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The Great Flood in Legend, Science and History
The Great Flood in Legend, Science and History takes on one of the world’s most enduring legends, the Great Flood, and treats it with the seriousness usually reserved for scientific debates. The author sifts through stories from Mesopotamia, the Bible, and cultures across the globe, and places them alongside geological evidence and academic theories. From Noah’s ark to ice dam failures, from the Epic of Gilgamesh to modern geomythology, the book asks a simple but difficult question: could there have been a real event behind these myths? It is both a history of ideas and a challenge to the conventional dismissal of flood legends as nothing more than fireside exaggerations.
What struck me most was the author’s tone. He is not afraid to poke at the arrogance of academic orthodoxy, and I found that refreshing. At times, he writes with the zeal of someone who wants to set the record straight, almost daring the reader to scoff and then proving that scoffing is lazy. I liked the way he pulled in evidence from Greece, Mesopotamia, and even Native American legends, weaving them together into a bigger pattern. There were moments where I felt swept along by his confidence. His criticism of scholars who explain away everything as just a local flood felt a bit sharp, but also honest.
One thing I appreciated most about the book was the author’s insistence on treating flood legends as more than just colorful folklore. Too often, stories like Noah’s Flood or the Epic of Gilgamesh get brushed aside with a shrug, but here they’re examined against real geological evidence, from sediment layers to flood deposits in Mesopotamia and beyond. I liked how he challenged the uniformitarian mindset that dominates much of geology, pushing us to consider that catastrophic events may leave behind signatures we sometimes explain away too quickly. It reminded me that geology is not just about rocks and strata but about human memory etched into story, and the bridge he built between science and myth felt bold and necessary.
What I thought was especially bold was the author’s conclusion about the cause of the Flood. After carefully weighing and rejecting explanations like tsunamis, local river floods, or even an asteroid impact, he argues instead for a close fly-by of a comet whose gravitational pull disturbed Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. It’s an audacious idea, yet he builds his case by showing how this scenario better matches both the geological evidence in Mesopotamia and the recurring themes in ancient legends. I found the apparent alignment between mythic descriptions of overwhelming waters and the physical consequences of such a cosmic encounter fascinating. It gave me the sense that science and legend, so often kept apart, might actually be telling two sides of the same story.
This book is best suited for readers who like their history mixed with geology, myth, and a touch of argument. If you’ve ever been curious about whether Noah’s Flood was just a tale or a memory of something real, you’ll find plenty to chew on here. It’s not a light read, but it is a rewarding one. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys questioning official answers and who doesn’t mind following a passionate writer into the deep waters of science, story, and belief.
Pages: 421 | ISBN: 979-8-31780-432-9
The Geology of Greece: Uniformity or Catastrophe
Joseph O’Donoghue’s The Geology of Greece: Uniformity or Catastrophe? takes readers on a geological expedition across the Greek landscape, linking ancient myths like Atlantis to modern scientific inquiry. This second volume in the series focuses on whether Greece’s geological features support the steady processes described by uniformitarianism or instead suggest catastrophic upheavals. O’Donoghue dives deep into the earth sciences, blending geology with the Atlantis legend to test the validity of ancient accounts using scientific evidence.
One thing I appreciated about the book is its bold approach. O’Donoghue makes no secret of his disdain for academic orthodoxy, taking on uniformitarianism head-on with a mix of skepticism and detailed analysis. His writing is peppered with critiques of established geologists and brings a refreshing rebellious energy to what could otherwise be dry material. For instance, his take on tectonic plate theories and criticisms of the supposedly incomplete explanations by mainstream geology come through passionately. He digs into case studies, such as the tectonic complexities of the Aegean region and the sediment layers beneath, to argue that traditional explanations fall short.
The book is rich in detail, particularly in its explanations of tectonic movements. O’Donoghue provides an extensive array of evidence, incorporating historical records of earthquakes and the impact of major floods. This thoroughness can feel dense at times as it offers a comprehensive but substantial flow of information. His insistence on comparing Greek geological formations to Plato’s descriptions adds an intriguing narrative hook. For example, when discussing the subsidence of Aegean landforms, he juxtaposes modern evidence with the myth of Athens’ destruction. O’Donoghue does an admirable job of weaving myths with field observations.
I got the sense that the author loves a good theory, but his disdain for academic norms is insistent. Despite that, his knack for making geology lively keeps the reader engaged. Discussions about river geomorphology, for instance, are peppered with entertaining comparisons and a touch of humor, making even sediment analysis an exciting topic.
I think The Geology of Greece is perfect for readers who enjoy a strong mix of myth and science. O’Donoghue’s unapologetically provocative writing will appeal to those intrigued by Atlantis lore or anyone who questions mainstream geological theories. However, casual readers might find the level of detail daunting, so this book is better suited to those with a solid interest in geology or a penchant for unconventional scientific perspectives. If you enjoy a rebellious scientific narrative sprinkled with mythological intrigue, this book will be a fascinating read.
Pages: 400 | ASIN : B0D23QGG2Z
Atlantis, Real or a Myth?
The Legend of Atlantis and the Science of Geology explores with readers this age-old mystery with the rigor and professionalism of a trained geologist, bringing a fresh, analytical perspective to the debate.
Volume 1 is the first in a series of eight books comprising a scientific, and open-minded, analysis of the Atlantis Legend and a critical review of the science of geology. The question I seek to answer in this series is a simple either/or one. If the science of geology has everything right, then there is no possibility that the island continent of Atlantis ever existed in the North Atlantic or anywhere else. On the other hand, if it can be shown that the Atlantis Legend has a basis in reality, then the science of geology must be flawed in at least some respects. The first two volumes deal specifically with the legend itself, from both a mythological (volume 1) and scientific (volume 2) point of view. Volume 3 deals with Noah’s Flood, and Great Floods in general, while volume 4 examines ancient archaeology and the puzzles of megalithic construction at very early times. Volume 5 is devoted to the North Atlantic and the possibility, or otherwise, of a sunken landmass somewhere near its center. In this volume, I propose that, based on the evidence, there is every possibility that a landmass existed in the North Atlantic in the recent past. The remaining 3 volumes of the series are devoted to examining the science of geology and its many theories, and it is in the final volume that I present the evidence that ties everything together and offers a solution to the mystery of Atlantis, the Ice Age, and a few others besides. While I acknowledge this may seem a rather bold claim, considering what the science of geology maintains vis-a-vis Atlantis or any other legend, but, as a geologist myself, and very familiar with the theories of orthodox science (and their flaws) the claim I will make here is that these first two volumes of the series demonstrate that, at the very least, I have a valid case to make.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
This series was a multi-year effort, which began as a private study shortly after leaving a position as a professional geologist. As for this first volume, it began as a few introductory chapters to a geological study of the Atlantis question. However, due to nature and mass of material relevant to the mythological aspects of the subject, this book grew into a separate volume, as did volume 2, which is the original geological investigation. I would estimate that volume 1 required two to three years in total, involving research, writing, editing, rewriting, etc., and bearing in mind that other research and writing were ongoing at the same time.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
By far the most important idea, and indeed, the core concept of this book, is that the Atlantis Legend might very well be based on fact, and not fantasy, as most consider it to be. With regard to the mention of “most” in the foregoing, there is still a small number of academics, of various kinds, that hesitate to dismiss the legend as simply fiction, and hold that there may be some truth behind it. As pointed out by many writers, Atlantis (and the Great Flood) are by no means the only legends we have of great destructions and floods and so forth, and such legends are essentially global in scope and extent. Further, many such myths include a geological component, and have, relatively recently, given rise to a new sub-field in geology, called geomythology, which is covered in the last few chapters of the book,and shows, via geological evidence, that many “geomyths” may very well be based in reality, and this goes for Atlantis as much as any other.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of what mysteries that book will uncover for readers?
Book 2 is already available, published at the same time as book 1, both books comprising the two-part introduction to the series. Volume 2 is devoted entirely to Greece and the Aegean Sea area. The book begins with what the Atlantis Legend says about events on Greece at the same time as the destruction of Atlantis in the Atlantic. The old Egyptian priest, who first related the legend, describes the catastrophic effects suffered by Greece, and this volume is an examination of those effects and their extent. As everyone knows, Academic Geology does not entertain the idea of catastrophes such as that described for Atlantis. However, in this book, we will analyze the evidence on the ground in Greece and compare that evidence to orthodox geology’s uniformitarian explanation for it, to see if academia’s interpretations are sufficient. We will find that academia’s explanations are often seriously wanting and that a catastrophic origin is the only explanation for much of that evidence. This second book is, therefore, primarily geological, but every effort has been made to minimize jargon and make it easy to read and understand. After all, we’re dealing with the real world here, and most people are quite familiar with the topics covered.
I am currently working on book 3, which deals with the Great Flood of Noah, and others in Mesopotamia, as well as other floods of legend, science, and history. The book is about 80% complete and should be published within the next six months or so.
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The academic establishment, governed as it is by gradualist uniformitarian geology, takes a dismissive view of Atlantis and all such catastrophe legends. In this series, and very much breaking with convention, this author takes an open-minded approach to the Atlantis question, and, for balance, a critical approach to the science of geology.
There is a very simple either/or question to be answered by this series: if modern geology has everything right, then the Atlantis legend is a myth with no basis. On the other hand, if the Atlantis legend can be shown to have validity, then this raises questions about the validity of the theories of orthodox geology—and vice versa.
The science of geology has had quite a varied history, and, as many people know, there was a time when notions of Atlantis, and catastrophes in general, were taken a good deal more seriously than they are today.
This book series, therefore, seeks to redress the inequality in the way Atlantis and geology have been officially treated. A thorough study of the Atlantis legend itself should give a sense of its reliability, or otherwise, while a critical analysis of geology should do the same for the so-called story of our planet.
This first volume focuses on the Atlantis legend from both geological and mythological points of view and includes a survey of classical and modern scholarly opinion of the legend, its language and structure, and its trustworthiness in light of what is known of Plato himself and his times.
Catastrophe and flood legends are prevalent the world over, and a general global survey of such legends is included. Further, in this study, a sampling of legends from the Pacific Northwest of the United States are discussed and analyzed through the new discipline of geomythology.
Because catastrophist geology has long since been rejected, there is no room in academia today for legends such as Atlantis and its catastrophic end. This series of books will show, however, that the natural history of this earth is quite possibly very different to what modern geologists claim it to be, and the fabled island of Atlantis may indeed be lying at the bottom of the Atlantic, right where Plato said it was.
The Legend of Atlantis and the Science of Geology, Volume 1
The legend of the lost city of Atlantis has captivated imaginations for centuries, drawing interest from casual enthusiasts to dedicated scholars. Yet, despite the fascination, no one has definitively proven whether Atlantis truly existed or was merely a figment of myth. Generally accepted as fiction, the legend remains a topic of speculation—except perhaps among the more imaginative fringes of society. However, in The Legend of Atlantis and the Science of Geology, author Joseph O’Donoghue approaches this age-old mystery with the rigor and professionalism of a trained geologist, bringing a fresh, analytical perspective to the debate.
This book marks the first in a comprehensive series where O’Donoghue explores the Atlantis narrative with a scientific lens. While many dismiss the tale as pure fantasy, O’Donoghue approaches it with a healthy skepticism and a willingness to explore the possibilities. If Atlantis did exist, he argues, geology is the field most likely to uncover evidence. A cataclysmic event powerful enough to sink a city of such legendary proportions would have left traces or clues buried in the Earth’s layers that geology might be able to unearth. Even if the city itself has long vanished beneath the ocean, signs of its existence could still be hidden within the Earth’s crust, waiting to be discovered. What sets this work apart is its clarity and accessibility. O’Donoghue delivers his findings in a straightforward, engaging manner, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can follow his arguments without feeling overwhelmed by jargon. His ability to distill complex geological concepts into simple, persuasive language makes the book not only informative but also enjoyable.
In the thought-provoking exploration of The Legend of Atlantis and the Science of Geology, Volume 1, O’Donoghue masterfully demonstrates that sometimes, truth can indeed be stranger—and more intriguing—than fiction. His conclusions are both compelling and potentially groundbreaking, offering insights that could reshape our understanding of Earth’s history. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys delving into the mysteries of the past with a critical, yet open mind.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0D23XGZ2L
LITERARY TITAN 