Rating: 
Summary: Without a doubt, the best theory yet!
Review: The first time I read this book, I laughed aloud - not out of amusement, but from joy. I was so delighted to learn that others found the same inconsistencies in traditional theories that I did! This book had a profound impact on the way I viewed ancient history - kudos to Sitchin for his dazzling, airtight investigations. At last, a real researcher tackling the issue of extraterrestrial life, instead of the same old half-baked alleged "abductees". Excellent, excellent book!
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a theory that makes sense!
Review: Mr. Sitchin does more than point out an intelligent alternative to the impossible teachings that have been thrust upon us since childhood. His information explains and corroborates ideas expressed in ancient and religious texts throughout our world in terms and interpretations that at first seem possible, then plausible, but finally, probable.Yes, it's a bit hard to swallow the 'spaceman' theories, but give his evidence a chance. It is certainly no more incredible than many of the traditional ideas we've been taught over the years. If you feel a strong literal belief in some of those well-established dogmas, or are offended when people contradict the typical interpretations of today's largely Judeo-Christian society, you may feel that Sitchin's material shows anti-religious leanings or even approaches blasphemy. To the open minded individual, though, this book will expose an entirely possible origin of life on this planet (both all life and later, human life), more intellectually explained than the bible stories we've been asked to believe, but in fact in complete agreement with them! If nothing else, Sitchin shows us a concise view of the evolution of myths, religions and 'sacred' teachings on this planet, and shows direct evidence that they mostly boil back to the same events. Even if you don't buy the whole Ancient Astronaut bit, the historical perspective is fascinating. And if you DO buy it (I did within the first 20 pages), it opens up a whole new interpretation of old and current events. I'd also recommend another book, William Bramley's The Gods of Eden (personal rating: 3.5 stars). It begins with the basic Ancient Astronauts premise, but opines about the motives of the supposed extraterrestrial race. In The 12th Planet, though Sitchin tries to stay objective regarding the intent of the Annunaki, he does show evidence of mixed feelings among the community of "Gods" about the welfare of humanity. He even states that Man was, in fact, created by the Annunaki specifically to be a slave race, literally owned by the ETs. Mr. Bramley shows some impressive research of his own in The Gods of Eden, but suggests an even darker, more conspiratorial extraterrestrial race that he believes could be the cause of most or all human warfare, famine and discontent on this planet. Bramley's book also puts a very interesting slant on many current events, and suggests the possible methods these ETs use to direct and control human activity even today. A bit sinister, but in the spirit of lively discussion, and for another phenomenal historical perspective, read The Gods of Eden (but only AFTER you read The 12th Planet)! Chew on these suppositions long and well before swallowing, but a little enlightenment goes a long way toward satisfaction!
Rating:
Summary: a theory worth reading
Review: it can read like textbook at times but is worth reading. It is a thought provoking view of ancient history. It might be scary to read because it will go against all the dogma we have been trained to think.
Rating:
Summary: Very, Very Interesting Read which requires Concentration!
Review: I Love all of Zechariah's Work, and am Amazed at This Man's ability to see "The Big Picture". This Book captured me instantly. It is a very Beautiful way of Logically Proving that Science and Religion in History are in Accordance with each other. Zechariah's Translation Knowledge and Technique are Impeccable, and his Research is Extremely Exhaustive. Sitchin's The MAN! I want to Tell everyone - READ THIS BOOK! At the same time, we must keep an opened mind. Remember that everyone has the right to believe differently. This just happens to be the most intriguing and amazing thing I've ever read. The Three Original Pyramids and Sphynx built and used by Annunaki! How Cool is That?! And It's ALL Carved in STONE!!
Rating: 
Summary: Well-researched nonsense
Review: It is amazing that an individual could have such an accomplished background, engage in such exhaustive research and yet manage to reach such ridiculous conclusions. Here is a book that confuses metaphysical with literal or physical meanings from ancient texts, is full of "obvious" conclusions that aren't obvious at all and which presents preposterous science without blinking. Common sense questions are left begging everywhere. Sitchin begins with a puzzle. Homo Sapiens were stone age for two million years, suddenly acquiring civilization about 11,000 bc. How could such an abrupt change occur? Must be aliens. Common sense might answer him by asking a similar question: how is it that humans walked or rode horses from 11,000 bc to 1900 ad and then suddenly began flying jets at Mach 2? Maybe aliens visited the Wright brothers. Or could be a simpler explanation might suffice. He never considers alternative ideas, preferring to interpret for his outlandish conclusion, no matter how far the stretch in reasoning to support it. Perhaps man didn't suddenly become civilized around 11,000 bc. Perhaps civilization existed many thousands of years prior as recorded in the Vedas. Perhaps people lived on Atlantis. Is he even aware of these ideas? He is oblivious to astral realms, spiritual realms, heavenly realms. A "ladder" becomes a "mechanical facility," not a symbol. A Sumerian reference to "gods" and "Heaven" would seem to me to be a spiritual reference. For him, another indicator of aliens. He appears to have no understanding of the Transcendent, allowing him to interpret expressions such as "Primeval Source" as a spaceship reference, not Consciousness. Halfway through, you want to scream, "it is a metaphor, you moron", when suddenly you think--maybe Sitchin is goofing on his readers, an elaborate ruse to make money off people without education. Or maybe this is disguised fiction. If so, he has a well-spun tale in need of more plot. It is interesting to read his translations of ancient texts. The book is well written and an easy read. His conclusion certainly supports this idea. Apparently, we've been instructed in our past by visitors from an larger-than-earth unknown planet from our own solar system. Beings with advanced space technology who can only visit us when their planet swings inside the orbit of Jupiter every few thousand years. He's unaware of gravitational effects on planetary orbits. Scientists have located 19 planets in other solar systems, some over 30 light-years distant, and this guy is arguing for a large planet in our own system, now out past Pluto, which we can't find, and beings who visit and then leave to live on a world without sunlight. If you want evidence of alien visitation on earth, "The Sirius Mystery" is an intelligent alternative.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting read but not a page-turner.
Review: This book had the potential to be a great novel in the hands of a master story teller. The story itself I would give five stars. Unfortunately, the author emphasized the research which made for a boring read and never really got going. I can accept that the radiation on planet Marduk could cause extensive volcanic activity thereby creating a thermal barrier which would protect the planet from the cold of space, but what about photosynthesis? The Neflim transformed the Earth with plant life from Marduk.
Rating:
Summary: Ancient Text Marvel
Review: Although I've never taken much interest in religion, history, or archeology, I found myself completely wrapped up in this book. Honestly, I came across this with a book search on UFOs. This book was not a 'quick read' for me but thouroughly rewarding. It blends alot of ancient writings (eg. Sumerian, Akkadian, Greek mythology, Old Testament) and makes sense out of how they can and do corroborate and intersect. A fascinating book that makes you wonder about the human race's surviving documentation and evidence from it's very beginning.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL WHO HAVE OPEN MINDS
Review: Like ALL of his books, this FIRST one is amazing, compelling, persuasive, enlightening, builds rationally and logically to each of its points BUT (there's alway a "but")is a bit difficult to read. Also, as with ALL his books, Zecharia draws his concise conclusions by bringing the knowledge of many sciences together. It is a must read for anyone with an open mind and thirst for knowledge. How sad it isn't used in ancient history courses. I suggest the Earth Chronicles be read in their order of publication: 12th Planet, Stairway to Heaven, Wars of Gods & Men, Lost Realms,When Time Began.
Rating: 
Summary: Why aren't our children given this information?
Review: I found this author while helping my son research a paper on Sumer for his high school Anchient and Medieval History class. I was very surpized to find that my sons textbook was devoid of information (much less interesting information) concerning this remarkable civilization/period. I was also very concerned at how our students are being introduced to anchient civilizations without a single question being raised as to why or how Sumer, Egypt, the Olmecs and the Indus valley emerged so suddenly from primative technology. Mr. Sitchin may be completely off base in concluding that the gods arrived from another planet in our solar system. But students are far more likely to commence further reseach in this area if they are introduced to books like the 12th Planet than from reading (i.e. ignoring) the bland, pseudo-scientific "time lines" our students are being taught. Do we really wonder why science and history apptitudes in America are erroding. Come on teachers! Let's give young minds something to think about. Zecharia Sitchin does!
Rating:
Summary: As plausable explanation of humankinds past on earth as any.
Review: This book blew me away when I first read it almost two decades ago. The images evoked are so strong that if one believes in genetic memory, one must accept that the author's ideas are fairly close to being true. If only on a fictional level, it is a wonderful story.
|
