The Eternal Flame

The Eternal Flame (1931) and its sequel Pink Sky (1933) (included in this volume) are two of the few novels about scientific discovery to focus on the economic implications of such discoveries, including publicity, capitalization and the conflict of vested interests. It was a pioneering work in its development of those themes, especially with regard to the harnessing of atomic energy. It is also original in the manner in which it poses the question of the ultimate objectives of scientific and social progress. Michel Cordays experiences during World War I caused him thereafter to become an ardent propagandist for pacifism; The Eternal Flame is his most striking science-fictional development of that passionate concern.