Great book. Well written, intriguing insights. Anyone interested in the Paranormal/UFO world needs to read this book. My only "problem" with this book, as with others that share the "Mythos" explanation for UFO experiences, is that it doesn't address all the questions that plague UFO and paranormal events. (I doubt any one theory can.) Vallee, Thompson, Goodwin, Jung, Campbell -- all those writers who take a mythic approach in attempting to provide an answer for UFO and paranormal events ignore the "nuts and bolts" aspects of such encounters. (And many "nuts and bolts" theory fans ignore the more paranormal encounters, etc.) The mythic perspective comes almost right up against the edge of an answer, then backs off. It simply doesn't completely and "realistically" look at the UFO/Paranormal situation.
As a sort of "independent researcher in both the folklore and paranormal fields, I certainly appreciate the comparisons to mythic scenarios and present day "myth" -- UFOs. One thing that folklorists and others who study stories know is that such tales contain "oppositions," or"contradictions"...I refer to them as "dualities." Which makes the whole UFO phenomena all the more elusive, of course. Its very nature; changeable, at times contradictory, makes it difficult to study. But the fact that many (not all) UFO encounters contain mythic and legendary elements, and can be easily compared to such earlier traditions as fairy lore, for example, does not cancel out other types of UFO experience. And it is this point that Thompson do not realize. Yes, on one level the mythos is being played out, and we can learn from that. At the same time (duality) "if it quacks like a duck"....
In other words, sometimes a UFO, with beams of light, hard cold metal, sounds, visible and physical effects on people, animals, and environment, is just that: a real, actual craft. (Now whether that craft came from within our solar system, outside the galaxy, middle earth, Area 51, or the CIA is another matter.) The fact remains, it's "real" and there is nothing "mythic" about it. However, (duality again) it may be that the responses of witnesses, culture, society and the actions of the UFO and its occupants play out mythic scenarios. The two different settings do not cancel each other out.
Does this mean this is a bad book? Of course not. It's a great book, full of valuable information, history and insights; most definitely food for thought. The fact that this psycho=analytical, mythic perspective misses a few components to the phenomena as a whole, or doesn't provide "the big answer" does not mean that this book is to be ignored.
I urge everyone to read this book, no matter where you are concerning the UFO and paranormal phenomena.
While the book doesn't exactly represent a fresh perspective - it may have been fresher at the time it came out - it is certainly still a good introduction to the complexities of the subject matter. Thompson uses a broad range of source material, including personal interviews with 'experiencers' and well-known authors in the field. He treats the subject with respect; his mind isn't closed but he maintains a healthy skepticism. His writing is crisp and not boring.
If you haven't read a whole bunch of books on this stuff, or if you would like a good introduction to/overview of the subject, particularly its multilayered, ever-shifting meanings, then this is a very good place to go. I would also like to recommend Daemonic Reality, by Patrick Harpur.