Nicéphore Balthazard, amateur scientist of Bois-Colombes, occupies himself with science experiments and mechanical invention while contributing a scientific column to a newspaper. Strange atmospheric disturbances begin to affect navigation, weather, and communications. These anomalies are gradually linked to the arrival of winged Martians—referred to as Aréanthropes—with dark designs in mind: exterminate or subjugate humanity. Their presence disrupts natural laws and throws populations into panic. Balthazard becomes directly involved as the crisis develops. Despite the apparent superiority of the Martians, their invasion ultimately fails because the invaders succumb to alcohol.
First Appearance Ciel contre terre (1924) by Henri Allorge
First Publisher Hachette
Appearance List Ciel contre terre (1924) by Henri Allorge — published in Paris by Hachette in the Bibliothèque de la jeunesse, with illustrations by Édouard Zier; Ciel contre terre (1998, reissue/facsimile, Brussels: Éditions Recto-Verso, Centre de Documentation de l’Étrange item 0078); Ciel contre terre (2018) — print-on-demand reissue based on original 1924 edition via Hachette Livre / BnF heritage reprint program.
Sample Read Ciel contre terre / par Henri Allorge ; illustrations de Edouard Zier (1924) [Gallica (BNF)]
Description Nicéphore Balthazard, amateur scientist of Bois-Colombes, occupies himself with science experiments and mechanical invention while contributing a scientific column to a newspaper. Strange atmospheric disturbances begin to affect navigation, weather, and communications. These anomalies are gradually linked to the arrival of winged Martians—referred to as Aréanthropes—with dark designs in mind: exterminate or subjugate humanity. Their presence disrupts natural laws and throws populations into panic. Balthazard becomes directly involved as the crisis develops. Despite the apparent superiority of the Martians, their invasion ultimately fails because the invaders succumb to alcohol.
Source ○
Ciel contre terre (1924) by Henri Allorge | Illustrated by Édouard Zier
