UFOs, Aliens and the Battle for Truth: A Short History of UFOlogy

by Neil Nixon

This no-nonsense guide to one of our most enduring mysteries presents a short history of the strangest encounters, looks carefully at explanations from the blunt to the truly bizarre, offers insights into the strongest evidence we are being visited by beings from another world, and sources the best skeptical arguments that all can be explained rationally.

Concise, balanced, and occasionally hilarious, this is a story that has as much to tell you about the human race as it does about aliens.

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Lee Belbin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a rather good cross-section of the issues surrounding UFO sightings, abductions and the like. I have read a few books on the subject and I recommend this one as an ideal starting text. Most of the ‘interesting’ and well documented cases are reviewed, angles presented and common sense applied.

[Bill Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nixon has produced a useful short overview of Ufology, although those looking for a book proclaiming “UFOs are alien technology” will be disappointed. The book is fairly well balanced, with fair discussions of UFO claims and skeptical responses. The book includes a useful bibliography—the citations to skeptical literature are both unusual and helpful.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently read two of Taylor Branch's large volumes on the civil rights movement and just about to finish a lengthy biography of Isaac Newton, it's a real relief to get through a whole book in one sitting. Nixon's 'Short History of Ufology' manages what it promises in well under 200 pages.

Nixon himself admits to a fascination with UFOs dating back to childhood. His book, however, represents this as a critical interest. For virtually every well-known case he presents reasons for skepticism.

Being British, the cases discussed focus more on the UK than an American author would. So, too, the authorities cited, most particularly Jenny Randles, whom Nixon holds in high regard.

Particularly useful are the notes and internet-bibliography.

[Liorah Amaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

UFOs, Aliens and the Battle for Truth is such a refreshing read. Neil Nixon does a brilliant job of presenting the history of UFOlogy with balance, humor, and clarity. I loved how it gave me both the strange and fascinating encounters alongside the most grounded skeptical views. It’s rare to find a book that can make you laugh, think, and question at the same time. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this book has something to offer. It’s one of those reads that reminds you the mystery isn’t just about the skies above us, but also about how we humans search for meaning.

[Olivia Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about this book through my friend Liorah, and I’m glad I did. Neil Nixon has such a refreshing way of writing about UFOs that’s both sharp and funny without ever feeling dismissive. He manages to show the strangeness of the encounters but also the strangeness of us humans trying to explain them. I laughed, I thought, and I learned. This is one of those rare reads that makes you look at mysteries and yourself in a new light.

[Adeshina Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because a close friend said it was “the most fun and balanced UFO book” they’d ever read and they weren’t wrong. Neil Nixon manages to walk that fine line between skeptic and believer with such humor and intelligence. Even if you don’t normally read about UFOs, you’ll enjoy this. It’s really about us as people, and that makes it universal.