The Velikovsky Heresies: Worlds in Collision and Ancient Catastrophes Revisited

A reexamination of Immanuel Velikovskys controversial Venus theories in light of new astronomical and archaeological findings

Provides new evidence from recent space probe missions to support Velikovskys theories on the formation of Venus

Presents recently translated ancient texts from China, Korea, and Japan that uphold the cometlike descriptions of Venus cited by Velikovsky

Examines evidence of major geomagnetic events in 1500 BCE and 750 BCE that correspond with close passes of the comet Venus and its impact with Mars

Offers scientific explanations for many disputed aspects of Velikovskys theories, such as how Venus could have transformed from a comet into an orbiting planet

Surrounded by controversy even before its publication in 1950, Immanuel Velikovskys Worlds in Collision introduced the provocative theory that Venus began as a brilliant comet ejected by Jupiter around 1600 BCE, wreaking chaos on Mars and Earth as it roamed through our solar system prior to settling into its current orbit. Immediately dismissed without any investigation and subject to vicious attacks, Velikovskys theory is now poised for reexamination in light of recent astronomical and archaeological findings.

Exploring the key points of Velikovskys theories, Laird Scranton presents evidence from recent space probe missions to show that Venus still exhibits cometlike properties, such as its atmospheric composition, and could be a young planet. Reviewing the widespread cometlike descriptions of Venus from 1500 BCE to 750 BCE as well as Velikovskys observation that no records of Venus exist prior to 1600 BCE, Scranton reveals recently translated ancient texts from China, Korea, and Japan that further uphold Velikovskys theories. Examining evidence of major geomagnetic and climate-change events around 1500 BCE and 750 BCE, corresponding with close passes of the comet Venus and its impact with Mars, the author offers scientific explanations for many disputed aspects of Velikovskys theories, such as how Venus transformed from a comet into an orbiting planet. By updating this unresolved controversy with new scientific evidence, Scranton helps us to understand how it was that Worlds in Collision was the one book found open on Albert Einsteins desk at the time of his death.