| Though the works of Velikovsky himself have been sunk into oblivion, many of his ideas have resurfaced in books by 'establishment' scientists/historians. The 1982 book 'The Cosmic Serpent' is amusing in that after astronomers Napier and Clube spend most of their book rehashing Velikovsky's astronomical ideas (replacing Venus with a giant interstellar comet), they follow the traditional scientific procedure of laying the boot into Velikovsky.
The main points of Velikovsky's historical ideas reappeared in the book 'Centuries of Darkness' by historian Peter James in 1991.In this book there is a shameful lack of acknowledgment of Velikovsky's precedence in untangling the historical knot.
Concerning Velikovsky's relationship with Einstein they were friends and correspondents. On page 43 of 'Velikovsky Reconsidered' there is a facsimile of a letter sent by Einstein to Velikovsky in acknowledgment of a copy of 'Ages in Chaos' sent by Velikovsky to Einstein as birthday gift. Part of this letter reads...
"I have already read carefully the first volume of the memoirs to 'Worlds in Collision' and have supplied it with a few marginal notes in pencil that can easily be erased. I admire your dramatic talent and also the art and the straightforwardness of Thackeray, who has compelled the roaring astronomical lion [Shapley] to pull in a little his royal tail, yet not showing enough respect for the truth. Also, I would feel happy if you could savour the whole episode for its humorous side."
When Einstein died soon after, this copy of Ages in Chaos was open on his desk. |