NCERT Class 10 English Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader: Chapter 9 — The Book That Saved the Earth
This chapter, "The Book That Saved the Earth," is a play set in the 25th century, four centuries in the future. It humorously depicts a Martian invasion attempt that is thwarted not by advanced weaponry, but by a simple nursery rhyme book, "Mother Goose." The play begins with a historian explaining that the 20th century was known as the 'Era of the Book.' The story then shifts to Mars, where the egomaniacal Commander Think-Tank, assisted by his apprentice Noodle, plans to invade Earth. Misinterpreting the contents of a book, they believe Earthlings are highly advanced and worship books, leading them to abandon the invasion. The chapter highlights the power of knowledge and the irony of how a seemingly insignificant item can save a planet. It's a light-hearted take on potential future conflicts and the importance of understanding.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — The Book That Saved the Earth |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 233 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of a 'play' as a literary form.
- Analyze the humor and satire in the play.
- Identify the role of books and knowledge in the narrative.
- Discuss themes of misinterpretation and invasion.
- Appreciate the irony of the situation where a simple book saves Earth.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| nursery rhymes | short, simple poems or songs for children |
| Martian | relating to the planet Mars or its supposed inhabitants |
| invasion | an act or instance of invading |
| curiosities | things that are strange or unusual |
| illustrated | explained or decorated with pictures |
| historiscope | a fictional device used to view historical events |
| peevishly | in an irritable or cross manner |
| salutation | a greeting |
| insignificant | too small or unimportant to be worth consideration |
| consult | seek information from |
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Practice questions
- Why is the twentieth century called the 'Era of the Book'? Answer: The twentieth century is called the 'Era of the Book' because books were abundant and covered every topic, educating, illustrating, and decorating people's lives.
- Who is the Commander-in-Chief of Mars in the play? Answer: The Commander-in-Chief of Mars is Great and Mighty Think-Tank.
- What was the supposed purpose of the Martian invasion? Answer: The supposed purpose of the Martian invasion was to put Earth under their generous rulership.
- What book ultimately saved the Earth? Answer: A nursery rhyme book called 'Mother Goose' saved the Earth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the setting of the play 'The Book That Saved the Earth'?
The play is set in the twenty-fifth century, in the Museum of Ancient History on Planet Earth, specifically in the Department of the Twentieth Century.
What historical period is referred to as the 'Era of the Book'?
The twentieth century is referred to as the 'Era of the Book' because books were prevalent and played a significant role in educating and informing people.
Who are the main Martian characters in the play?
The main Martian characters are Great and Mighty Think-Tank, the Commander-in-Chief, and his apprentice, Noodle.
What was the Martians' initial plan regarding Earth?
The Martians planned to invade Earth and put it under their rulership.
Why did the Martians abandon their invasion plan?
They abandoned the invasion because they misinterpreted a nursery rhyme book ('Mother Goose') as a highly advanced technical manual, believing Earthlings were superior and worshipped books.
What is the central irony of the play?
The central irony is that a simple book of nursery rhymes, not advanced technology or military might, saved Earth from a Martian invasion.
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NCERT Class 10 English — Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader — Chapter 9 — The Book That Saved the Earth. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.