Ragnarok : the Age of Fire and Gravel

"Ragnarok: the Age of Fire and Gravel" by Ignatius Donnelly is a scientific publication written during the late 19th century. The book delves into geological phenomena and catastrophic theories related to the Earth's history, specifically focusing on the mysterious deposits known as "the Drift." It discusses ideas surrounding the origins of this drift material, proposing that it could be linked to calamitous events involving comets or ice ages rather than the gradual processes typically suggested by mainstream geology of that time. The opening of the work establishes a conversation with the reader about the nature of the Drift, highlighting its prevalence and significance in human life. Donnelly describes the Drift as an extensive, unstratified geological formation, distinct from other sedimentary layers due to its uncharacteristic features and the absence of fossils. He questions the traditional explanations for its origins, introducing various theories, including those involving massive ice sheets or great floods, yet expressing skepticism about their effectiveness in explaining the existing evidence. As the chapter unfolds, Donnelly emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the Drift's formation, which appears to have been influenced by a series of violent, possibly cosmic events, and he invites the reader to explore these ideas further. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Ignatius Loyola Donnelly was an American Congressman, populist writer, and fringe scientist. He is known primarily now for his fringe theories concerning Atlantis, Catastrophism, and Shakespearean authorship. These works are widely regarded as examples of pseudoscience and pseudohistory. Donnelly's work corresponds to the writings of late-19th and early-20th century figures such as Helena Blavatsky, Rudolf Steiner, and James Churchward.