When Worlds Collide Kindle Edition

A pair of planets, Bronson Alpha and Bronson Beta, are hurtling through space and it appears that one will crash into Earth. A group of scientists on Earth are scrambling to find a solution to the inevitable. One lead scientist in the United States, Cole Hendron, has the goal to build a spaceship that will perhaps save humanity. Other countries have a similar plan.I know some have criticized the ‘science’ contained in this science fiction as being dated in When Worlds Collide, but I thought much of the science was fascinating and revolutionary, given the period (early 1930s) that this book was written. This is the type of science fiction I truly appreciate and tend to gravitate towards, and I think that the duo of authors, Wylie and Balmer, create an enthralling, grandiose and cosmic atmosphere indicative of the old vintage science fiction films that is intriguing to contemplate and think about. There were certain aspects of this book that reminded me a tad of novelists such as Ray Bradbury or Arthur C. Clarke in its themes.There are some striking and visionary images of future space travel: “Hendren had thereupon succeeded in bombarding the surface of the moon with a projectile that was, in its essence, a small rocket. He had settled the problems of hull composition, insulation, and aeration, which would arise in such a vessel if made in a size to be preoccupied by man. He had devised rockets which could be directed.”The plot is structured in a way that is takes us from the days before and up until the eventual impact of the planets heading towards Earth and the scientists’ plan for building the craft. There are some spotty moments in the first half of the novel that maybe slow it down a tad, but I thought the second half of the novel, and in particular the ending, quite riveting. I thought especially that the conclusion and final chapters—including the imagery and symbolism—were quite amazing.While I thought this mostly an excellent and engaging read, there are some politically incorrect characterizations and moments. However, I think given that this book was written nearly one hundred years ago, this is probably to be expected and one could find similar instances in other books from this era.Alongside this, the characters will not exactly win any awards for being memorable, as they are fairly prototypical. Still, though, the plot was so enthralling and captivating it held my interest throughout and I could forgive some of the pitfalls of the book.Overall, When Worlds Collide is a definitive “end of the world”, post-apocalyptic styled work that was quite influential for later works and is a brilliant addition to this genre. This novel ends in such a way that it piques my interest to read on and finding out what happens in its sequel, After World Collide, which is also included in the Bison Frontiers of Imagination edition.

The classic 1951 sci-fi movie When Worlds Collide - one of my favorites in the genre - is loosely based on the first of these two excellent 1934 novels.However, all that the movie shares in common with the first book is the bare and basic premise that two "worlds" - a big one ("Bronson Alpha") and a smaller one ("Bronson Beta") - are on an earth-trajectory where the larger one will strike the earth and completely destroy it in two years.A team of experts from various fields devise a never-before-tried scheme of building an "atomic" rocket which will carry a number of earth inhabitants to Bronson Beta as it passes near the earth ahead of the world-destroying Bronson Alpha - which they accomplish.But there is so much more going on in the novel - a LOT more - than could be depicted in a filmed version.To my pleased surprise, this Bison edition also contains the SEQUEL to WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE - AFTER WORLDS COLLIDE. And I found it even more exciting and fast-paced than the first book. (Both are around 190 pages.) The second book details the struggles of the human "pilgrims/immigrants" as they strive to understand and adapt to the formidable challenges they are confronted with on their new, earth-like home... and they discover that there are dangerous enemies that must be conquered if they are going to start a new and peaceable civilization.(One of the most appealing and interesting aspects of both novels is seeing how humans - with often greatly varying backgrounds, weaknesses, and strengths - can bond together in solidarity to solve the problems and obstacles they encounter... using their brains, ingenuity, humanity, and courage.)These exceptionally well-written books exemplify just how science fiction books SHOULD be written. And even though they were both the products of the American 1930s, and are quaintly "dated" in some respects, the overall effect is completely convincing and believable - because their decisions and actions were firmly based on then-current scientific knowledge. And the various and involved human relationships are keenly dealt with, as well.These two novels are enjoyable, compelling, easy to read, and entertaining, and I highly recommend this particular edition if you want both books.

off putting at times because of its age. but a nicely crafted story with an enjoyable flow. looking forward to the sequel.

This edition is becoming quite hard to find.

I found this book and its sequel "After Worlds Collide" in my high school library many, many years ago. To this day I love science fiction. It was written in the early 1930's and while the science and social norms are, at best archaic, I still love the concept. Throw out the poor scientific speculation and the outright sexism and racism and it's a story of an attempt to survive dooms day. That always makes for good sci-fi.

This Bison Books edition of the 1932 collaboration is an attractive item in its own right and includes a foreword by John Varley and the sequel ‘After Worlds Collide’A courier carrying photographic plates from South African astronomer Professor Bronson to Cole Hendron, his colleague in New York, is offered increasingly alarming sums of money to give exclusive information to various newspapers.The papers do not have long to wait for the terrible news. A gas giant and an orbiting smaller world are heading in from outer space on collision course with the Earth.Professor Hendron confirms from the plates that the pair will swing past our world, causing massive earthquakes and tidal waves and then swing round the sun. On the return journey Bronson Alpha will hit the Earth head on. However, the scientists (hiding behind the not-so-subtle name ‘The League of The Last Days) have a plan to build a ship, carrying a chosen few to the new world of Bronson Beta, which is predicted to break free of its large companion following the collision and take Earth’s place in its orbit.Most readers will be more familiar with the George Powell movie; a production more or less faithful to the novel, but lacking much of the suspense and sense of wonder of the original.Despite some examples of what we see from today’s perspective as scientific hokum, the effects of the passing of the large planet are well described and seem accurate enough.The scenes describing ever-increasing tides invading New York and drowning the streets, leaving the skyscrapers sprouting from the sea are, in an odd sense, quite beautiful. Likewise, the eventual destruction of the Earth viewed from the rocketship by the survivors, provides for the reader a kind of smug satisfaction.Typically for the times the survivors consist almost entirely of White Americans of the right sort. One South African is of course, white, well built, handsome and courageous. The two remaining aliens – the hero’s Japanese valet and a French scientist – are mere gross caricatures and employed only to provide light relief. There is an attempt to discuss new forms of society and marriage in order that Humanity might multiply on the new world, but the authors never venture far in that direction.However, it is still an engrossing and thrilling read.

Written in the thirties, When Worlds Collide is a dated and somewhat wordy apocalyptic novel. Even so, it is well written and less dated than other sci-fi of the time. The concept is fascinating and the story well told by a collection of stiff upper lip characters.

Great writing, excellent pace. What a pleasure to read an apocalyptic novel that doesn't centre on gangs gone wild! In places the dialogue is dated and the science will produce a smile, but this in no way distracts from the strong story line. New writers take note - it is possible to write beautifully with correct grammar and still deliver a gem!

I read this years ago after watching the film. I much prefer the book. Still a scary story 80 years onRecommended

Considering this was written many years ago it was enthralling. Character descriptions where excellent .Story line kept me hooked throughout.Great read!!!!