The Iron Star

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The Iron Star is a science fiction novel by American writer John Taine (the pen name of Eric Temple Bell). It was published in 1930 by E. P. Dutton.

Plot:
During an African expedition, Swain descends into madness and tries to exterminate a peculiar species of African ape. The other explorers are befriended by an intelligent ape called the Captain. They later learn that the apes are actually humans who have evolved in reverse because of exposure to a meteor, and the Captain was once human.

Reception:
Reviews at the time described the book as a fantastic thriller along unusual lines, but with a repulsive theme. Some critics found the writing poorly done, though they acknowledged the central idea as curious and effective. P. Schuyler Miller praised it as Taine’s greatest book, highlighting the daring scientific concept and the engaging mystery. Everett F. Bleiler noted that the idea was interesting, despite Taine’s ignorance of zoology and his racist attitudes, but felt the literary development was flawed.