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Area 51

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Area 51

By: Annie Jacobsen
Narrated by: Annie Jacobsen
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About this listen

'An extraordinary book' DAILY EXPRESS

'Revelatory ... Ms Jacobsen has put together a set of strong allegations about Area 51's covert history ... Her research is compellingly hard-hitting' NEW YORK TIMES

It is the most famous military installation in the world. And no credible insider has ever divulged the truth about his time inside of it. Until now. This is the first book based on interviews with scientists, pilots, and engineers - 58 in total - who provide an unprecedented look into the mysterious activities of a top-secret base, from the Cold War to today. With a jaw-dropping ending, it proves that facts are often more fantastic than fiction, especially when the distinction is almost impossible to make.

Read by Annie Jacobsen

©2011 Annie Jacobsen (P)2011 Hachette Audio Americas Media Studies Military Social Sciences United States Air Force Imperial Japan US Air Force War Aviation Cold War

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Critic reviews

An informative history...about the creativity, political acumen and courage of the high-flying Cold Warriors who sought to protect the free world in the decades after World War II (Andrew Dunn)
A compelling narrative of 50 years of covert operations by the CIA, the U.S. military, and the mysterious "Atomic Energy Commission".... Her meticulous research makes for a fascinating read, as it intersperses the accounts of secret government projects with anecdotes from the people who made those projects happen (Rachel Larimore)
All stars
Most relevant  
Totally loved this book or though the evidence presented in it is absolutely terrifying 😳

I'm speechless

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I've listened to this book twice now and while it's entertaining it contains numerous basic errors that reveal shoddy research.
Examples:
An oscillograph on a MiG 21? Does the author even know what an oscillograph is?
Referral to the Caspian Sea Monster as an Ekranopian (with an i) instead of Ekranoplan (with an L). Shows only cursory investigation was made.
The history of the Oxcart (SR71) project is interesting, but how much testimony from fairly low level staff (with an axe to grind) can be taken as truth?

Careless factual errors make veracity doubtful

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I was fascinated by this book and it's superb content. It would have been a joy to listen to, although it seemed the aim of the narration was to give a sexy, almost pointless ASMR feel to proceedings. It felt like seemingly inconsequential words were extended and softened to the point where I nearly found this book unlistenable. It is probably personal preference, but I really couldn't wait to finish this book (which I sped up to 1.45x), even though the content was so enjoyable. It got to the point where the little clicks and nubs in the voice, along with the ASMR style extended softenings, became stressful to listen to.
Other than what I consider to be terrible narration, the content of the book is brilliant. I would recommend the text version though if you are at all susceptible to stress by voice torture!

Superb but terrible narration

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The weaving in and out of global events and witness account backed up with declassified information is seamlessly done. Fantastic listen

Fantasy meets fact in a well researched and fascinating account

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Really loved this! i will be buying the rest of Annie's books very very soon.

5*

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Great Narration, Really insightful if you enjoy secret projects and the facts on spy planes.

The book really is fantastic

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The book appears well researched, I think I understood more listening to it that I would have if I had read it, I enjoyed it enough to buy another one of the authors other audiobooks. If you are in to the whole idea of government secrets, testing, coverup’s, high tech espionage, this book has got you covered. I thought the narration was very good, I found the voice quite relaxing, I know some people had issues with the voice but to me it complemented the story well.

Fascinating

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Fantastic book! I couldn't put it down that is until the end. I had to stop and start and listen to it over and over again just to be sure I got what the author is talking about.

A legitimate Area 51 History

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incredible book not sure who I fear the most now Russia or the USA how little joe public knows about politics and espionage

eye opener

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very informative from start to finish. the narrator keeps your attention through out the book

loved it

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