sense of adventure into the unknown with the exhilaration of skirting the edge of reality and even the fear of what might be revealed beyond the edge of what we consider to be reality.” (Pg. vii)

They continue, “The association of the two authors has been a long one… The authors are well aware of these difficulties and have often met to discuss them. Out of these meetings has arisen a deeper understanding of the complexity of the problem. Some of our recent discussions were taped and we felt that no better way existed to present our views … than to preserve the format of controversy and thus… invite the reader to share in our own gropings and puzzlements… The dialogue format illustrate… the nature of the edge of reality we approach when we really plunge into the problem.” (Pg. ix, xii)

Hynek observes, “One could spend all his energy confronting skeptics. That same energy is much better spent investigating the subject. Why waste time on people who have not bothered to learn the basic facts? It’s their problem!” (Pg. 26)

They state, “[Moderator Arthur] HASTINGS: ‘Most people feel that pictures are concrete evidence that there was really something there… VALLEE: Yes, but on the other hand no picture can ABSOLUTELY prove it. You can fake anything! HYNEK: It is proof only if you take it yourself. VALLEE: But then this is only convincing to yourself so the others are no better off.’” (Pg. 82-83)

Later, “HYNEK: The only thing that I’m uneasy about… is that we recognize that the subject is much more complex than we can present. Jacques has called this the ‘Magonia Syndrome.’ The whole craziness of the thing, the whole absurdity---it’s another world, another realm, that seems to have some interlocking with ours, and what we’re describing here is just that interlocking. VALLEE: But that’s what we have to work with. HYNEK:… the only way you can start to work at it is to examine the interface. You can’t start with the other, because you would be lost. Now, Jacques attempts some of that in the direction of the psychic phenomena. It seems that these creatures, like the Pascagoula ones, certainly don’t resemble the products of higher evolution as we conceive it. Who would think of a clawed creature coming down and being a representative of a very advanced technology? It just doesn’t fit!” (Pg. 154-155)

They discuss George Adamski: “VALLEE: He was born in Poland in … 1891… he was nearly forty when he settled in Laguna Beach, California, and devoted full time to ‘teaching the universal laws.’ At that time he founded a mystical cult called the Royal Order of Tibet. In 1940, Adamski and a few of his students moved to Valley Center, where they established a small farming project. IN 1944 the group moved to the southern slope of Mount Palomar… Adamski did have an observatory on Mount Palomar… But of course it was not THE one! There was nothing to stop him from calling himself ‘Professor,’ and no law could stop him from erecting a small dome with a toy telescope inside… HYNEK: Did I ever tell you about my meeting with Adamski? … several astronomers and I were going up to Mount Palomar… so we stopped at the little café where he peddled his photos… He came over and introduced himself, and I’m sure that he told people afterwards that he had it straight from the top astronomers that there was life on Mars!... All he wanted to do was to sell me some pictures… of UFOs against the moon… I was on the verge of saying, ‘Well, damn it, I’m an astronomer and we just KNOW that there’s no vegetation on the other side of the moon!’” (Pg. 177-181)

Hynek admits, “the late James McDonald thought there were things I should have done; Jim McDonald certainly berated me tremendously. He said, ‘You were the scientist on the job, and you should have called this to their attention.’ I think if I had been twenty years older, a full professor, and a member of the National Academy, I might have risked it, and I might have been listened to. But at that time I was either an assistant or an associate professor at Ohio State, and Ohio State is not Harvard, nor the University of Chicago; frankly, I was much more concerned with my own career at the time.” (Pg. 193)

Hynek recalls, “We had so much crud in the Blue Book! It wasn’t until ’66 that I decided I had to revie my views and take a new look, literally a new look at the whole thing from a different vantage point. Then, suddenly, things began to make sense to me. But look at the time it took, form 1948 to 1966---eighteen years.” (Pg. 205-206)

Hynek observes about Erich von Däniken, “My personal theory … is that he has touched a sensitive nerve in our collective unconscious, in our racial history. But his work is illogical and unscholarly.” (Pg. 231)

Vallee muses, “What we seem to find in archaeology is that there is some evidence for contact with something else, but not on a long-term basis. And there we are. O.K., what about the thing being human? Could it be a HUMAN phenomenon? In other words, do we really need ALIENS to explain UFOs if they are real? Or could the human race have been developed in a very remote past out of a contact between an advanced race of primates and extraterrestrial visitors?” (Pg. 251)

This book will be of keen interest to those studying UFOs and related phenomena

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The book delves into the history of UFO sightings, the plausibility of extraterrestrial explanations, and the implications of these encounters for our understanding of reality itself. While the book seems to be well researched, and I found the subject matter to be interesting, I am only giving the book three stars for several reasons:

The book is told in a narrative fashion, like an interview or conversation, that probably is easier to follow when reading it in written form. I often got lost in the narrative and wasn't sure who was speaking. There are also photos and other exhibits referenced in the audiobook that the reader cannot see but would be available in the print version.

Through the aforementioned interview style, the authors present "evidence," including firsthand accounts, statistical analyses, and physical evidence, which suggests that UFOs are not simply misidentified natural phenomena or hoaxes. They explore the possibility that these objects may represent advanced technology from another civilization or even a different dimension of reality. I write "evidence" in quotations because the book relies heavily on anecdotes/stories and does not provide definitive proof of any of these "sightings." In other words, it is speculative, and the conclusions are open to interpretation. This is nothing new, and with all other things UFO related, you either believe, or you don't.

I grew up watching The X-Files and know a lot about aliens and the UFO culture, so this book didn't really tell me anything new. However, if you are just getting into the topic, there are a lot of interesting stories in this book that would be a good starting point.

[Rizwan Virk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book - with dialogs between the authors, who are both legends in the research and investigation of UFOs- Jacques Vallee and J Allen Hynek. While the book is from the 70s a lot of it still applies- one great section is when they are speculating about what might happen in UFOlogy by the year 2000- which of course has already passed!
Anyone who is interested in this topic, it’s interaction with the paranormal, and the history of project blue book, etc. will enjoy this book!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, so you've got to read one book about UFOs. This is it. Forget the date - nothing more substantial has been written on this subject since this book was published in 1975.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

With everything from a question and answer to well-known scientists essays on the subject these two scientist Jack fillet and Jay Alan Henik RESEARCH what’s known about the UFO epidemic the proof the lack of proof I witnesses and much much more from fake photographs to astronauts eyewitness accounts into some evidence that would seem irrefutable no matter what your opinion on the subject you will probably find this very interesting read as I did do the two very smart men discuss A topic that has eyewitness accounts going back hundreds of years and people on both sides who believe in those who don’t this is such a great book and I highly recommend it I always find it funny when people say there’s no such thing as UFOs because how can you prove a negative… You cannot but to be fair it’s been almost just as hard to prove they do exist. I thought the narrator Jonathan Yen had a perfect pitch for this discussion or text and I thought he did a great job setting the tone for such a disputed topic. I want to thank Tantore audio Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes I am blind.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scientist J. Allen Hynek describes the global nature of the UFO phenomenon, recurs to the basic facts, tries to answer if it is all non-sense, we'll have a look at sightings in New Guinea, see the progress of research and scientists at work. Besides we find points if there is a cover up by the government, photographs, magnetic effects, hypnosis, the question if UFOs are hostile, the credibility gap, literature on the subject and even more sightings. If you seriously want to deal with that intriguing topic you should pick up this early 70s classic. Really recommended!

[Giorgio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suprisingly good for a book 44 years old!
The big question about the UFO phenomena stills the same... what a pitty for governments, researchers and the people.
For the first time, I read something that always bothered me: IF the visitations are real, how the hell the "aliens" deal with our biological, gravitational, enviroment without any limitations? (Jacques Vallee adressed the issue here!).
Very recommended to the aficcionados :P

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable dialogue between two awesome scientists. I really enjoy the adventurous nature of the topic and the people who investigated. I think this is one of my favorite books on the topic. There's nothing mind-blowing or fantastical, just straight science talk between two very smart scientists who challenge the status quo.

[Roxann · Rating 5 out of 5]

a real knee-slapper!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book.

[Mitchell Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough dive into UFO’s.

[Reece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great apologist explanation of why UFOs are worthy of academic attention.

[John Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Edge of Reality was originally released in 1976. In preparation for this review, I sought out a copy of the original release for comparison purposes. Sadly, only a couple of used copies were available on Amazon for prices well in excess of $100.

Fortunately, the publisher has seen fit to reissue the book making it available to a new generation of people interested in the UFO phenomenon. Having not previously read the book myself, I take the time to review it here.

The immediate question is whether a nearly 50 year old book is worth your time. It’s certainly possible. Vallee’s Passport to Magonia and The Invisible College were both written in the 1970s and remain important reading on the path to understanding the UAP phenomenon. The Edge of Reality is an enlightening entrant from the same era.

The book takes the form of conversations between Hynek and Vallée, occasionally facilitated by Dr. Author Hastings, a psychologist and mutual friend. The conversations are sometimes prefaced by a description of a particular UFO case that serves as the basis for the conversation.

One of the best values that the book brings for me is insight into Hynek and his activities. Hynek is less well published than Vallée, so commentary directly from him was educational, including:

The first-person account of his Project Blue Book years and his evolution in thinking on the UAP topic.
His understanding of how Project Blue Book was managed inside the Air Force: A low priority, amateurly run project, of interest to few within the Air Force. “Sloppy, just kid stuff.”
His recount of the famous “swamp gas” incident of 1966, how it was handled and how the whole notion of swamp gas became involved in the case. This is the moment, according to Hynek, when he finally decided he had had enough of Project Blue Book.
Another point that jumps out after reading the book during the current era, is that progress on this topic is wholly dependent then and now on engaging the scientific community. Again and again, Hynek and Vallée speak on the need for one or several scientists to speak up in order to progress. They talk about the continual discrediting of the topic keeping the scientific community away. They conclude that engagement by the scientific community is the way forward.

Hynek and Vallée express skepticism of a cover up by the government. It’s difficult to understand this stance given Hynek’s exposure to projects, Sign, Grudge and Blue Book. They put it more on incompetence, lack of interest, or passing the buck between various government entities such as the Air Force, the CIA, and others.

The book highlights how well evolved our knowledge of the phenomenon was 50 years ago. By 1975, Fort, Keel and Vallée have given us an understanding of the high strangeness aspect of the phenomenon, Vallée has given us the control system hypothesis, Keel and others had moved on from the extraterrestrial hypothesis. It leads to a cascade of questions: Has it taken until recent years to disseminate this thinking more fully? Did our progress researching the phenomenon stagnate over decades? How was the research community held at bay?

50 years ago, The Edge of Reality showed us what we know again today: Future scientific research holds the answers to the UAP phenomenon. The push in this era is towards just that. Avi Loeb’s Galileo Project and Gary Nolan’s Sol Foundation are the way forward. Has our inability to engage the scientific community cost us 50 years in our quest to understand the UAP phenomenon? Can this era accomplish what Hynek and Vallée called for decades ago and engage the scientific community? Time will tell.

[Some Christian Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was originally published sometime in the 1970’s, and was recently re-published. Nothing new was added as far as I can tell.

Basically this book is just numerous conversations recorded between Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee. Mr. Hynek has since passed on, but Mr. Vallee is still alive and as far as I know is continuing to contribute work to the topic of UFO’s.

Having already read numerous books on the topic of UFO’s, I didn’t learn anything new in this book. I am still convinced that “UFO’s” are nothing more than demonic manifestations, and I find it worth noting that every book I’ve read on this topic (whether written by religious or non-religious authors) makes a connection between the paranormal and “UFO” activity as well. Here is an excerpt dealing with this very topic from the introduction to this book:

"For some of their joint working sessions on this book, the authors asked Arthur C. Hastings, a specialist in the psychology of communication, to join them. Dr. Hastings is also a researcher in parapsychology and has carried out first-hand investigations of poltergeists, telepathy, and other psychic phenomena. He and Vallée have frequently discussed the similarities of some UFO experiences to paranormal psychic events."

Quite honestly I’m really not sure why this book was re-published. Since nothing new was added, and this information is all readily available in other books I don’t know what the point was.

If you’re interested in reading a book on the topic of UFO’s from a Christian perspective, I recommend “Alien Intrusion” by Gary Bates. He explains this phenomenon well, and even covers things no other book written by secular authors do, such as the fact that when people who experience “abductions” or whatnot call on the name of Jesus, the experiences stop. Secularists do not want to talk about this, because their very worldview precludes religion (most of them believe in evolution).

Bottom line… This isn’t a book I’d recommend to anyone. I don’t agree with the premise that these entities are life forms from other planets, nor was it very interesting.

[Matthew Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting. The information is a bit dated at this point.

[Layne Miyamoto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting subject for anyone who likes space and aliens. I listened to the audiobook and it was hard to follow with only one reader since it was mostly set up like a convesation. In fact it was essentially edited transcripts of interviews. Interesting but I think it could have a little more structure and direction and a second reader for audiobook form.

[Cláudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!