At the Threshold: UFOs, Science and the New Age

by Charles F. Emmons and Ph.D. Emmons, Charles F.

is an overview of UFO discoveries in the context of the battle between mainstream science and researchers who dare to study UFOs. It explores the history of UFO research and how it's been labeled a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0926524429
• ISBN13: 9780926524422
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: Wildflower Press
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A veritable banquet of food for thought!

Take off your blinders, pull your head out of the sand, we are probably not alone! Think what you will, but read this book before you decide. Three things: First, "At the Threshold" is genuinely entertaining. Second, the facts on this highly controversial subject are presented in a clear, concise manner. Third, Dr. Emmons isn't afraid to discuss this subject in public, you needn't be afraid to read it in private! In a nutshell, "At The Threshold" is a veritable banquet of food for thought. Enjoy!

A remarkable book.

No one has ever taken such an objective and open-minded look at the people who study UFOs and their interaction with mainstream science. The decision to write this book from such an honest perspective was very ballsy, and Emmons should be commended for his integrity. Here is one man who understands and will not bend to the "peer pressures" of mainstream Academics. Very refreshing (and surprising)

The sociology of ufology is a fascinating phenomenon.

Mention of UFOs can be risky, even though the majority of Americans think the phenomenon is real. Why is that so? A sociologist who's studied polka dancers and Chinese ghosts investigated the subject and got some startling answers. Attending conferences and joining groups, Emmons examined the heart and soul of ufology to uncover control mechanisms. He found that threats, classification of information and financial interests in keeping secrets have all contributed to labeling of the subject as deviant. I attended events discussed in the book and was impressed with the author's accurate and thorough reports. This informative, easy-to-read book with an extensive bibliography and glossy cover is well worth the money. I'm giving it as a gift to a family member who, like myself, is a journalist. But unlike me, she thinks the media can't be controlled. She also experiences some of the soiciological effects Emmons mentioned. Yes, the laughter curtain is real and exists in newsrooms throughout this country. Too bad journalists don't do their research. Reading this book would be a good starting point.

An well-done treatment of the "sociology of ufology".

Dr. Emmons provides an accurate, though-provoking study of the evolution of the study of the phenomenon, focusing on the many obstacles to serious study, i.e. resistance by 'mainstream science' via groups like CSICOPs, academic myopia, sensationalism of the subject by the media, impediments to disclosure by the government (including disinformation) and infighting among the various 'schools' of ufology. It is heartening to see a serious, empirically based work coming from outside the "ufo community". The fact that the author embraces the legitimacy of many hypotheses advanced by researchers in the field helps to peel away layers of obfuscation and denial. Dr. Emmons is to be commended for this important contribution