As several others have written in reviews, THIS is the book you want if you have any interest (and who doesn't??) in the secret military base know as "Area 51". This base has entered the collective consciousness by association with wild theories (see Bob Lazar section for details) and movies (Independence Day) of underground alien bases and UFO testing. But the facts as presented here are less extraterrestrial but extremely interesting in terms of advanced aerial technology
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If you want a sober, detailed, well written account of the declassified programs that were carried out there, this is it! Peter Merlin has done an exceptional job in meticulously researching and assembling a narrative about the history of the base genesis and the various cutting edge aerial programs carried out there. In addition to the "pre-history" of the region before the base was established, he brings the story up to its establishment as a site to test the U-2 aircraft. Merlin continues to describe subsequent programs based there, both well known (A-12, F-117) and some of the more obscure. In some cases he mentions programs that exist but remained classified as to details. But many of the obscure programs like testing of Russian aircraft (e.g. Have Donut) are described in detail.
The narrative is extremely detailed and goes into several programs and many incidents in great detail. As an example, the loss of a C-54 transport aircraft and a much later loss of MiGs and an SU-27 are reported in extended narratives. It is clear that Merlin spends much effort to accumulate the photographs throughout the book. You won't see many of these in internet searches! He also includes a chapter on how Area 51 attracted the UFO/Conspiracy crowd, and the expansion of the restricted area due to gawkers hiking in and some camping out. convinced that UFO and aliens are at the base (Spoiler Alert: they're not). There's even a group photo of the security "Camo Dudes". The base did have a serious problem in dealing with its location close by and downwind of the Nevada test site, and the effects of fallout in and around the base.
As others have mentioned, this is a massive book. I have several professional medical texts, and this is of the same dimensions and weight. Previous books on Area 51, such as the Jacobsen Area 51 book of 2011, look incredibly lame in comparison to this masterful work. Yes, it is expensive, but you very much get your money's worth and then some.
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From the Publisher
DREAMLAND The Secret History of Area 51
Area 51, a top-secret military installation hidden in the desert northwest of Las Vegas, has been shrouded in mystery since 1955. Now, aerospace historian Peter Merlin cuts through the myths and conspiracy folklore to reveal in extraordinary detail the true story of how a ramshackle temporary outpost was ultimately transformed into one of the nation’s premier flight test and evaluation facilities for advanced aviation technology and high-tech weapons.
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Area 51, a top-secret military installation hidden in the desert northwest of Las Vegas, has been shrouded in mystery since 1955. Now, aerospace historian Peter Merlin cuts through the myths and conspiracy folklore to reveal in extraordinary detail the true story of how a ramshackle temporary outpost was ultimately transformed into one of the nation’s premier flight test and evaluation facilities for advanced aviation technology and high-tech weapons. |
Other books focus on the early years of the Groom Lake test site (circa 1955 to 1969); Dreamland covers that period in greater detail and also continues the story well into the modern era. This compelling narrative is based on a treasure trove of declassified documents and interviews and is richly illustrated with more than 700 images, many never published before. |
Along with collecting declassified government documents, interviews, photos, and other material, the author developed extensive contacts in libraries and archives, submitted numerous Freedom of Information Act requests, conducted oral-history interviews with veterans, and discovered a surprising amount of material that was never classified in the first place. |
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Reviews with images
Excellent read!
Great compilation of Dreamland history. All real history, none of that space alien horse hockey.I’m giving the author 5 stars for his work. The book manufacturer however, leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a 6.5 pound tome lightly glued together. Simply moving it weakens it. It slipped out of my car yesterday and the cover and binding completely separated.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
Great compilation of Dreamland history. All real history, none of that space alien horse hockey.
I’m giving the author 5 stars for his work. The book manufacturer however, leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a 6.5 pound tome lightly glued together. Simply moving it weakens it. It slipped out of my car yesterday and the cover and binding completely separated.
I’m giving the author 5 stars for his work. The book manufacturer however, leaves a lot to be desired. It’s a 6.5 pound tome lightly glued together. Simply moving it weakens it. It slipped out of my car yesterday and the cover and binding completely separated.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
Andrzej
AMAZON NIE POTRAFI DOSTARCZYC KSIAZKI W CALOSCI I BEZ USZKODZEN
Reviewed in Poland on February 7, 2024