Lucifer's Hammer

Lucifer's Hammer is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel of 1977 the authors Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle .   The book describes the debris impact of a comet, and its consequences for humanity.

The story
The amateur astronomer Tim Hamner discovered a comet, which also bears his name: the comet Hamner-Brown. The comet is very interesting, because he will pass very close to Earth. An Apollo-Soyuz mission will be drawn up by Russian and American scientists, to jointly from Skylab comet investigations and observe.

The scientists convince the public that the chances that the comet hits the Earth is small, but many people still start hoarding . The fanatical preacher Henry Armitage also makes abuse of the fear to recruit followers, and whips the mood further. Moreover, an interviewer in a TV interview an unfortunate slip of the tongue when the comet Ham m er-Brown instead of Ham ner calls -Brown. The media call the comet from that moment Hammer.

The scientists had settled themselves by not taking into account the emission of volatile gases. Eventually they realize it is going to hit the Earth definitely too much leaves the comet. It is true that the comet can be divided into several pieces, but these are still large enough to cause a disaster.

The debris hit the Earth and cause massive earthquakes, tsunami and volcanic eruptions all faults. Furthermore, do wefts in sea large quantities evaporate seawater, causing the Earth shrouded in clouds and rain for weeks in succession. Meanwhile, the Chinese launch a preemptive nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, fearing that the comet impact creates a little ice age which makes Russia unlivable and the Russians will be tempted ' Lebensraum 'in China to conquer. This leads to a massive attack against Russian. Meanwhile, large parts of Europe and India almost washed away by tsunamis. The civilization collapses and it is everyone for themselves.

Tim Hamner is emerging in California a leader for the survivors, accompanied by his new wife Eileen. Meanwhile, there appear to be several groups of survivors who are now beginning to organize. One of these groups is the New Brotherhood, an avid cannibalistic cult led by Reverend Armitage. A sociologist predicts that it has a germination, similar to Islam in its early days. The sect conquers indeed a frightening pace Central California, and significant amounts of new followers on. Newcomers need as part of their initiation people eat meat, what psychologically for them is a 'point of no return. This binds them exclusive to the New Brotherhood and partly explains their fanaticism.

Hamner eventually manages to unite the communities and make a stand against the Brotherhood. In the decisive battle, the use of self-produced mustard gas decisive, and the New Brotherhood defeated decisively.The survivors try step by step to build up again the civilization.

One day flying a fighter jet, indicating that the civilization is back to return again.