Brief:
Jack Hagerty and Jon Rogers newest book, The Saucer Fleet, is just outstanding. Seriously! I could hardly put it down once I started reading. It is every bit as good as the Spaceship Handbook. It’s a different subject, of course, but Jack and Jon wrap up the flying saucers in their own unique veil. The approach to presenting them really is fascinating. We got hints about it in the pre-release announcements, but it really comes to life as you read through the book. I won’t spoil it for you. You’ll understand what I’m saying when you read the book.

The layout of the book is very similar to the Spaceship Handbook, as each saucer presented has some background information provided that gives some insight into the making of the saucer and its reason for recognition. Jon Rogers has also done another outstanding job of providing the dimensions you’ll need to build that favorite saucer. There are some really good ones in there, too.

My favorite is “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” I guess that’s probably because of the impact the movie had on me. Amazingly, I have a better understanding, after having read The Saucer Fleet, of why it had such an impact. While reading the book I was reminded, by one of Jon’s recollections, about one of my childhood memories. Those who know me know I’m not the best when it comes to memories, but I do have those few that sort of “hang on.” There aren’t many of them, but they all have some special meaning. This particular memory was when I was in grade school and having one of our “nuclear” drills. Again, not to spoil things, but you’ll have a better understanding of why that dream has a special meaning after you’ve read the book. Regardless, Jon has done an outstanding job of bringing the saucer to life, both inside and outside with his dimensional drawings and additional footage from the show. Very nice! Klaatu would be proud.

The section on “The War of The Worlds” is another great one, full of fascinating insights into this legendary H.G. Wells story. As much as this story has commanded my attention any time it comes on television, I must say Jack has brought new life to the movie. No, not the new one from a few years ago, the real one! I’m sorry, Gene Barry is much more impressive than “what’s his name.” I never realized how much background information there was. It is an amazing journey Jack takes us on, a great addition to the book.

I’m sure everyone has their own favorite flying saucer. I initially wondered about the selection of which flying saucers to include in the book and which to leave out. Obviously, one specific one I wondered about is the big saucer in “Close Encounters.” It even had enough prominence to get displayed at the Udvar-Hazy museum. How could you do a book about flying saucers and omit this one? After reading the book, though, I understand why. It really is the subject for a different kind of book. Nevertheless, with Sci-Fi greats such as the Terran saucer from the “Twin Earth” serials, the C57-D from “Forbidden Planet,” and many others, the reader will have plenty of great flying saucers to read about and model.

Overall, I must say The Saucer Fleet is everything I expected and more. Each saucer has a great story to tell, and Jack and Jon have collaborated again to produce a really important book for those of us that love those flying machines.