Beyond Velikovsky: The History of a Public Controversy (Illini books) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Part 1 of Mr Bauer's book- 'The Story of the Velikovsky Affair'- is presented and reads like a fair summary of the whole controversy. On the face there presides reason, fairness; the impartiality of a judge's summary. But the unwary reader is not prepared for the true motives of this book, the subtle but quite blatant intention of the author to deliver not a judge's deliberation but a prosecutor's summing up.....
Part 2 is called, 'Velikovsky, Right or Wrong?', throughout which the reader is presented more than once with an awkward feeling; an awkward question- 'Is this book REALLY fair... or could I be the victim of some barrister's rhetoric?' It becomes increasingly clear that this book is an ATTACK upon it's subject disguised as an even-handed and fair account, which leads to the book's negative conclusion about Velikovsky.
To see Bauer's true position- not the moderator but the persecutor- there's no need to delve within the specifics. The gift of this book to the fair minded reader is that, really, it's all so plain.
Just stand back and observe, for instance, that NO analysis is made of ANY of V's historical work in any way and already it is clear. References to V's science are only in the form of selective criticisms, and these deliberately limited to the broadest and most speculatory of V's theories. To say as well that these references are ALL that Bauer uses to successfully brand V a 'pseudo-scientist' and we are left with a work of the most simple character. No space is devoted to V's scientific application of history or the areas in orthodox science (carbon dating, archaeology, astronomy) which undoubtedly bare out his theories- as well as those that don't. Although the positive aspects of V's work are never denied by Bauer, he consistently underplays these while referring in detail to the negative. In overview we see the prosecutor exposed. He has to tread between the lines and limit his case to that which is easily muddied and confused.
Beyond Velikovsky is weighted; it is unfair and biased. NO discussion is held on any of V's actual theories- only a pedantic and misleading analysis of SOME of his scientific references and approaches.
Bauer deals with such a narrow spectrum of V's work that the book itself suffers from bad structure- the first two parts concluded and the main conclusions reached before it is half through. The reader is left only to peruse a series of space filling chapters in part 3- 'Beyond the Velikovsky Affair'- with such offerings as 'Motives for Believing' and 'Means of Persuasion' and 'Realities About Science'.
Thus, by showing us a corner of the picture; a piece of the puzzle, Bauer reveals to us the smallness and the entirety of his ambitions. This book could never have been conceived as a fair, impartial analysis. The book I read was a pedantic, narrow and deceptive piece of scholarship.

"Beyond Velikovsky" is an incredibly boring and badly written book, which almost put me to sleep. Is this how Henry H. Bauer sounded like when lecturing about chemistry to his students? Thank Geezus I wasn't one of them (I had a straight A in chemistry in junior high, incidentally).

The fact that Bauer believes in the Loch Ness monster while dissing poor Velikovsky's absurd ideas about gravity is mildly entertaining, however. He kindly informs us that Nessie has flippers. Apparently, Bauer later became a true believer in UFOs, as well. Presumably, they obey the laws of gravity?

If you are a really crazy Velikovsky or anti-Velikovsky buff (or buffoon), I suppose you just must have "Beyond Velikovsky" in your private little stash.

The rest of the world need not bother.

PS. I agree with the author that V was indeed a crank. In fact, he was the crank to end all cranks. I do of course disagree with Mr. Bauer on questions pertaining to skin colour and the n-word.

Jupiter station, over and out.