Stranger Than Science

This book, and its sequels, contain some of the most amazing stuff. People who simply vanish...footprints made in the night by an unknown creature that go up and over houses and into the sea...engines that run on nothing...and the list goes on. What person, especially those under the age of twelve, wouldn't be fascinated by this? Of course, it was written half a century or so ago; later research and a more skeptical eye will find alternate explanations for most of this, but if you can read this book with the eye of a twelve-year old, then the possibilities are endless! The universe is a much richer place, I am convinced, for people that allow themselves to feel even just a glimmer of excitement at the thought that people can actually be teleported, or that Atlantis existed, or that people can just burst into consuming flame, or UFOs, or whatever. Trust me...if you have never read this you have no idea of the scope of the wierdities in this book. Find a copy, curl up in a chair, and prepare to have the word, "WOW!" pop into your mind more than once.

Frank R. Edwards picked up where Charles Fort died in passing along the stories of the strangest events in history. Edwards was a masterful writer. His ability with words and storytelling gave great power to what he was reporting, and that is one of the highest values. He was host, and these were his programs on America's first full-time radio show on KDKA out of Pittsburgh around 1930-50. He is kind of a prophet without honor. Of course, that is the definition of a prophet -- forgotten in his own times. Maybe resurrected later, if the culture gains in judgment.

Like everyone else, I read and enjoyed this book when I was a teenager. It contains some fascinating, mystifying tales, providing hours of entertainment.I later discovered it was helpful in prompting a couple of young people (aged 10 - 11) to read more, for entertainment. Edwards' vignettes are stimulating enough to capture the attention of today's youngsters, who've grown up with televisions and computers. STS was a good transition tool for pushing them toward higher quality literature.As an adult, years after taking a university journalism course, I happened to pick up Stranger Than Science again, and immediately discerned how weak the reporting was, how unsubstantiated the allegations and how non-existent the attribution. Frank Edwards didn't seem to be much of a skeptic, which appeared to result in a lot of blithe acceptance of a lot of fantastic tale-telling.

As a teenager I read this book, including his second volume. The true, yet mysterious items intrigued me for years, causing me to search out spirituality and everything paranormal that could somehow explain the events listed. It gave me a healthy open mind towards new information. I've thanked the author for giving me an interest in reading and not being a "blind" consumer later in life.

I read and re-read this book as a teenager and was fascinated by the bizarre collection of true? stories. Nothing of concern for youngsters which is a pleasant change. Well worth reading at any age.