The Goddess Of Atvatabar: Being the History of the Discovery of the Interior World and Conquest of Atvatabar

by William Richard Bradshaw

A great work of fantastical adventure-of a world within our worldAt the end of the nineteenth century and the first part of the twentieth century fantastical tales of other worlds and times began to grip the imaginations of the reading public, and the prolific output of authors such as Verne, Rice Burroughs, Haggard and Howard propelled the authors to public recognition and their works to abiding popularity. These were among the best known authors of this genre at the time but they were by no means alone in their endeavours or in their choice of subject matter. Off world destinations-whether real or imagined-were popular as were adventures set in fictional pasts and the exotic legendary cultures of the Atlantean age. Having considered the potentials of time and space it was perhaps inevitable that authors would turn their imaginations to the possibilities of a world within our own-a vast landscape hidden from view, alien in flora, fauna and cultures, peopled by strange beings and races often at war with each other. Fortunately, they also usually included the capacity to produce human women of incomparable grace, beauty and an aversion to full body covering. The many enthusiasts of this type of fiction will be pleased to discover that this substantial novel is one of the above and a roller coaster adventure to the last turn of the page. Join this resourceful band of adventurers as they brave the ice to enter a lush and verdant world, altogether primitive and yet able to muster technology in advance of that yet known upon the surface. Often recognised as one of the finest examples of its kind, the enticing and other-worldly land of 'The Goddess of Atvatabar' lies waiting for you to discover for yourself. Available in softcover and hardcover with dust jacket for collectors.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

318 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1891

Reviews

[Wreade1872 · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a lot of interesting things in this book, not least of which is the very iffy reforms to utopia that the so called hero makes at the end.
This is about a ship which finds a way into the inner earth which turns out to be hollow. They then discovered the utopian society of Atvatabar.
Theres mecanical wing suits and giant mechanical ostriches, flying ships etc. Plus weird half plant half animal things and an interesting religion and social structure. Also actual magic, which is powered by magnets and celibacy! (and no that isn't a typo ).
The 3rd Act turns into a very pulpy adventure story with flying battles reminiscent of that 80's Flash Gordon movie with the Hawk-Men.
BUT none of this compensates for the authors terrible inability to stop describing shiny things. Palaces, jewels, sculptures, dresses, furniture, it just goes on and on and on. So glad i got through it and lots to think about, but can't recommend it.

Made available by the Merril Collection.

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked to rate this book a five stars one. Unfortunately, owing to the hard to read long, elaborate and extravagant descriptions William R. Bradshaw makes of plants, animals, buildings' decorations and dresses in different chapters of it, I could only rate it a four stars one.
Apart of such "burdens" for the reader's eyes, I liked this book a lot!

[DOUGLAS J BERRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utopia or dystopia?

Imagine if Edgar rice Burroughs was a drunken poet when he wrote pellucidar? How to describe this? Verbose...obscure.....chaotic? I found it entertaining, more of a science fantasy than science fiction.

[Zora · Rating 2 out of 5]

Goofy Jules Verne wannabe that was less believable by far than Verne. The last half has a moment or two.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dated but amusing...hasn't traveled into the 21st century all that well.

Mild Recommendation

3 out of 5 Stars

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really more a 2.5 star book. It's quite dated and typical of certain books in this period - a bit of a dry read and a lot of unnecessary detail. It's reminiscent of the Jules Verne sci-fi / adventure novels.