Annie Jacobsen, L.A. Times investigative journalist on national security issues, has been creating quite a stir in the mainstream media with her new book: Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base.
Here is my take on this controversial book:
The “sensational” aspect of this book is simply a teaser and not the main theme.
But, unfortunately, that tiny aspect of this book has been overblown by many critics and reviewers and seems to have dominated the discussions.
One commentator ( New York Times News Service ) said it quite well: “Although the connect-the-dots UFO thesis is only a hasty-sounding addendum to an otherwise straightforward investigative book, it makes an indelible impression. Her book is liable to become best-known for its inflammatory sci-fi provocation.”
Out of 523 pages total, the so-called “sensational” suggestion only occupies just 2 pages, only at the very end, and practically has nothing to do with the rest of the book.
Personally, I think this is quite a brilliant book.
Only Annie Jacobsen herself knows the ultimate intention behind this fascinating writing.
It could be that she intentionally included the “sensational, incredible, science fiction-like” aspect, i.e., the Roswell ‘connection’ to Area 51 ( at least that is how it has always been regarded by the so-called “mainstream” ) at the very end of this book for a purpose. If that is the case, no one would ever know why she did it, except her.
Was it an intentional “disinformation”? ( No one knows, just as no one knows the real intention of why I write certain things, except me ).
It’s up to the reader to make up his or her own mind…and she leaves it like that.
I think this is the best book that I have ever read on Area 51.
However, just because I say so does not mean that I believe and endorse some of the things the book brings out.*
My evaluation of a book of this kind is based on the following questions:
1) Was this book well written?
2) Was it fascinating and riveting?
3) Did it bring out a new perspective on things?
4) Did it stimulate my intellectual pursuit?
I gave resounding “yes” on all of the above.
I would say to everyone: READ IT!!
*I had a preconceived notion that the prototype German flying wing aircraftHorten Ho. 229 had a range of only about a 1000 miles (or less), at least at the time that it had been test-flown in Germany around 1943, even though it may have used some type of ramjet engine and was claimed to have flown at the speed of anywhere from 400 to 600 miles per hour. It is possible, too, that it may also have utilized some type of prototype coating to make radar detection somewhat difficult. ( i.e., the ancestor of stealth technology).
Rather than the Russians getting hold of it (as it seems to be insinuated in the book) I was under the impression that it was the United States that got hold of the aircraft, even though initially the US Army claimed that they were not that impressed with Horten Ho. 229, unless they were talking about several other versions that the Horten Brothers were working on.
But one thing that I agree is that Operation Paperclip and the impact of German scientists and engineers did play a significant role in the philosophy of weapons systems that was the initial basis of Black Programs at Area 51.
Here is an excellent comment by Tedd Dapp:
(QUOTE)
It seems to have become the norm, judge before reading, based on a review or title.
I see it everyday here on Facebook with people responding to a linked story…but responding not to the story itself, but the title only and basing their ‘opinion on that.
I reserve my opinion of this book until after I have read it.
(But after reading and watching a few interviews with the author, I had already come to the conclusion the “sensational” aspect was included because if there was no mention of Roswell’s connection to Area 51 — there would be louder cries of “disinformation”.
And, as I am sure you are aware, the majority will attack and attempt to discredit anyone who poses any theory that challenges what they WANT to be true.
(UNQUOTE).
If you would like more information or to purchase this book simply click on its title: Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base (Hardcover) by Annie Jacobsen (Author)