The Source: Journey Through the Unexplained is a collaborative work by nighttime radio talk show host Art Bell and bestselling author Brad Steiger. Published in 1999, the book delves into a wide array of paranormal and unexplained phenomena, offering readers an introduction to topics that have intrigued both believers and skeptics alike.

Overview

The authors explore subjects such as UFO sightings, alien abductions, crop circles, government cover-ups, near-death experiences, demon possession, poltergeists, and apocalyptic prophecies. They present these topics through a combination of anecdotal accounts, personal experiences, and speculative theories, aiming to provoke thought and discussion about the mysteries that lie beyond conventional understanding. 

Reception

The book has received mixed reviews. Some readers appreciate it as an accessible introduction to various unexplained phenomena, especially for those new to the subject matter. Others feel that it lacks depth and critical analysis, presenting speculative ideas without sufficient evidence. Critics have noted that the book covers a broad range of topics without delving deeply into any single one, which may leave more experienced readers wanting more detailed exploration.

Conclusion

The Source serves as a primer for those curious about the unexplained, offering a glimpse into the world of paranormal phenomena. While it may not satisfy readers seeking in-depth analysis or scholarly research, it provides a starting point for further exploration into the mysteries that captivate the human imagination.

Art Bell W6OBB* was an American broadcaster and author best known as the founder and longtime host of the paranormal-themed radio show Coast to Coast AM. Born on June 17, 1945, and passing away on April 13, 2018, Bell became a cult figure in late-night talk radio, drawing millions of listeners with his deep voice, curiosity, and focus on fringe science, UFOs, conspiracy theories, time travel, and the paranormal.

Brad Steiger (1936–2018) was a prolific American author and researcher known for his extensive work on the paranormal, UFOs, cryptids, and unexplained phenomena. Born Eugene E. Olson in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he adopted the pen name Brad Steiger to distinguish his literary career from his personal life. Steiger's interest in the supernatural began at an early age, influenced by personal experiences such as a near-death encounter at age eleven, which he claimed provided him with profound insights into the mysteries of time and space.

Over his career, Steiger authored or co-authored more than 170 books, with over 17 million copies in print. His works encompass a wide range of topics, including ghost encounters, life after death, psychic phenomena, and the intersection of science and the supernatural. He also penned biographies of Hollywood icons like Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, and Rudolph Valentino. In addition to his books, Steiger wrote over 2,000 articles on paranormal themes and hosted a weekly newspaper column, "The Strange World of Brad Steiger," which was syndicated in over 80 newspapers worldwide during the early 1970s. 

Steiger's approach to writing about the paranormal was characterized by an open-minded yet inquisitive stance. He often refrained from drawing firm conclusions about the phenomena he described, instead presenting various perspectives and accounts to allow readers to form their own opinions. 

Throughout his career, Steiger appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs, including Coast to Coast AM, where he discussed topics such as UFOs, alien encounters, and other unexplained phenomena. 

Brad Steiger passed away on May 6, 2018, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of work that continues to influence enthusiasts and researchers in the fields of the paranormal and unexplained.