Customer Reviews

Armageddon 2419 A.D. (SF From the Great Years Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I recently re-discovered this book after reading it some 20 years ago. I was amazed at the parallels between the Han lifestyle and our own growing dependence on the internet for our commerce and entertainment. Knowing that the story was written in 1919 makes the predictions even more startling. The idea of "gangs" supplanting family life in America is also strangely prophetic. As to the story itself, what a fantastic tale of American ingenuity overcoming incredible odds! The triumph of the forest-dwelling Americans over the slovenly, city-dwelling Han is at once an inspiration and a cautionary tale. I'd say this seminal "Buck Rogers" tale is far superior to the pulp science fiction which followed in its footsteps. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in early 20th Century sci-fi, or anyone who just likes a good yarn.

This is one of the few books I drag out every couple of years and dive into. While lacking starships and space battles like its modern adaptations it's packed with solid ideas about man, civilization, its decline, war, and core characters that deliver. It's not long, just 196 pages, but it's crammed with quick action and a fast moving story so you won't be bored. Plus you'll never be bogged down with 10 pages of exposition trying make the science fit the story. Come on, take the ride. Again and again.

Forget the Television series. *This* is Buck Rogers. Thrown forward into an Earth of the distant future ruled by the evil Han empire, Rogers enlists with a group of American guerrillas to overthrow the oppressors. It features great early s-f devices--airships, anti-grav belts, and the like. Very reminiscent of ER Burroughs' "Barsoom" novels. Great fun, a great read.

This is where "Buck" Rogers first appeared. He's just Anothony Rogers, a WWI vet who sleeps for 400 years. He awakes to find American under occupation and leads the fight for their freedom.

I first read this book in childhood, and then several times later over the years. It is a great example of early 20th century sci-fi. More interestingly it sheds some light on the outlook and attitudes of the early 1900's and American national identity in particular. The crude stereotype of the Han 'anti-Asian' sentiments disguised by the possibility that they were 'mutated' by some aliens who crashed in Asia. The god given right of the white Americans to re-ascend from barbarism and take their rightful place as top dogs.

Having said that, the book seems more naive, rather than xenophobic in it's representations. I suspect this is more to do with the time it was written than anything else.

I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the history of Sci-Fi, or who just enjoys a good old-fashioned tale.

In fact, this book does have a shiny goldtone case and superior Japanese analog quartz movement. It also has exciting, futuristic battles as Anthony Rogers battles the menacing Han, the ever lovely Wilma Deering, and a lifetime limited warranty, that should the book ever fail through its craftsman's shortcomings, it will be repaired or replaced, absolutely free of cost.

A must read.

Armageddon 2419 A.D. (1928) by Philip Francis Nowlan - 98 pages - rating: 5.5/10

This story never gets into outer space. The plot surrounds the struggle of Americans fighting a guerilla war against invaders who have taken control of US soil hundreds of years earlier.

The name "Buck" as in Buck Rogers never appears in this book. The characters name is actually Anthony Rogers. He is referred to only as "Rogers" throughout the story. The name Buck was introduced in subsequent graphic novels to presumably improve marketing appeal.

It is interesting to read this short novel to gain a historical perspective on the origins of science fiction adventure. Although entirely straightforward the writing style itself is not particularly engaging or exciting. The term "flat" best describes the result. I read this book primarily for research reasons.

Much to my surprise the sequel entitled "The Airlords of Han"(1929 - 102 pages) which was included in the same volume, was quite enjoyable (7.0/10). The two stories are integrated into a single novel of 195 pages, 17 chapters, without any indication as to the point at which one novel ends and the second begins.

Overall I enjoyed having read the 2 stories although one could say that while The Airlords of Han would be enjoyed by anyone who likes early science fiction adventure, the original Buck Rogers story itself (Armageddon 2419 A.D.) should be saved for readers under 12 years of age.

Claus Kellermann

2006 March 26

Sci_Fi_Researcher@yahoo.com