Customer Reviews

Times Without Number

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The concept of time travel, one of the most conventional of science fiction themes, has been used and abused by numerous authors over many years. Truthfully I find these stories very challenging to take seriously. This book is no exception but the author's formidable knowledge of history, geography and religion does keeps the action moving along quite agreeably so you don't mull over the inherent absurdity of time travel and all it's related conundrums.

Author Brunner gives time travel an interesting twist in these three related and connected stories. The Spanish Armada defeated the English fleet in 1588 resulting in the conquest England. Now fast forward 400 years we have North America as a Spanish possession being exploited for natural resources and Catholic Dons ruling England. Somewhat incomprehensible with the discovery of time-travel is that no technology has evolved from what existed in the 16th Century. Travel is by horse drawn coaches and telecommunications are non-existent.

Brunner's attention-grabbing `alternate history" concept, participation by priests and Popes in the administration of the Society of Time and a sub-plot involving American Indian tribes did kept my interest on a superficial level.

Just to keep the record straight you should know the evolution of this title because it gives an insight into how authors can "fix-up" their stories for future sales. On the copywrite page to this book we are informed that shorter and substantially different versions of the three sections of this novel were published as three separate stories in British SF magazines. Then the three sections, with numerous minor alterations were published in 1962 by Ace as part of a "double novel" under the current title Time Without Number. The 1969 version, the edition reviewed, had been completely revised and considerable expanded. The page count the 1962 Ace edition was 139 and the 1969 Ace edition 156. This is not uncommon for Brunner. Many of his earlier books are expanded from magazine stories and from prior editions.

Don Miguel Navarro is a man with a most unusual job. As a Licentiate of the Society of Time, he is a time traveling agent for a Spanish Empire that continues to thrive four hundred years after the Armada successfully conquered England in 1588. Tasked with observing the past, he is always on the lookout for improper uses of time travel lest it bring about changes to the present. A casual encounter at a party results in just such a discovery, one that leads Don Miguel to a sinister conspiracy that threatens to alter history and undo the entire empire itself unless it is stopped.

John Brunner's novel is a cut above most of its counterparts. A collection of three interlocking tales that were originally published as separate short stories, together they offer a series of entertaining adventures in an imaginative setting. His Spanish Empire is one not much more advanced technologically than its 16th century predecessor, with time travel apparently more an accident of alchemy than science. Such a premise allows Brunner to offer some fresh approaches to the concept, most notably in the notion of the careful management of time travel by religious authorities. This serves as a springboard for some interesting metaphysical observations that, when combined with Brunner's entertaining writing style, makes for a time travel novel that any fan of the genre will enjoy.

A classic novel from Brunner, dating from the 60s. This is an interesting tale that starts in 'modern' Spain, where the Reconquista and the Siglo de Oro never ended with Spain's bankruptcy and fall from world domination. Science has taken a completely different path, and technology revolves around time travel. The protagonist is a member of the time police. He is sent to the Americas to investigate disturbing suspicions that renegade time machines are being built and used to attack the Monarchy.

For as old as the novel is, it doesn't feel very dated. The fact that elements of history and alternate reality are thrown into the mix certainly helps. But, the story moves along quickly, the investigation is interesting, and the world that Brunner created is well-imagined. I think this novel stands up very well to many of the more well-known 'classics' from the time period.

A grouping of three chronological self-contained yet connected short stories, set in an alternate universe where the Spanish Armada won the battle of 1588 and conquered England. There is no United States, instead Red Bear is the ambassador from the huge Sioux nation at the Imperial court. Moorish slaves are expensive and increasing rare in the Catholic-Church dominated empire, where women still don't have the right to vote. But the book has panache!

Don Miguel Navarro, Licentiate in Ordinary of the Society of Time, and faithful subject of His Most Catholic Majesty Phillip IX, is the hero. He has grit, wit, and "it", a memorable character who makes the book. Of particular note are his insightful observations, like while looking at a toy rocket (paraphrased) -- "Time-travel is a well explained offshoot of the physical sciences. The Aztecs reserved wheels only for the toys of their children, and I wonder what possible miracles the toys of our children might lead to in some strange future." He's answered to the effect that 'walking on the moon would indeed be a miracle of God.'

Unlikely most SF stories written in 1960's, I still find this a relevant and interesting offering in speculative science fiction. Recommended.

Set in an alternate reality, where the Spanish Empire and the Catholic Church run most of the world, this story follows a member of the time police. A great adventure.