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Summary: Collision of worlds entertaining, but not accurate
Review: Perhaps the granddaddy of the science-fiction subgenre of cosmic impact novels, "When Worlds Collide" takes a totally implausible situation and makes it a deadly serious story...It doesn't look at itself and chuckle...It presses on like the end of the world really is tomorrow...That, and the fact that it is a disaster novel, are what save this novel...Although the movie version has not been well received, it does give a rare opportunity to view some familiar faces, including Frank Cady (Sam Drucker on Green Acres and Petticoat Junction), John Hoyt (Grandpa on Gimme A Break), and Hayden Rorke (Dr. Bellows on I Dream of Jeannie).
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Summary: Ranks with the all-time best of sci-fi novels
Review: Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer have produced possibly the earliest of global disaster novels. The most frightening thing about this book is its plausibility; there is the ever-present danger it could very well happen! If you read this story, you'll be well-prepared to view the George Pal 1951 film of the same title which is loosely based on this novel, and appreciate its presentation. Two more recent films, "Deep Impact", and "Armageddon", appear to have been inspired by this book.
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Summary: WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer
Review: Probably the best science fiction story of all times! A "gas giant" planet about the size of Uranus was dragged away from its original orbit around its sun in a distant solar system by a passing star, perhaps millions of years ago. Also dragged away was the gigantic planet's satellite, an earthlike planet. The two bodies retain their original orbital influence and wonder for eons, frozen in the absolute zero of space, until they come close enough to our solar system and are pulled in, attracted by the gravity of our own sun, their speeds increased several times in their endless travel through space. Star gazers soon discover that at least one of the newly discovered bodies will collide with and destroy the earth. Upon being discovered by a South African astronomer Professor Bronson, the two bodies are named by scientists after its discoverer. The larger one, the gaseous "Bronson Alpha", will destroy the earth, so a Noah's Ark rocket is built at a franctic pace to provide escape of 100 chosen would be travelers, so they can start a new life in Alpha's companion, the earthlike "Bronson Beta" which will replace the Earth in its orbital position. Time is of essence in this classic sci-fi thriller which should be remade by Hollywood in state or the art computerized special effects and sound!
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Summary: THE BEST Sci Fi Book ever written--intriguing!!!!
Review: The earth is about to be taken out by another planet,yet
a 2nd planet revolving around the first offers mankind a chance to escape. MUCH better than the 1952 movie of the same name. Also a sequel "After Worlds Collide". We can only
hope the publisher decides to print this again!!!
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Summary: A "must read" that is still relevant after all these years.
Review: The school nurse recommended this book to me when I was in the fifth grade. It was the first science fiction book I ever read. After Worlds Collide was the second one. Like many other people, I re-read these books at least a dozen times--and would love to read them again. With all the recent talk of "near miss" (we hope!) asteroids in our neighborhood, these books would be of particular interest to lots of people who've never heard of them. They need to be back in print.By the way, if you haven't seen the movie---don't bother. Someone might be able to remake it more true to the book (in which case I'd check it out), but it would probably be just another dumb disaster film. I'd rather see a film version of After Worlds Collide. I still explore those cities in my dreams.... Another book I read back in the fifth grade was Earth Abides, by George Stewart. It, too, is timely albeit for another reason. An unknown disease destroys most of humankind. No miracle cures just in time to save us---just a few survivors, and what happens after that. Much of the story takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area, which made it very real to me when I read it in 1960. Sometimes, when the bridge is not crowded I still look for a certain abandoned car.... I'd love to see this one made into a film, too.
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Summary: When Worlds Collide
Review: This book is one of the greatest books I have ever read. Preperation to leave the planet, and the adventure to explore the new planet (Bronson Beta) is truly a sign of exceptinal writing. There will probally never be a book quite like it.
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Summary: If you liked this book you should read the book " "
Review: This book was excellent to read and I was looking into this edition that I found at my Aunt's house with a note attached stating that it was translated from a Russian author of last century with a title of "World in Upheaval" I spent about 10 years searching and finally found a copy over in Germany. It was even better than this book.
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Summary: EXCELLENT STORY!
Review: This is a true science-fiction classic. The reason is simple: it is plausible. I first read this story almost forty years ago when I was in junior high school, and in the intervening years, it has lost none of its' fascination for me. I especially was taken by the sequel. The basic story is this: an astronomer discovers two planets from outside the solar system that are on a collision course with earth. One of them is a gas giant the size of Uranus, the other is a planet similar to earth, which will be destroyed. The other planet will assume the approximate orbit that the earth had. The scientists of earth build space vehicles in an attempt to save the human race. When I heard it was back in print, I orderd a copy and was very happy to find that the sequel was included. After Worlds Collide deals with the adventures of the people who land on the new planet.Some of the criticisms of these books are somewhat understandable. For example, the dialogue is sometimes--to be charitable--unrealistic. And the absence of diversity will offend some. There were only whites and Asians mentioned, and the "Asiatics" were, for the most part,the villains. Ignoring these relatively minor flaws however, still leaves a story that fascinates.One disappointment in the Bison reprints is that they do not have the maps of the new planet in it, but I am still glad it is back in print.If your local bookstore does not have it, order it. I doubt that you will be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT STORY!
Review: This is a true science-fiction classic. The reason is simple: it is plausible. I first read this story almost forty years ago when I was in junior high school, and in the intervening years, it has lost none of its' fascination for me. I especially was taken by the sequel. The basic story is this: an astronomer discovers two planets from outside the solar system that are on a collision course with earth. One of them is a gas giant the size of Uranus, the other is a planet similar to earth, which will be destroyed. The other planet will assume the approximate orbit that the earth had. The scientists of earth build space vehicles in an attempt to save the human race. When I heard it was back in print, I orderd a copy and was very happy to find that the sequel was included. After Worlds Collide deals with the adventures of the people who land on the new planet.Some of the criticisms of these books are somewhat understandable. For example, the dialogue is sometimes--to be charitable--unrealistic. And the absence of diversity will offend some. There were only whites and Asians mentioned, and the "Asiatics" were, for the most part,the villains. Ignoring these relatively minor flaws however, still leaves a story that fascinates.One disappointment in the Bison reprints is that they do not have the maps of the new planet in it, but I am still glad it is back in print.If your local bookstore does not have it, order it. I doubt that you will be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: I read it as a child and I still think about it!
Review: This is one of the books I read from the library of my home town as a youngster that started my addiction to science fiction. I loved it then and would love to find a copy of it! I've periodically searched but I've never been able to find it in either hard cover or paperback. Anybody know where I can find a copy
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