When Time Turned
by Ethel Watts Mumford
In this earliest story we’ve seen of a man living his life backward in time, the
narrator, Robertson, talks with Mr. Gage who has been reliving his life in reverse,
moment by moment, ever since the death of his wife. We classify it as science fiction
because of the methodical approach taken by the narrator and Dr. Lamison in examining Mr.
Gage.
— Michael Main
Yes, I spent some little time in the islands. In fact, I am just on the point of going
there now, and am very sorry I shall not see them again.
“When Time Turned” by Ethel Watts Mumford, in The
Black Cat, January 1901.