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In the Beginning
In his main work, the best-selling Worlds in Collision, Immanuel Velikovsky gave a detailed reconstruction of two global natural catastrophes based on information handed down by our ancestors. He mentions there that, as part of his intensive research, he found numerous indications of even more catastrophes that took place earlier in the history of mankind. In the present book, the material collected by Velikovksy about this topic is presented to the public for the first time. His findings show just how turbulent the history of Earth and our planetary system was during the time of mankind and how little we actually know of all that today.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2020
7 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Immanuel Velikovsky
83 books129 followersImmanuel Velikovsky was a Russian-born American independent scholar, best known as the author of a number of controversial books reinterpreting the events of ancient history, in particular the US bestseller Worlds in Collision, published in 1950. Earlier, he played a role in the founding of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, and was a respected psychiatrist and psychoanalyst.
His books use comparative mythology and ancient literary sources (including the Bible) to argue that Earth has suffered catastrophic close-contacts with other planets (principally Venus and Mars) in ancient times. In positioning Velikovsky among catastrophists including Hans Bellamy, Ignatius Donnelly, and Johann Gottlieb Radlof[2], the British astronomers Victor Clube and Bill Napier noted ". . . Velikovsky is not so much the first of the new catastrophists . . . ; he is the last in a line of traditional catastrophists going back to mediaeval times and probably earlier." Velikovsky argued that electromagnetic effects play an important role in celestial mechanics. He also proposed a revised chronology for ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel and other cultures of the ancient Near East. The revised chronology aimed at explaining the so-called "dark age" of the eastern Mediterranean (ca. 1100 – 750 BCE) and reconciling biblical history with mainstream archeology and Egyptian chronology.
In general, Velikovsky's theories have been vigorously rejected or ignored by the academic community. Nonetheless, his books often sold well and gained an enthusiastic support in lay circles, often fuelled by claims of unfair treatment for Velikovsky by orthodox academia. The controversy surrounding his work and its reception is often referred to as "the Velikovsky affair".
His books use comparative mythology and ancient literary sources (including the Bible) to argue that Earth has suffered catastrophic close-contacts with other planets (principally Venus and Mars) in ancient times. In positioning Velikovsky among catastrophists including Hans Bellamy, Ignatius Donnelly, and Johann Gottlieb Radlof[2], the British astronomers Victor Clube and Bill Napier noted ". . . Velikovsky is not so much the first of the new catastrophists . . . ; he is the last in a line of traditional catastrophists going back to mediaeval times and probably earlier." Velikovsky argued that electromagnetic effects play an important role in celestial mechanics. He also proposed a revised chronology for ancient Egypt, Greece, Israel and other cultures of the ancient Near East. The revised chronology aimed at explaining the so-called "dark age" of the eastern Mediterranean (ca. 1100 – 750 BCE) and reconciling biblical history with mainstream archeology and Egyptian chronology.
In general, Velikovsky's theories have been vigorously rejected or ignored by the academic community. Nonetheless, his books often sold well and gained an enthusiastic support in lay circles, often fuelled by claims of unfair treatment for Velikovsky by orthodox academia. The controversy surrounding his work and its reception is often referred to as "the Velikovsky affair".
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 29, 2021
BRILLIANT! I can't get enough of Velikovsky!
April 24, 2023
"In the Beginning" by Immanuel Velikovsky is a controversial book that challenges the conventional understanding of human history and the origins of civilization. In this work, Velikovsky proposes a radical reinterpretation of ancient myths, legends, and historical records, challenging the widely accepted scientific and archaeological theories.
The book starts by presenting Velikovsky's overarching theory that catastrophic events, such as global catastrophes and celestial disturbances, played a significant role in shaping human history. Velikovsky argues that these catastrophic events, which he calls "Worlds in Collision," were responsible for various mythological and historical accounts found in ancient cultures around the world.
Velikovsky then delves into specific examples from ancient texts and mythologies, drawing parallels and similarities across different cultures and time periods. He suggests that these similarities are not coincidental, but rather reflect the common human experience of witnessing and recording catastrophic events, such as planetary collisions and cometary encounters.
Velikovsky's ideas challenge mainstream scientific and archaeological theories, and he has faced significant criticism and controversy throughout his career. However, "In the Beginning" presents Velikovsky's arguments in a comprehensive and thought-provoking manner, drawing on extensive research and analysis of ancient texts and historical records.
In summary, "In the Beginning" by Immanuel Velikovsky is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional views on human history and civilization. It presents a controversial theory that proposes catastrophic events as significant drivers of historical and mythological accounts, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of the past and the forces that shaped it.
The book starts by presenting Velikovsky's overarching theory that catastrophic events, such as global catastrophes and celestial disturbances, played a significant role in shaping human history. Velikovsky argues that these catastrophic events, which he calls "Worlds in Collision," were responsible for various mythological and historical accounts found in ancient cultures around the world.
Velikovsky then delves into specific examples from ancient texts and mythologies, drawing parallels and similarities across different cultures and time periods. He suggests that these similarities are not coincidental, but rather reflect the common human experience of witnessing and recording catastrophic events, such as planetary collisions and cometary encounters.
Velikovsky's ideas challenge mainstream scientific and archaeological theories, and he has faced significant criticism and controversy throughout his career. However, "In the Beginning" presents Velikovsky's arguments in a comprehensive and thought-provoking manner, drawing on extensive research and analysis of ancient texts and historical records.
In summary, "In the Beginning" by Immanuel Velikovsky is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional views on human history and civilization. It presents a controversial theory that proposes catastrophic events as significant drivers of historical and mythological accounts, inviting readers to reconsider their understanding of the past and the forces that shaped it.
January 4, 2025
This audiobook is the demented and long debunked ramblings of a long dead, pseudo-scientific and pseudo-historical woo-peddler. The only reason why anyone invested the time and money into recording it as an audiobook is that (as the 5 star ratings on this garbage suggest,) the world is increasingly full of gullible woo-addicts who believe that science is a lie and will accept any old codswallop which claims to tie together all human history, mythology and religion with a healthy dose of "Ancient Aliens." And I honestly can't understand why I bothered wasting my time and my braincells on this dross.
June 6, 2025
This author has a unique and thorough presentation on Earth's beginning. Laying out even how the planetary order affected the development. An informative and realistic insight into our terrestrial home endured once upon a time.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews