Brad Steiger (born Eugene E. Olson on February 19, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and passed away on May 6, 2018, in Mason City, Iowa) was an American writer renowned for his works on the paranormal, spirituality, UFOs, true crime, and biographies. Over his lifetime, he wrote both fiction and non-fiction, with his books gaining popularity among the general public. However, they were often criticized by academics and skeptics for making claims without substantial scientific evidence.
Early Life and Education
Brad Steiger was originally born as Eugene E. Olson on February 19, 1936, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. His birth took place during a blizzard at the Fort Dodge Lutheran Hospital. Steiger spent his childhood on a farm in Bode, Iowa.
A significant event in his early life was a near-death experience at the age of eleven. This profound incident changed his religious beliefs, leading him away from his Lutheran upbringing.
His parents played a pivotal role in shaping his future, encouraging him to pursue a career in teaching. Following their advice, Steiger went on to attend Luther College in Iowa, where he graduated in 1957. He furthered his education at the University of Iowa, earning his degree in 1963. After his studies, he began his career teaching high school English. Later on, he returned to his alma mater, Luther College, where he taught Literature and Creative Writing from 1963 to 1967.
Steiger’s passion for writing was evident from a young age. He claimed to have penned his first book when he was just seven years old. This early inclination towards literature and the paranormal set the stage for his prolific writing career in the years to come.
Career
Brad Steiger was a prolific writer, with a career spanning over six decades. He began his journey into the world of literature at a very young age, claiming to have written his first book at just seven years old.
His official foray into the publishing world started with his book titled “Ghosts, Ghouls and Other Peculiar People,” which was released in 1965. Recognizing his passion and potential in writing, Steiger decided to become a full-time writer by 1967.
Over the course of his career, Steiger authored or co-authored almost 170 books. These works covered a wide range of topics, from the paranormal and spirituality to UFOs, true crime, and biographies. His books resonated with the public, selling around 17 million copies worldwide. Some of his notable biographical works include those on celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, and Rudolph Valentino. In fact, his biography on Rudolph Valentino was adapted into a film in 1977.
Steiger’s interest in the paranormal was evident in his writings. He believed in the existence of Atlantis, suggesting it was home to a powerful civilization with advanced technological achievements. He also supported the theory of ancient astronauts and proposed that many humans descended from alien beings, referring to them as “star people.”
In collaboration with his wife, Sherry Hansen Steiger, he wrote “Four-legged Miracles: Heartwarming Tales of Lost Dogs’ Journeys Home.” The duo often worked together on various projects, showcasing their shared interests.
Apart from his books, Steiger was a frequent guest on radio programs, including “Coast to Coast AM” and the “Jeff Rense Program,” where he discussed his beliefs, theories, and findings from his research.
Controversy
Brad Steiger’s works, particularly those on UFOs, spirituality, and the paranormal, were popular among the general public. However, they often faced criticism from academics and skeptics. The primary concerns were:
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: Many of Steiger’s claims, especially those related to the paranormal and UFOs, were criticized for lacking substantial scientific backing.
- Inaccurate Reporting: Some critics pointed out inaccuracies in his representation of mythology and other subjects. For instance, anthropologist Bonita Freeman-Witthoft gave a negative review of Steiger’s “Medicine Power,” noting faulty documentation and inaccuracies in reporting on American Indian spirituality.
- Failure to Cite Sources: Steiger was often criticized for not citing scholarly sources, leading to questions about the authenticity and reliability of his claims.
- Pseudoscientific Claims: Skeptical investigators, like Joe Nickell, considered Steiger an unreliable source, noting that he frequently promoted paranormal claims without robust evidence. Jason Colavito also criticized Steiger’s books for being filled with pseudoscientific assertions.
Impact on Ufology
Brad Steiger was a seminal figure in the realm of Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and their potential extraterrestrial origins. Over the course of his prolific writing career, Steiger penned numerous books and articles that delved into the mysteries of UFOs, alien encounters, and other paranormal phenomena.
One of Steiger’s most significant contributions to Ufology was his promotion of the ancient astronauts theory. This theory posits that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times, influencing human civilizations and possibly even interbreeding with humans. Steiger referred to the descendants of these alleged extraterrestrial-human unions as “star people.” His writings on this topic sparked interest and debate among both believers and skeptics, bringing the theory to a wider audience.
Furthermore, Steiger’s books often chronicled personal accounts of UFO sightings and alien abductions. By giving a platform to these stories, he played a role in legitimizing the experiences of countless individuals who claimed to have had encounters with the unknown.
However, Steiger’s work in Ufology was not without controversy. While his books were popular among enthusiasts, they were often criticized by academics and skeptics for their lack of scientific rigor and evidence-based claims.
Regardless of the criticisms, Steiger’s influence in Ufology is undeniable. His dedication to exploring the unknown and presenting alternative viewpoints on UFOs and extraterrestrial life has left an indelible mark on the field, making him one of its most recognized and influential figures.
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Conclusion
Brad Steiger, born Eugene E. Olson, was a prolific American writer who delved deep into the realms of the paranormal, spirituality, UFOs, true crime, and biographies. Over his extensive career, he authored or co-authored nearly 170 books, capturing the intrigue of millions. While his works resonated with a vast audience, they often faced scrutiny from academics and skeptics for their lack of scientific backing. Steiger’s beliefs, especially his support for the ancient astronauts theory and his claims about “star people,” have made him a polarizing figure in the literary and paranormal communities. Despite the controversies, his dedication to exploring the unknown and presenting alternative viewpoints has solidified his legacy as a significant figure in paranormal literature and ufology.