Ragnarok : the Age of Fire and Gravel   By: Ignatius Donnelly (1831-1901)

Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel by Ignatius Donnelly is an intriguing and thought-provoking exploration of cataclysmic events throughout history. Donnelly, an American politician and Ignatius Donnelly, combines scientific research, historical accounts, and mythology to present a compelling argument for the existence of a global catastrophe in ancient times.

The book delves into the theory that a comet impact or series of impacts caused widespread destruction on Earth, reshaping continents, and wiping out entire civilizations. Donnelly supports his claims with evidence from various fields of study, including geology, astronomy, and paleontology. He draws attention to geological anomalies, such as large craters, unusual rock formations, and layers of sediment with abnormal compositions, which he believes are remnants of this cataclysmic event.

One of the strengths of Ragnarok is Donnelly's ability to synthesize complex scientific concepts and present them in a manner accessible to the general reader. His explanations are clear and concise, ensuring that readers with limited scientific background can still follow and appreciate his arguments. Moreover, Donnelly supplements his scientific reasoning with thorough historical research, exploring ancient texts and folklore from various cultures that he believes may contain echoes of the cataclysm.

While the book's central thesis is certainly thought-provoking, it should be noted that the arguments presented are speculative in nature and have been heavily debated in the scientific community. Ragnarok aims to challenge existing paradigms and prompts readers to question mainstream scientific explanations, making it a valuable contribution to the discourse on global cataclysms.

However, some readers may find Donnelly's reliance on ancient texts and mythology as evidence somewhat tenuous. While these sources provide fascinating insights into past civilizations' experiences, they are open to interpretation and may not always provide a solid foundation for scientific claims. It is important to approach these aspects of the book with a critical eye, being aware of the limitations inherent in using mythological texts as factual evidence.

Overall, Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel is a compelling and original work that encourages readers to reconsider the history of our planet in light of possible cataclysmic events. Donnelly's ability to combine scientific research, historical analysis, and mythology creates a captivating narrative that inspires readers to question the conventional understanding we have of Earth's past. Whether you are a lover of science, history, or mythology, this book offers a unique perspective on the mysteries of our ancient world.

First Page:

"I am not inclined to conclude that man had no existence at all before the epoch of the great revolutions of the earth. He might have inhabited certain districts of no great extent, whence, after these terrible events, he repeopled the world... Continue reading book >>