Like many avid readers, my adventure into the captivating world of time travel literature began with a cherished discovery. For me, that pivotal moment arrived in the early 1970s with Michael Moorcock’s enthralling novel, The Warlord of the Air. This book wasn’t just another read; it was my first foray into the fascinating realms of alternate history and time travel, a genre I embraced wholeheartedly. Revisiting it decades later in 2004, my initial enchantment remained undiminished, a testament to its enduring quality. It’s a rare and wonderful experience when a book retains its magic across such a span of time.
More recently, Peter Delacorte’s Time on My Hands captured my imagination with its intriguing premise. The story centers on a time traveler dispatched to the 1930s with a mission to subtly alter political events. However, the narrative takes a poignant turn as he unexpectedly falls in love with a woman destined for tragedy. The subsequent chapters detail his desperate struggle against the very fabric of time, attempting to bend its course to fulfill his desires. This book comes highly recommended, particularly for readers who appreciate narratives that blend romance with temporal paradoxes.
Another standout in the genre, and a personal favorite, is Martin Gidron’s Sidewise Award-winning novel, The Severed Wing. Gidron masterfully crafts an alternate 2000 where New York City thrives as a Yiddish-speaking metropolis. The richness and originality of this envisioned world left me yearning for further tales set within its unique confines.
For those keen to explore more gems in alternate history, the Sidewise Award website at http://www.uchronia.com/ serves as an invaluable resource. Its comprehensive list of award-winning works and regularly updated “What’s New” section makes it a prime destination for staying abreast of the latest publications in the field.
However, when it comes to the ultimate alternate history and time travel book in my personal canon, H. Beam Piper’s Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen reigns supreme. This book holds a special place in my heart as it was a bedtime story my father read to me back in 1966. I was utterly captivated, swept away by the narrative, and completely enamored with the story. While it may not possess the same timeless appeal upon rereading as The Warlord of the Air, it remains a highly commendable work. For those interested, Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen is also included in Piper’s omnibus, Paratime, which offers a broader context to appreciate this classic.
