Unexplained!: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences & Puzzling Physical Phenomena [Paperback]

Jerome Clark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1998

In an updated and expanded edition of this popular work, wide range of phenomena is explored, documenting the evidence and hearing the witnesses out. The 200 mysteries and hoaxes are thoroughly examined, including cattle mutilations, crop circles, spontaneous human combustion, Martian lore, Roswell, Loch Ness, the Old Hag, weather phenomena, faeries, Bigfoot, the Bermuda Triangle, living dinosaurs, ghosts, pterodactyl sightings, flying humanoids, hollow earth, and other absorbing puzzles. Along the way readers will learn of hoaxes and witness the creation of various modern myths.

Product Details

• Paperback: 672 pages
• Publisher: Visible Ink Press; 2 Sub edition (November 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578590701
• ISBN-13: 978-1578590704
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #506,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good job, Jerome!, April 25, 2000

By 

R. Casady (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unexplained!: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences & Puzzling Physical Phenomena (Paperback)

Clark's new, expanded edition of "Unexplained!" is one of the finest overviews of paranormal mysteries available today. I have been a fan of Clark's since his "Creatures of the Outer Edge" of 1978 (co-authored with his occasional writing partner, the equally dependable Loren Coleman). Clark's clear and professional writing style has only improved over the years. A sly, very subtle wit frequently emerges ("perhaps wisely, he takes this vague idea no further"). Although it's evident Clark's mind is open to most of the phenomena explored in the book, for the most part he keeps his opinions to himself, opting instead to let his reader make his or her own judgement based on the information available.

In scope and organization I found the book slightly similar to Janet and Colin Bord's excellent "Unexplained Mysteries of the 20th Century" of 1989, although that book also explores ghost and goblin-type phenomena whereas "Unexplained!" is concerned primarily with more tangible mysteries. Both are encyclopedic, objective tomes providing a detailed overview of a wide variety of topics. Especially welcome in this new edition of "Unexplained!" is the inclusion of the "Things That Are Not" section, highlighting previously believed legends such as the Bermuda Triangle and Cottingley Fairy Photographs. Also new are numerous "sidebar" discussions of select organizations and important figures in the Fortean world (i.e., Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, Budd Hopkins, MUFON, CSICOP, etc.). Clark generously criticizes--in a professional manner--certain unreliable "experts" (Von Daniken, Berlitz) and hardcore debunkers, those "thinkers" who claim to be skeptics but instead are nothing more than vehemently closed minds.

This book is a serious, carefully-researched study. Clark has always made it a point to clearly document his sources, which makes it easy for the reader to further pursue an intriguing topic. Another of Clark's strengths is the natural integration of the many witness accounts and narratives, however extreme some of them might be. The information is presented in a manner that encourages the reader to form his/her own deductions. When examining far-fetched phenomena like Fairies, Clark uses a cautionary approach that still manages to remain receptive to the nagging body of stories, accounts, and folklore.

The presentation and layout of the book have been vastly improved over the 1993 edition. It's now much more serious and professional in its look, abandoning the Ripley's Believe It or Not-style cover of it's previous incarnation. The typeface and setting are also significantly improved and much more easily read. Instead of listing the entries in simple encyclopedic format as he did before, he now groups them together in intelligent sections. Considerably more photos and illustrations exist in the present version (although there can never be enough!).

I can recommend this book without hesitation to anyone with a serious interest in these phenomena. Clark is now one of the most dependable, scholarly, and professional voices in the Fortean world. I trust him.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars clear concise and objective book, January 11, 2002

By 

S. A Troutt (MURFREESBORO, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unexplained!: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences & Puzzling Physical Phenomena (Paperback)

I've been a Jerome Clark fan for years..He always presents a clear concise and objective view of whatever subject he tackles.Mr. Clark presents both sides fairly and attempts to provide a balanced report without the hysterical fanaticism of the "believers" or the rabid negativism of the skeptics. He (and his old partner Loren Coleman) are good examples of the old school reporters who understand the difference between fact and opinion. Mr. Clark is one of the few authors in this area that does not seem to have a pet theory about the mysterious phenomena. This book lists many famous cases with proof both for and against the "experts" explanations. Well researched and written, this book is a must read for any serious (or just curious) reader of unexplained phenomena. You can trust Jerome Clark to always lay out a well researched and balanced view. I do.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This ones A to Z and beyond !, May 6, 2004

By 

"drsherman2004" (Washington State, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unexplained!: Strange Sightings, Incredible Occurrences & Puzzling Physical Phenomena (Paperback)

"UNEXPLAINED" goes beyond UFO"s & Bigfoot covering creepy creatures and strange events. Some are seldom heard or known yet every bit as intriguing as those we've all read about so often.
A complete collection that every Cryptozoology Buff, in fact anyone interested in X-file-like accounts will enjoy.
Can't stress it enough, this book is more than a collection of hidden animals or unusal events it's a desk reference for the weird!
Also recommended is "STRANGE HIGHWAYS" by Jerry D. Coleman.
Great Book Mr. Clark!!