Summary of The Book That Saved The Earth
Summary
“The Book That Saved The Earth” is a work of fiction set in the distant future, in the 25th century, depicting the Martian characters, including Think-Tank, Noodle, Oop, and Omega, and how a book was able to prevent a Martian invasion of Earth. The play illustrates the power of literature and its potential to shape the perspective and actions of even the most formidable beings.
Think-Tank, the commander-in-chief of Mars, initiates a manned space probe to Earth, where they find themselves in a library filled with books, yet unable to comprehend their purpose. Think-Tank initially posits that books may be a form of sustenance, but Noodle suggests they may serve as a means of communication. Despite their attempts to understand the literature, they are unsuccessful in decoding the language.
As Oop peruses a book of nursery rhymes, Think-Tank begins to experience difficulties. He abandons the notion of invading Earth and instead focuses on saving himself from the potential invasion of Earthlings. He orders his crew to immediately depart from Earth and escapes himself.
This play serves as a reminder of the significance of understanding and communication, as well as the impact it can have on averting conflicts and fostering peace. Additionally, it highlights the importance of preserving and valuing literature in our current time, as it may prove crucial in preventing potential future invasions.
Detailed Summary
In this thought-provoking work of fiction, the reader is transported to the far future of the twenty-fifth century, where the Museum of Ancient History: Department of the Twentieth Century on planet Earth serves as a window into the past and the role that books played in shaping it. The historian, who is in charge of this department, greets us with a bow and explains that the twentieth century, often referred to as the Era of the Book, was a time when books were used not only for education and enlightenment but also for decoration and, most intriguingly, to save Earth from an imaginary Martian invasion.
As she turns on the historiscope, we are transported back to 2040 and the Mars Space Control, where the Great and Mighty Think-Tank, the ruler of Mars and its two moons, is communicating with a manned space probe that is on its way to Earth with the intention of invading the “primitive ball of mud” before lunch, while his apprentice Noodle stands next to him at an elaborate switchboard, bowing before entering and awaiting his every command.
However, as the scene shifts to the Centerville Public Library, we find Captain Omega, Lieutenant Iota, and Sergeant Oop searching for information about Earth. They are confused and bewildered by the vast collection of literature they discover, realising that Earth is not as primitive as they had believed and that the invasion may not be as simple as they had imagined.
The story suggests that books, in their vast and varied forms, can serve as powerful tools not only for education, entertainment, and decoration, but also for preservation and defence, as the Martians’ invasion was ultimately halted by the knowledge and information found in books, demonstrating that the written word can be a formidable weapon in the face of danger and thus emphasising the importance of preserving and valuing literature in our own time, as it may prove useful in the future.