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Jacques Vallee
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Passport to Magonia: From Folklore to Flying Saucers Kindle Edition

by Jacques Vallee (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 873 ratings
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Our age has generated, and continues to generate, mythical material almost unparalleled in quantity and quality in the rich records of human imagination. More precisely, people have very frequently reported the observation of wonderful aerial objects, variously designated as flying saucers, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and so on. But investigators have neglected to recognize one important perspective of the phenomenon: the fact that beliefs identical to those held today have recurred throughout recorded history and under forms best adapted to the believer's country, race, and social regime.

Emissaries from these supernatural abodes come to earth, sometimes under human form and sometimes as monsters. They perform wonders. They serve man or fight him. They influence civilizations through mystical revelation.

These matters are the subject of Passport to Magonia, Jacques Vallee's seminal master-work that changed our understanding of the UFO phenomenon. An instant classic when first published in 1969, the book remains a must-have resource for anybody interested in the topics of UFOs and alien contact, as well as those fascinated by fairy folklore and other paranormal encounters.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00TU7V0XA
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Daily Grail Publishing (February 19, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 19, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3411 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 515 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 873 ratings

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Jacques Vallee

Jacques Vallee

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Dr. Jacques F. Vallee has long been regarded as the most respected and senior scientific investigator of unidentified aerial phenomena. He was the inspiration for the French UFO researcher in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He has investigated reports of UFOs all over the world and has worked on related U.S. and French government projects. He is currently working on a project to analyze UFO materials in a Silicon Valley lab.

Vallee studied mathematics at the Sorbonne and received an MS in astrophysics at Lille University, then began his professional life as an astronomer for the French Space Committee, working at Paris Observatory. In 1962 he began working as an astronomer at the University of Texas at Austin, where he co-developed the first computer-based detailed map of Mars for NASA. He then moved to Northwestern University where he earned a PhD in artificial intelligence and served as a close associate of Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the U.S. Air Force’s top scientific consultant on UFOs under Project Blue Book. He went on to work for Hynek and Project Blue Book to create the first interactive computer data base of UFO observations.

In the late 60’s, Vallee began exploring the commonalities between UFOs, the paranormal, and folklore. His observations were detailed in his book, Passport to Magonia: From Folklore to Flying Saucers, in which he suggested a multidimensional hypothesis.

In the 70’s, Vallee served as one of the Principal investigators of DARPA and led the team which built the world's first software collaboration system, running on Arpanet, the prototype for the Internet. Joining Stanford Research Institute and the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley, Vallee formed friendships with Hal Puthoff, Russell Targ, and Kit Green and consulted on SRI’s classified remote viewing programs (including the Stargate Project), which were supported by several government agencies. In 1978, Vallee was part of a panel of experts (which included NASA Astronaut Gordon Cooper, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, military and government officials) that presented a plan for UFO research at the United Nations.

In the early 2000’s, Vallee co-founded a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley. He also worked as a member of the scientific advisory board of Bigelow Aerospace and conducted private research for Bigelow and its partners, including the Pentagon’s now de-classified UFO program known as AATIP.

Vallee has written two dozen books, including Passport to Magonia, Wonders in the Sky, Dimensions, Forbidden Science, and The Invisible College.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
873 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bill Weaver
5.0 out of 5 stars whether you trust Vallee’s motives or not, a classic in the genre
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2022
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Vallee is careful to state at the outset that Passport to Magonia “is not a scientific book.” (p. 11) Be forewarned, that is a bit of a shell game on his part, and I would say this is one of the most sophisticated and in fact one of the most scientific of all the books I’ve read so far on UFOs. It might also be one of the most misleading. I see on the back of the book that Vallee is now living as a “venture capitalist” in San Francisco. The author is also fairly familiar it seems with the workings of defense and intelligence agencies. There are numerous suggestions of sinister connections here I would say. For all of the foregoing reasons, it is important to read this book with caution. There is much here to disturb the modern (differentiated, ‘dissociated’?) consensus reality, even some rather repulsive references to demonology reminiscent of that fave 70s horror film and book The Exorcist, which was written (or so I’ve read) in part as an attempt to ‘prove’ the existence of the supernatural and hence the existence of God. I have seen 1 documentary (UFOs the Secret History) that suggests Vallee’s intention here is to debunk rather than to support the ‘reality’ of the UFO phenomenon. From a certain angle this is correct I now see, as Vallee ultimately states in his conclusion that the type of wild speculation popular in the ufology mythos (and which perhaps to a degree Vallee had a hand in popularizing!) does not have “a scientific leg to stand upon!” (p. 161) Certainly we “could . . . imagine that for centuries some superior intelligence has been projecting into our environment . . . various artificial objects whose creation is a pure form of art.” (p. 161) We could also fantasize that UFOs are “a natural phenomenon whose manifestations border on both the physical and the mental.” In this context, Vallee even speculates that “human dreams can be implemented, and this is the mechanism by which UFO events are generated, needing no superior intelligence to trigger them . . . [but] it would stop short of explaining the traces left by such phenomenon.” (p. 161) I’m not sure in this context what “traces” he means exactly and it is interesting that the word here is ‘traces’ rather than ‘evidence’. After offering up many accounts (some of which you can Google online and discover have already been debunked), Vallee as I said admits that none of his own wild speculations are “scientific” in the least. He describes this work as “philosophical” but perhaps, given his description of UFOs as “objects . . . of art”, a better way to frame it would be as ‘artistic’. You can see why Spielberg included a fictionalized version of Vallee’s character in the blockbuster film ‘Close Encounters’ - with the famous director Truffaut cast in the role you get artistic credibility atop the scientific. In our modern differentiated society this kind of stacking has some social relevance perhaps. Piling up the social subsystems within which you have some weight is no easy feat. Maybe Alan Dershowitz too approaches this type of status, with legal credibility alongside filmic portrayals, not to mention the scandalous allegations. Carl Sagan had pop culture credentials but was rejected by both Harvard for tenure and the National Academy of Sciences for membership. Like much of the mythos, the material here stumbles about in the twilight realm between a generalist’s sensibility and the specialist’s knowledge. This is perhaps why Vallee’s appeal for “sociologists” to “tackle the problem” (p. 136) speaks to me. Still one may get the (social) impression of Vallee (from a variety of sources) that he lends a certain and nearly scientific credibility to the endeavor, even though technically he is located outside of the academy (in the strictest sense of his professional role in society as opposed to his credentials). I began reading this book with a credulous frame of mind, and I was surprised to find credulous accounts within, which have been debunked as I said. I now see that Vallee correctly indicates his primary concern as the ‘reports’ themselves rather than the underlying veracity. This is a sociological view (and a scientific one) that any communication about UFOs has meaning in society even if it is a hoax or otherwise explainable in mundane terms. For this reason I will not detail the multiple examples of possible hoaxes or explainable encounters within these pages. Perhaps some of these Vallee included innocently enough (especially in these pre-Internet days of yore) but the way this book is written feels somewhat deceptive by its conclusion. Why include a case as ‘fact’ if you know (or even reasonably suspect) it to be a hoax? One possible reason I can imagine to include obvious hoaxes in a credulous manner would be to serve as disinformation, which is a definite risk in this field. Circa 1968 to write such a detailed book about UFOs for purposes of disinformation would have been quite cutting edge. Then again this book is one of the foundational texts for any review of the ufology literature, so it was by that measure quite cutting edge regardless of the intentions of its author. A bit of research into the mythos indicates there is much in common between ufology, ‘misinformation’ and counterintelligence. Any time I hear of a ‘venture capitalist’ with connections to the defense or intelligence communities, it makes me nervous. Vallee himself suddenly appears a bit of a mystery. However, the sociological (scientific) question I have is different. Simply put, will ufology ever entirely cross the line into the realm of scientific respectability? Despite a handful of PhDs who fall into the ‘ufologist’ bucket, and Avi Loeb’s latest project notwithstanding, I would say that ufology as a ‘scientific’ endeavor stubbornly refuses to achieve escape velocity from the orbit of folklore or religious studies. What exactly does that say about ufology or folklore or even our modern differentiated society? Having read a few of these books now, I can say (as any ufologist would) that the sheer volume of encounters commands attention and I would agree that, from the perspective of sociology at the very least, the jury is still out. Despite my inherent mistrust of anyone of Vallee’s status (stature) within society, I remain fascinated by this book. The seductive quality of Vallee’s narrative is simply the power of re-enchantment, which I find to be a common desire of modern man. Modern re-enchantment comes in a variety of forms, in every type of media from the old print format of supermarket tabloids to classic horror films to the retelling of various ‘urban legends’ and yes - in the form of credulous UFO books. Vallee here has written a book that pretends to be credulous but is ultimately highly skeptical, and I find that this approach makes it highly susceptible to misinterpretation. We all inherently want to believe. Within the frame of folklore then, this is one of the better books on ufology, and whether you trust Vallee’s motives or not, a classic in the genre.
48 people found this helpful
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Martin Valadoa
5.0 out of 5 stars Passport to Magonia
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
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It's a good informative book. That gave a non-judgmental look at both the UFO and fairy phenomenon. It's a very good read.
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RDBNewMexico
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Perspective
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2020
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I finished this book not knowing exactly what Mr. Valle actually believes himself - if indeed one can have a single belief about this phenomena. He doesn't, if I didn't misinterpret, believe the traditional view of the scientific/materialist UFO community that holds that these are 'metallic' craft constructed on alien world(s) in some nearby star-system piloted by biological or android creatures, that have come to the vicinity of earth for any number of different purposes: Scientific inquiry, trade, military conquest, missionary work, etc. The sheer number of such visitations and their incoherent behavior casts this interpretation in the light of the extremely myopic, even absurd and a makes a mockery of actual experiences.

I appreciate that Mr. Valle took the time and had the interest to describe by way of comparison, the historic context as recorded in world-wide folklore: Fairies, gremlins. dwarfs, angels, sprites, daemons, (skinwalkers) , etc. and their reported appearances and behavior respecting humans over the course of perhaps thousands of years.

My personal view is closest to that of Jung, i.e., that these sightings, craft, inhabitants, ,human interactions, are on balance physically real 'psychic projections' or products emanating from the unconscious, i.e., actual materializations, the origins of which lies within the realm of the esoteric, the paranormal, the mystical , the magical, the impossible.

Years ago Jeffrey Mishlove's "Thinking Allowed" featured an interview with Terrence McKenna entitled (I believe) Aliens and Archetypes. It is worth watching.
32 people found this helpful
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Paul McCarthy
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2023
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Good book.
One person found this helpful
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Human Action
5.0 out of 5 stars UFOs have a thousand faces
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2021
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Jacques Vallee moved on to a new phase in his thinking with this book. From ETH and “nuts and bolts,” to something much more complex and mysterious (while not discounting entirely ETH or “nuts and bolts” views), Vallee explored new themes and went where most ufologists (and government officials) fear to tread.

The problem restated: Would alien beings really travel light years just for a brief visit to take a few plant samples, to play peekaboo with some hapless witnesses and military jets, to say and do bizarre and silly things no sane person would believe, only to disappear in a flash without properly announcing themselves or meeting the President on national tv? Really?

Or are these beings denizens of some other dimension, or even our own planet? Could it be that they are up to something entirely different? Why do they seem so furtive, so mischievous, and so shy (most of the time)? Why are they sometimes malicious, sometimes benign, and sometimes benevolent? Why not just come out of the shadows and reveal themselves openly? There must be some powerful reason why this is so, some rule or commandment that even they dare not break.

Vallee explains his thesis:

“I have not written this book for such people [the materialist], but for those few who have gone through all this and have graduated to a higher, clearer level of perception of the total meaning of that tenuous dream that underlies the many nightmares of human history, for those who have recognized, within themselves and in others, the delicate levers of imagination and will not be afraid to experiment with them.” (page 156).

Why can’t our magisterial scientists get to the bottom of this mystery? Why can’t they answer our questions? Why do they and their government paymasters refuse to recognize openly the alien presence among us? Is it that they are desperate to maintain their stranglehold on civilization and their power over the human mind?

Basically, Vallee contends that “they” have always been with us, around us, beneath us, and above us. They seem to take many forms and to wear many masks. Perhaps this earth is just as much theirs as it is ours, if not more? As far back in time as anybody cares to trace the evidence, and in every historical age, there are stories, reports, testimonials, myths and legends, and sacred texts, which contain material which betrays their presence and activities. Vallee includes a cross section of evidence from ancient to modern examples. He contends that each historic age has had its magic and miracles, its poltergeists, fairies, leprechauns, pixies, and djinns, ghosts and goblins, to say nothing of gods and goddesses, all interacting with humans in various ways. There have allegedly even been ancient flying machines, especially well described in the Vedic literature of India as “vimanas.” Such flying machines have been observed in other historic ages, e.g., the 1890’s in the United States, and right up to our own time, though they suspiciously seem to morph to just outpace the earthly technology of the time period in question.

When seen in the light of long ages of time and the tales time tells us, an awesome and mysterious presence unfolds before us. Though we are not privy to its many secrets, we can observe carefully, and we can sense things. We can look beyond our noses, beyond the material, beyond the “nuts and bolts.” We can use our intuition. We can expand our scientific thinking to take UFOs into account. But the authorities and scientists in our society work feverishly to stop us from doing this. As Vallee complains:

“What is the use of pursuing a story of science if it cannot be applied to the rational analysis of such phenomena? In a time when the young are encouraged to follow with enthusiasm the progress of space exploration, why should the subject of life in the universe be a forbidden topic?”

Vallee also takes most ufologists to task for their simplistic thinking, i.e., that “Unidentified flying objects…. leave physical traces and behave like space probes. It is obvious to them the UFOs are scientific devices having nothing to do with the mystico-religious context of medieval apparitions, and nothing to do with the creatures studied by Kirk, since—as we have just seen — these latter appear and vanish at will.” Vallee theorizes that “This view is no longer tenable.” (pp. 75-76).

What, exactly, are UFOs? Apparently, that is not for us to know. Someone in the vast cosmological hierarchy has decided to deny us that knowledge. The manifestations of UFOs and other paranormal phenomena among us, however brief or bewildering, are like displays of power meant to teach (or program?) us, perhaps to humble us, certainly to mystify us. They also seem to be reflections of some timeless connection with human beings.

The trouble is that most of us live in a state of amnesia. We cannot remember this connection, nor can most of us face it rationally when it is thrust upon us. To complicate matters, our materialist rulers stand firmly in the way of our recovery from this amnesia. They also play tricks on us quite as much as do the UFOs.

This book will remain a useful tool and a milestone in ufology for a long time to come, a sort of “scripture,” if you will, created for intrepid souls, to correct their misconceptions and to help them to take the first halting steps to greater knowledge.
31 people found this helpful
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Chick loves lit
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Clear
Reviewed in Canada on March 6, 2024
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Much of my reading lately had made reference to this author so I had to check him out. After reading this I've ordered the rest of his titles. This one is on my read-again shelf. Recommended.
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anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Uma abordagem muito interessante
Reviewed in Brazil on February 4, 2021
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Esse título deixa de lado o lugar comum e busca oferecer as perguntas ao invés das respostas para o fenômeno UFO.
Parece desencorajados, mas acredite: não é.
Um detalhe muito importante é que embora o livro tenha mais de 350 pág, os capítulos vão até a pág 175. O restante do livro é um compêndio com uma lista de 900 casos do fenômeno UFO. São pequenos textos de 4 ou cinco linha cada com eventos entre de 1850 a 1967.
4 people found this helpful
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TanTan
4.0 out of 5 stars Ok
Reviewed in Italy on March 12, 2021
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Carino, ma pensavo che fosse un libro un po' più ricco di informazioni a dire la verità.
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らすかる
5.0 out of 5 stars ファン用の保存版という感じ
Reviewed in Japan on November 13, 2023
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30年ぐらい前にペーパーバック版を購入し、従来のUFO解釈とは全く違う視点が展開されており、以降複数回読み返していましたが、だいぶ傷んでしまったのでこの際ハードカバーを購入しようと思いました。アメリカから購入するのはバカバカしいぐらい高かったのでアマゾンで安価に購入できて満足です。

表面がパラフィンのような加工のしてあるカバーで耐久性がありそうです。しっかりとした装丁なので、この本を気に入っている人は必須な版かなと思いました。以前購入したものと全く違う表紙絵なのもいいですね。気に入りました。
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Imajicaman
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic and deservedly so.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 1, 2018
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This book is a fascinating read and it well deserves its place in my ufology book collection. It is considered to be a classic seminal book on the subject and after reading it, I can see why. If I had to choose between this book that was originally published in 1969, or his 1988 book called Dimensions, I would choose the latter. The reason being because Dimensions contains much of the material from Magonia and more. What Magonia does have that Dimensions doesn't is an excellent catalogue of cases contained at the end of the book. For me, this is another five star book from one of the most important men in the field of serious ufology.
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