Education
Colavito attended Auburn High School, in Auburn, New York and graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York where he received a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and journalism in 2003.
(Many Americans believe that so-called ancient astronauts ...)
Many Americans believe that so-called ancient astronauts (visitors from outer space) were responsible for historical wonders like the pyramids. This entertaining and informative book traces the origins of such beliefs to the work of horror writer H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937). The author takes the reader through fifty years of pop culture and pseudoscience highlighting such influential figures and developments as Erich von Däniken (Chariots of the Gods), Graham Hancock (Fingerprints of the Gods), Zecharia Sitchin (Twelfth Planet), and the Raelian Revolution. The astounding and improbable connections among these various characters are revealed, along with the disturbing consequences of Lovecraft’s "little joke" for modern science and public knowledge.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591023521/?tag=2022091-20
(Tracing the development of horror entertainment since the...)
Tracing the development of horror entertainment since the late 18th century, this study argues that scientific discovery, technological progress, and knowledge in general have played an unparalleled role in influencing the evolution of horror. Throughout its many subgenres (biological horror, cosmic horror and others) and formats (film, literature, comics), horror records humanity's uneasy relationship with its own ability to reason, understand, and learn. The text first outlines a loose framework defining several distinct periods in horror development, then explores each period sequentially by looking at the scientific and cultural background of the period, its expression in horror literature, and its expression in horror visual and performing arts.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/078643273X/?tag=2022091-20
(Could the story of earth’s history be radically different...)
Could the story of earth’s history be radically different than historians and archaeologists have led us to believe? Cable television, book publishers, and a bewildering array of websites tell us that human history is a tapestry of aliens, Atlantis, monsters, and more. But is there any truth to these “alternatives” to mainstream history? Since 2001, skeptical xenoarchaeologist Jason Colavito has investigated the weird, the wild, and the wacky in search of the truth about ancient history. He interrogates “alternative” history’s most important claims to reveal the real facts that sit behind the speculation. What you are about to read is a collection of fifty of Colavito’s best essays on fake history and false claims, covering everything from Atlantis to Chupacabra to Stonehenge to UFOs, and even the demonic power of the humble dinner fork. Across these essays Colavito shines the light of reason to separate fact from speculation, to expose lies and fraud, and to get to the bottom of what’s behind claims for ancient astronauts and “alternative” history—drawing on the actual ancient texts TV’s talking heads don’t want you to actually read. If you’ve ever wondered whether cable TV documentaries are telling you the truth about aliens and Atlantis, read on and learn what TV won’t tell you about faking history…
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1482387824/?tag=2022091-20
(The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most f...)
The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most famous in Greek myth, and its development from the oldest layers of Greek mythology down to the modern age encapsulates the dramatic changes in faith, power and culture that Western civilization has seen over the past three millennia. From the Bronze Age to the Classical Age, from the medieval world to today, the Jason story has been told and retold with new stories, details and meanings. This book explores the epic history of a colorful myth and probes the most ancient origins of the quest for the Golden Fleece--a quest that takes us to the very dawn of Greek religion and its close relationship with Near Eastern peoples and cultures.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786479728/?tag=2022091-20
(Horror fiction stormed the bestseller lists with classics...)
Horror fiction stormed the bestseller lists with classics like Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, setting the stage for Stephen King's worldwide popularity, but the genre has literary roots going back centuries. This collection provides insight into the way classic horror texts were received, interpreted and discussed by the first generations to experience them, ideas that continue to define the way modern society views horror. Each reprinted article, review or critical essay is prefaced with an introduction and explanatory notes to put the work in context. The book also includes an overview of horror criticism, a publication timeline, and period photographs and illustrations.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786469099/?tag=2022091-20
(Did aliens visit ancient civilizations? Could Jesus have ...)
Did aliens visit ancient civilizations? Could Jesus have fathered a dynasty? Did people of the ancient world visit the Americas centuries before Columbus? The public enjoys such questions, which have spawned countless books, movies and television series, but very rarely is any actual evidence produced. According to many eager writers and television hosts, evidence for long-ago astronauts or early transatlantic voyages can be found in ancient texts. But too often sources remain obscure and some writers have altered or fabricated texts to make their case for extraterrestrials and lost civilizations. This book examines more than 130 very old texts used to make the case for Atlantis, aliens, fallen angels, the Great Flood, giants, transatlantic voyagers, ancient high technology and many other mysteries. English translations are presented with explanatory notes showing how these texts have been used and abused to make entertaining claims about prehistory.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786496452/?tag=2022091-20
Colavito attended Auburn High School, in Auburn, New York and graduated summa cum laude from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York where he received a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and journalism in 2003.
Colavito wrote P. and is a contributor to Skeptic magazine. In the spring of 2002, Colavito and two of his classmates from a television journalism class at Ithaca College interviewed ancient astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos in the living room of Tsoukalos"s Ithaca home. Colavito"s work has largely focused on debunking "alternative archaeology" through his website Lost Civilizations Uncovered, his newsletter The Skeptical Xenoarchaeologist, books and the media.
His work has been cited in The Huffington Post and on the History Channel.
In 2005, Colavito authored P. Lovecraft and Extraterrestrial People’s Culture, published by Prometheus Books.
(Did aliens visit ancient civilizations? Could Jesus have ...)
(The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most f...)
(Could the story of earth’s history be radically different...)
(Tracing the development of horror entertainment since the...)
(Horror fiction stormed the bestseller lists with classics...)
(Many Americans believe that so-called ancient astronauts ...)