In this book, Velikovsky’s ideas are seriously discussed and criticized by three astronomers, a sociologist, and an expert on ancient astronomical records. The result is a full-scale critique of Velikovsky’s work from several perspectives. Lucid and informative, the book not only shows the deficiencies of Velikovsky’s views, but also makes clear why these views have attracted such a strong public following.
From his studies of historical records Immanuel Velikovsky has concluded that close encounters between the Earth and the planet Mars and Venus occurred at about 1500 B.C. and 775 B.C. He believes that these near collisions are responsible for many of the events described in Biblical texts and in other ancient writings. Although Velikovsky’s views have not been generally accepted in the scientific community, public interest in them has continued for almost three decades