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BOOKS Reviewed by Ruth Parnell CROP CIRCLES: The Bones of God by Michael Glickman Frog Books, Berkeley, CA, USA, 2009 ISBN 978-158394-228-4 (139pp tpb) Available: northatlanticbooks.com rchitect Michael Glickman dissects the geometry and mathematics of crop circles in this follow-up to his 2007 Cornography compilation (see review, 14/06). His coverage starts with the famous Alton Barnes "agriglyph" of 1990, which heralded a change from the circular designs observed up till then to designs of increasing size, complexity and beauty—and not just circular in shape, although the name "crop circles" had already stuck by then. The crop circles are an affront to our worldview, Glickman says, and he despairs that science, art, academia and the media have not embraced their sheer mystery and beauty, where no one design is repeated in the fields year after year. He is at odds with those who so glibly decry the precision encompassed in these ever-evolving designs. This journey takes in key years right up to 2008, with the Barbury Castle formation showing a representation REVIEWS @ REVIEWS of the solar system at the 2012 solstice—a significant date for those focused on dimensional shift and the start of a new world in accordance with the Mayan calendar. Sacred geometry, DNA helical and fractal forms, serendipitous experiences, psychic manifestations and parallel realities are all part of Glickman’'s insightful view into this constantly astonishing phenomenon. After nearly two decades of investigation, Glickman can't help but conclude there is "an as-yet- unknown non-earthly intelligence or civilization" behind it all. what made the crop circle subject so innovative and inspirational, he says. Collins takes us back to the time of some legendary early crop formations (e.g., Barbury Castle, 1991) and covers the phenomenon's "lowest ever point" with the Doug and Dave planking hoaxes. In this new edition (illustrated with a centre section of colour plates), he adds far-reaching new material and contemplates ideas o do with the fifth dimension, plasma life and ET intelligence. His 1992 book was also a prelude to his full-time writing career, which has produced such works as From the Ashes of Angels and Gods of Eden (see 4/01 and 5/04). Collins acknowledges that he circle phenomenon doesn't seem ‘0 be going away, and he offers ways or us to commune with it. THE NEW CIRCLEMAKERS by Andrew Collins Ath Dimension Press, Virginia Beach, VA, 2009 (first pub. ABC Books, 1992) ISBN 978-0-87604-549-7 (26Ipp tpb) Available: 4thDimensionPress.com n preparing this new edition of his 1992 book, Andrew Collins reflected on the crop circle phenomenon in the ensuing 17 years. He is amazed at its progress and how his own views have changed. He excuses himself for the freshness and naivety he exhibited back then, but wonders why the more common perception these days amongst crop circle devotees is to fear pronouncing a hoaxed formation as meaningful. So, it's time to revisit iclemak Insights into the Crop Circle Mystery + NEXUS ¢ 69 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2009 www.nexusmagazine.com