Monday, July 6, 2009

RIP - John A. Keel

John A. Keel --- Cryptozoologist and occult theorist par excellence --- has died.

In a field that is overrun with childish fantasies, inane pseudo-science, and general idiocy, Keel stood apart as a mature and insightful voice, primarily because of his fascinating notions about how "supernatural" entities are in fact longstanding facets of our world; facets that modern man would prefer to keep out of sight and mind.

To me, Keel's finest works were rooted in the exploration of consciousness, human and non, rather than in goofy tabloid accounts of martians and monsters. His famous book The Mothman Prophecies remains one of the most fascinating and terrifying works of the esoteric I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

A memorial and career overview can be found here.