Calendar. David Ewing Duncan.

Calendar
by David Ewing Duncan.
Avon Books: 1998

Subtitled "Humanity's Epic Struggle to Determine a True and Accurate Year", this book mainly focuses on the Gregorian calendar, mentioning non-western developments only as side notes or when they have something to do with Europe.

The book devotes equal time to two aspects: the technological/scientific advances -- and retreats -- in figuring out the length of the year, and the political/social intricacies in developing an accurate and universal calendar.

We quickly reach 100-300 AD at which point the book is an interesting history of the Catholic Church, with an episode in the Middle East. What was most surprising to me is how the most vital aspect of calendar-keeping to the Europeans was the keeping of saints' days -- the commercial and personal aspects were not that important (and were still frequently tied to seasonal time), especially compared with the struggle to accurately determine when to celebrate Easter! Good book.

The Aztecs: People of the Sun. Alfonso Caso.

Return of the Nephilim
by Alfonso Caso.
University of Oklahoma: 1970.

Wonderfully illustrated by Miguel Covarrubias, this book is at times a general overview of the confusing and complex Aztec religion and deities, and at times provides insight into some interesting details.

Intended as a popular introduction, this is also a great reference. His economy with words and clear prose make a difficult subject more accessible to us non-experts.

Return of the Nephilim. Chuck Missler.

Return of the Nephilim
by Chuck Missler
Koinonia House: 1997. (audio only)

UFOs, Stonehenge, the Book of Revelations - what more can you ask for? Missler explains that Genesis chapter 6 means that when fallen angels were having sex with women, their offspring were monstrous 'people' called Nephilim.

He suggests that these Nephilim, or perhaps their spirits (demons?) are reappearing today, this time as UFOs and aliens. He also suggests that they have done so for thousands of years and were involved in building Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid and other monuments. Heathen legends which talk of intercourse between gods and humans are further evidence. CIA and other government cover-ups indicate our government is aware of the situation and is on the wrong side.

Although he does a good job talking about the Nephilim, he does not convincingly tie them to UFO appearances. He gives too much credence to wackos who claim alien abduction. He says that every single abductee has dabbled in the occult, and yet he takes them at face value when they claim to have had an embryo implanted. I always wonder what the babies are like when they're born...?