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  • Phenomena

  • The Secret History of the U.S. Government's Investigations into Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis
  • By: Annie Jacobsen
  • Narrated by: Annie Jacobsen
  • Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (48 ratings)

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Phenomena

By: Annie Jacobsen
Narrated by: Annie Jacobsen
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Publisher's Summary

The definitive history of the military's decades-long investigation into mental powers and phenomena, from the author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Pentagon's Brain and international best seller Area 51.

This is a book about a team of scientists and psychics with top secret clearances.

For more than 40 years, the US government has researched extrasensory perception, using it in attempts to locate hostages, fugitives, secret bases, and downed fighter jets, to divine other nations' secrets, and even to predict future threats to national security. The intelligence agencies and military services involved include CIA, DIA, NSA, DEA, the Navy, Air Force, and Army - and even the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Now, for the first time, New York Times best-selling author Annie Jacobsen tells the story of these radical, controversial programs, using never before seen declassified documents as well as exclusive interviews with, and unprecedented access to, more than 50 of the individuals involved. Speaking on the record, many for the first time, are former CIA and Defense Department scientists, analysts, and program managers, as well as the government psychics themselves.

Who did the US government hire for these top secret programs, and how do they explain their military and intelligence work? How do scientists approach such enigmatic subject matter? What interested the government in these supposed powers and does the research continue? Phenomena is a riveting investigation into how far governments will go in the name of national security.

©2017 Annie Jacobsen (P)2017 Hachette Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic Reviews

"As comprehensive as it is critical, this latest expose from Jacobsen is perhaps her most important work to date...Jacobsen persuasively shows that it in fact happened and aptly frames the dilemma...Rife with hypocrisy, lies, and deceit, Jacobsen's story explores a conveniently overlooked bit of history." ( Publishers Weekly, starred review)
"With Phenomena, Annie Jacobsen has once again produced an utterly absorbing and brilliantly reported chronicle that truly breaks new ground. This is a boundary-breaking story of mental phenomena - extra sensory perception techniques - that is truly a pleasure to read. A mind-bending triumph!" (Alex Kershaw, best-selling author of The Liberator and Avenue of Spies)
"Chilling, compelling, and comprehensive accounting...Jacobsen's impressive book plumbs the dark depths of this postwar recruiting and shows the historical truths behind the space race and postwar US dominance. Highly recommended for readers in World War II history, espionage, government cover-ups, or the Cold War." ( Library Journal, starred review)

What listeners say about Phenomena

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  • Jon
  • 22-03-2024

Timeless

A brilliant account of what should be our birthright. Instead we are coaxed to bury our heads further in the sand….. this is very much a parallel to Plato’s allegory of the cave. Thanks Annie, you’re a star.x

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Fascinating

I never get bored listening to Annie Jacobsons work. “Phenomena” is no exception as you are taken on another of Jacobsons spellbinding journeys through the world of spies, crime and the dark side of geopolitics. Highly recommended.

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Another great piece from Annie Jacobsen.

This is another great piece from Annie Jacobsen. I really enjoy her writing style . Recommended to all interested in government programs except maybe for those who have strong negative feelings about the moon landing (see other reviews for this book). I thought this book was well done and I enjoy that the author narrates it herself.

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Science Fiction

The author and book lost all credibility with the diversion into science fiction: a moon-mission! HAHA, good story… I prefer old-school Flash Gordon- more authentic.

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Incredible

Thoroughly captivating throughout. Well worth the time. Counting the seconds before getting my hands on more of Annie’s exceptional work.

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Great ( Read ) listening

Excellent account of events that took place over the 60's to today. Loved hearing the people that were at the forefront of the paranormal and the Author has done a fantastic effort in telling the story...... Very much worth the purchase.

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Well worth a read.

The book was dry and factual ( which I liked ) . My trust of the author from previous books gave me permission to change the way I think about my life, past, and future.

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Another Annie Jacobsen Classic

Like all of her previous works ... loved this latest book and could not put it down. Cannot wait for her next book.

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