Immanuel Velikovsky

Immanuel Velikovsky (June 10, 1895 – November 17, 1979). Although, earlier in his life, he played a role in the founding of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and was a respected psychiatrist/psychoanalyst (he was a pupil of Stekel), Velikovsky is best known as the author of a number of controversial books (particularly the US bestseller Worlds in Collision 1950).

Related Topics:
June 10 - 1895 - November 17 - 1979 - Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Psychiatrist - Psychoanalyst - Stekel - Worlds in Collision - 1950

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These primarily used comparative mythology and ancient literary sources (not least the Bible) to propose that the Earth had suffered catastrophic close-contacts with other planets in the solar system (principally Venus and Mars), during and before recorded history. He argued that electromagnetic effects played an important role in celestial mechanics. He also proposed a revised chronology of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Palestine and the Near East, aiming to eliminate so-called Dark Ages and reconcile Biblical history with both archeology and Egyptian chronology.

Related Topics:
Comparative mythology - Bible - Ancient Egypt - Greece - Palestine - Near East - Dark Ages - Egyptian chronology

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Generally, Velikovsky's theories were vigorously rejected by the academic community, but despite, or perhaps because of this, Velikovsky's books sold well. (Indeed, the dubious conduct of many academics played into Velikovsky's hands, allowing him to use the 'suppressed genius' card to rally his laymen supporters, likening himself to martyred Renaissance scientist/heretic Giordano Bruno.) Controversy continues to this day, with refutation and counter-refutation, and ongoing claims of both rebuttal and substantiation.

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