Forbidden History: Prehistoric Technologies, Extraterrestrial Intervention, and the Suppressed Origins of Civilization [Paperback]

J. Douglas Kenyon (Editor)

Book Description

Release date: March 29, 2005

Challenges the scientific theories on the establishment of civilization and technology

• Contains 42 essays by 17 key thinkers in the fields of alternative science and history, including Christopher Dunn, Frank Joseph, Will Hart, Rand Flem-Ath, and Moira Timms

• Edited by Atlantis Rising publisher, J. Douglas Kenyon

In Forbidden History writer and editor J. Douglas Kenyon has chosen 42 essays that have appeared in the bimonthly journal Atlantis Rising to provide readers with an overview of the core positions of key thinkers in the field of ancient mysteries and alternative history. The 17 contributors include among others, Rand Flem-Ath, Frank Joseph, Christopher Dunn, and Will Hart, all of whom challenge the scientific establishment to reexamine its underlying premises in understanding ancient civilizations and open up to the possibility of meaningful debate around alternative theories of humanity's true past.

Each of the essays builds upon the work of the other contributors. Kenyon has carefully crafted his vision and selected writings in six areas: Darwinism Under Fire, Earth Changes--Sudden or Gradual, Civilization's Greater Antiquity, Ancestors from Space, Ancient High Tech, and The Search for Lost Origins. He explores the most current ideas in the Atlantis debate, the origins of the Pyramids, and many other controversial themes.

The book serves as an excellent introduction to hitherto suppressed and alternative accounts of history as contributors raise questions about the origins of civilization and humanity, catastrophism, and ancient technology. The collection also includes several articles that introduce, compare, contrast, and complement the theories of other notable authors in these fields, such as Zecharia Sitchin, Paul LaViolette, John Michell, and John Anthony West.

Editorial Reviews

Review

". . . a case in support of a much greater antiquity for civilization, a convincing argument for the existence of advanced technologies in prehistory, and the outline of a lost fountainhead of world culture." (SirReadaLot.org, June 2005)

“. . .essays by such well-known investigators as Robert Schoch, Christopher Dunn or Rand Flem-Ath examine surprisingly sophisticated technology in Pharaonic Egypt, and reconsider possibilities for a global catastrophe that may have altered the course of civilization. . . . this superb new book. . . has much to offer anyone questioning the official party-line concerning mankind’s ancient past.” (Frank Joseph, Ancient American, Issue # 63)

"This is a great compilation. . . . the type of book that makes you question what you have been told and makes you want to discover more for yourself." (Ladyfogg, Oct 2005)

"These thoughtful, well-presented and impeccably researched essays form a foundation of history itself, presenting a totally different viepoint of who we are, where we come from, ans why we are here--not to mention where we may be heading." (Curled Up with a Good Book, Nov 2005)

"Read what researchers have to say about prehistoric technologies, evolution versus creation, earth changes, and even the case for extraterrestrial intervention. Look through the eyes of mystics, scientists, and researchers at the top of their fields and see what they have to say about some of the latest finds and discoveries. . . ." (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide, Feb 2005)

"Forbidden History brings out why it’s so difficult to accept new ideas and how those with vested interests are firmly entrenched and filter out most everything that might threaten the accepted world view. This book slipped through the cracks."  (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide, Feb 2007)

"The days of secrecy and suppression need to come to an end because challenging deeply entrenched and outdated scientific and religious worldviews are the hallmark of a civilized society evolving toward higher ideals and truth." (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide magazine, Issue No. 29, Jan/Feb 2009)

"The book serves as an excellent introduction to hitherto suppressed and alternative accounts of history as contributors raise questions about the origins of civilization and humanity, catastrophism, and ancient technology." (TheCrit.com, Jan 2008)

"This is an excellent compilation of the work of some of the key thinkers on some very highly charged issues, such as creationism and Darwinism." (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide, May/June 08)

From the Back Cover

ANCIENT MYSTERIES / NEW AGE

In Forbidden History writer and editor J. Douglas Kenyon has chosen forty-two essays from the bimonthly journal Atlantis Rising to provide readers with an overview of the positions of some of the key thinkers in today’s supercharged debate over ancient mysteries and alternative history. Contributors include, among others, Robert Schoch, Rand Flem-Ath, Moira Timms, Frank Joseph, Christopher Dunn, and Will Hart, all of whom have played leading roles in challenging the entrenched scientific establishment to reexamine its assumptions about our forgotten origins and to consider the possibility of meaningful debate--whatever the consequences to the existing paradigm.

Kenyon has carefully built a collection of material in support of the growing challenge to such outmoded ways of thinking as Darwinism and Creationism, with each contribution building upon the work of the other authors. In these pages the latest discoveries and ideas regarding such perennially controversial topics as Atlantis, the pyramids, and extraterrestrial influence are explored, and many provocative questions are raised. What emerges is a thoughtful case in support of a much greater antiquity for civilization, a convincing argument for the existence of advanced technologies in prehistory, and the vast yet unmistakable outline of a lost fountainhead of world culture. These alternative arguments, once marginalized, are now gaining credibility and respect.

The collection also includes several articles that introduce, compare, contrast, and complement the theories of other notable authors in these fields, such as Zecharia Sitchin, Paul LaViolette, John Michell, Graham Hancock, and John Anthony West.

J. DOUGLAS KENYON is the editor and publisher of Atlantis Rising. He lives in Montana.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: Bear & Company (March 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591430453
• ISBN-13: 978-1591430452
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #81,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #57 in Books > History > World > Civilization & Culture

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

168 of 180 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Comments from a contributor to the book, David S. Lewis January 11, 2007

By David S. Lewis

Format:Paperback

I am a writer whose articles appear in this book, one who has investigated alternative scholarship, drawn on various sources, and found that prevalent theories and mindsets often distort what may be the truth regarding history and science. That is what this book is about. It attempts to open the door to a new understanding of the past, and in so doing to better understand who we are, where we come from, and our potential. This often requires unraveling the tangled ball of string that is accepted as historical fact, etymological fact, scientific fact, etc.

I do not have the previous reviewer's specific training in languages and etymology, only a fascination for the subject, and a lifelong sense that something was amiss in this field (Perhaps that is a good thing, for established mind sets may be part of the problem, the perpetuation of distortions by those, who, are often prevented from taking seriously anything that threatens the established way of thinking).

In my research for several articles included in this book, I found, among other things, that standard tenets of history and prehistory ought to be seriously questioned, and that the perpetuation of misinformation through academia is inherent to the institutional and psychological nature of academia itself (which, in turn, is often a product of the human ego and its processes, a state of affairs that often derails a genuine quest for truth).

The ancient history of India is a case in point (as told in this book). That history seems to have been rewritten by Europeans. It should be understood that the Indo-European language is not really a language or anything historical (the language from which, we are to believe, the great family of other languages derive).... This "language" is an assumption, a theory, based on the fact that there are great similarities in the roots words of many varied languages across the globe. Indo-European is an invention to try to account for this, a device that runs hand in hand with the alleged Aryan Invasion of India (which reduces the antiquity of India and her languages by several thousand years as compared to tradition). For the sake of simplicity, the story goes like this, as espoused now by various sources: Both the Indo european "language" and the Aryan Invasion were invented, and contrary to the indigenous "nonacademic" history of India as told for millennia. Evidence now shows, though, that India's extreme antiquity as expressed in her mythology is probable, given the discovery of an ancient city (dated to 8000 years ago), now submerged, off the western coast, and satellite images that show the path of the "mythical" Saraswati river. These developments validate that which is written in India's ancient texts, the tradition of a timelessly old India held as a common understanding in her past, from generation to generation. These are developments similar to the archeological discovery of Troy, taking what was deemed fiction by scholars into the realm of actual history.

Furthermore, traditions exist, and perhaps ignored geologic evidence, that what we call India was once a more vast continent, the land, perhaps, of the great rishis whence the vedas and traditions of southern India derive. This book, and Atlantis Rising magazine, tries to unravel the series of untruths piled upon one another regarding the past, and to debunk some of academia's sacred tenets. It is certainly not Christian creationism (as a previous reviewer strangely suggested) merely because it points out the glaring problems in evolutionary theory. The problem in seeing things that way is simple mindedness, as if we have but two choices, Biblical creationism or Darwinism.

(Another reviewer complains, by the way, that one part of the book discredits Ice Age theory, while another uses it to support a point. Keep in mind that the chapters in this book are written by various authors, not a single author. That reviewer's complaint would only be valid if one author had done this. Contained in the book are various points of view with a coherent theme as expressed in various articles, not that of one individual.)

The previous reviewer, who takes issue with the proposition that the languages of India predate those of the rest of the world's languages (as evidence of that land and people's profound antiquity), might look into the ancient traditions and the modern evidence that supports them (and my effort is not the first to do this). Don't expect to find such material in a textbook though. You won't, just as you won't find other "anomalous" evidence in your textbooks that throw monkey wrenches into widely accepted theories. That's the whole point of the book, and Atlantis Rising magazine. Instead, start all over, from the beginning, setting aside what you were taught to believe were indisputable facts. Read more ›

121 of 144 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent starter book for the bewildered April 19, 2005

By F. P. Kovacs

Format:Paperback

Is history real? Do we even have a rough idea who we are and where we come from? This book is an ideal gift for anyone on your list who thinks Orthodox History is bunk but don't know what to do next. Collected from some excellent articles from New Atlantis Magazine, these essays are nicely arranged to build the case slowly, carefully and wisely. Contributors include Christopher Dunn and Peter Thomkins, and subject ranges from debunking Darwin to the Electric Universe. You've been warned! This is the place to start finding out Henry Ford didn't know the half of it. Bunk? Most of the history we get in school is FICTION! Rounded out with discussions of eclectic goodies available only with difficulty elsewhere, this is a must for any alternative science/history bookshelf.

136 of 163 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars linguistic material, at least, is seriously flawed January 4, 2006

By Mark Newbrook

Format:Paperback

This book is interesting and in places challenging, but the presentation often appears rather one-sided. Mainstream scholarly counter-arguments are not given sufficient credit or attention. In face of criticisms levelled at the allegedly biased and hidebound approach of mainstream scholarship, this is very disappointing.

My comments here are directed at the linguistic aspects of the material, where my own professional expertise applies. Here, there is a considerable amount of palpable error (see details below). Given this, readers lacking expertise in any specific discipline should treat with caution all novel claims made.

Chapter 10, David Lewis, pages 83-86

To my knowledge, no qualified writers have argued that Sanskrit derives from Proto-Dravidian; it is transparently Indo-European. The only clearly Dravidian elements in Sanskrit are some transferred vocabulary and some aspects of the sound-system.

It is not clear where Dravidian might have been spoken before it was in India. Although it is quite possible that Dravidian is related to Elamite and that its speakers came into India from the north-west, this has not been demonstrated. There is no actual trace of Dravidian outside South Asia.

The linguistic material presented by Churchward, Cerve etc is unverified and implausible. Some of the relevant claims, eg the dramatic claim about links between Greek and Mayan, do not hold up at all.

The view that the Easter Island Script (which itself has no agreed decipherment) and the Indus Valley Script are genuinely related has never been adequately supported.

To my knowledge, no linguistically qualified commentators have linked the Cambay material with the Indus Valley Script....

Chapter 23, Frank Joseph, pages 174-176

Joseph cites similarities between short words and syllables, with allegedly related meanings, in languages normally regarded as unrelated and as not having experienced important cultural contact, eg the words moai in Okinawa and Easter Island (where the meanings are not in fact close), Japanese torii and German Tor, various words containing the syllable mu. He believes that these similarities are `remarkable' or at least significant, and that they suggest common origin (in Lemuria/Mu) - or maybe in some cases important early contact. However, it is easy to show in linguistic and statistical terms that superficially similar forms such as these are very likely to arise by chance, especially with very short words and single syllables. Indeed, many cases are known where pairs of identical or very similar forms, with genuinely related meanings, are DEMONSTRABLY unconnected and only accidentally similar. Only if the parallelisms are very extensive and/or linguistically systematic is there good evidence of a real connection. Cases such as those presented here do not show any connection. The impressionistic method used in this section was superseded in the mid-19th Century as these facts became clear. It is now used only by authors unfamiliar with what historical linguists have learned.

Joseph's comment about the pronunciation of the names Romulus and Remus is mistaken.

Chapter 25, David Lewis again, pages 184-186

Lewis makes some strange statements about Indian languages. The following corrections are required:

a) So-called root words of Sanskrit do NOT appear `almost universally in the world's major languages'. Only other Indo-European languages share words with Sanskrit, except for the special cases of a) words (etc) transferred within India into Dravidian (notably Malayalam) and other local languages and b) medieval and modern transfers into other languages of cultural words involving Hinduism etc.

b) Even the words shared between Sanskrit and other Indo-European languages do NOT derive from Sanskrit, as Lewis implies. Sanskrit itself, though archaic, is demonstrably NOT as close to the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European ancestor language as was believed by European scholars when the relationship of Sanskrit with ancient European languages was first understood (1780s & after). For instance, Greek is demonstrably a better guide to the Proto-Indo-European vowel system than Sanskrit is. (The idea of an Indo-European or Aryan RACE is a 19th Century idea, long abandoned. This is all about LANGUAGES. Of course, ethnic groups TEND to retain their languages over time; but there are many exceptions.)

c) Whether or not there was an `Aryan Invasion' of India, the linguistic evidence therefore suggests (strongly) that Indo-European languages (including early Sanskrit or pre-Sanskrit) were introduced into India from the north-west, rather than the whole Indo-European family initially developing there. (We still do not know which language family is represented by the Indus Valley Script. A recognised solution to this problem would help to date the arrival of Indo-European in India. The main candidates are Indo-European and Dravidian.)

d) Lewis does not specify which `orthodox' scholars ascribe the first known alphabet to India.

e) Apart from Sanskrit transfers into Tamil of words which Sanskrit shares with Greek via Indo-European, there are no known demonstrably significant similarities or shared words between Tamil (Dravidian) on the one hand and Greek, Hebrew, languages of Kamchatka, languages of Polynesia etc on the other. It is easy to show in linguistic and statistical terms that superficially similar forms are very likely to arise by chance in such cases. (On the impressionistic method suggested by these remarks, see above on Joseph's material.) However: some Tamil words and features do appear in Sanskrit; but this is evidently because of contact within India in the last 3500 years. (As noted, Sanskrit has also influenced Dravidian in return.)

Summary: Current mainstream views on ancient India are based on the overall pattern of the evidence, not on `Eurocentrism'. There is, naturally, dispute over many specific points, and mysteries remain (notably the Indus Valley Script). And the whole mainstream viewpoint might in principle be overthrown by evidence. But there is no sign of that happening. For instance, Bryant's generally scholarly book on this theme, endorsing a position fairly close to Lewis', was weak on linguistics. (It should also be noted that Oppenheimer and even his linguist ally Manansala appear to be unfamiliar with historical linguistics; their linguistic points are among their weakest.)

As can be seen, the linguistic material in this book, at least, is seriously flawed. Read more ›

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but very limited May 24, 2007

By John Forman

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you are not already aware of the fact that this book is a collection of articles, you need to know that going in. It makes a big difference in how you can approach this book. By that I mean you don't have a consistent reading experience or point of view, making it a bit uneven. Some of the articles are well written and easy to read. Others are hard to get through. Furthermore, since the book is composed of articles, many of the topics discussed don't get fully fleshed out. In several cases statements of fact are made with no evidence or reference provided where if they'd been posed in a book more may have been provided to back them up. I thought there were too many essentially repetitive articles in some areas (especially Dunn's). While there are a number of things presented to make you think about what you've been taught over the years, I would only call this book average at best.