Ancient China

Tag Area: Real-World Setting
Novel

El Anacronópete

  • He who flies backwards in time
  • The Time Ship: A Chrononautical Journey
  • by Enrique Gaspar
  • in Novelas (Daniel Cortezo, 1887)

Mad scientist Don Sindulfo and his best friend Benjamin head to the past in Sindulfo’s flying time machine along with Sindulfo’s niece, her maid, a troop of Spanish soldiers, and a bordelloful of French strumpets for madcap adventures at the 1860 Battle of Téouan, Queen Isabella’s Spain, nondescript locales in the eleventh and seventh centuries, 3rd-century China, the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and a biblical time shortly after the flood.

After taking a year of Spanish at the University of Colorado, I undertook a three-year project of translating Gaspar’s novel to English, which is available in a pdf file for your reading pleasure. Even with the unpleasant twist at the end, it was still a fine, farcical romp through history. —Michael Main
—Poco á poco—argumentaba un sensato.—Si el Anacronópete conduce á deshacer lo hecho, á mi me pasrece que debemos felicitarnos porque eso no permite reparar nuestras faltas.

—Tiene usted razón—clamaba empotrado en un testero del coche un marido cansado de su mujer.—En cuanto se abra la línea al público, tomo yo un billete para la vispera de mi boda.
translate “One step at a time,” argued a sensible voice. “If el Anacronópete aims to undo history, it seems to me that we must be congratulated as it allows us to amend our failures.”

“Quite right,” called a married man jammed into the front of the bus, thinking of his tiresome wife. “As soon as the ticket office opens to the public, I’m booking passage to the eve of my wedding.”
A flower plant in a vase and a Chinese woman holding a large shpere
                containing the flying time machine, El Anacronópete.
  • Eloi Silver Medal
  • Science Fiction
  • Comedy
  • Debatable Time Travel
Early Chapter Book

The Magic Tree House 14

Day of the Dragon King


In ancient China, Jack and Annie meet the heavenly beings behind the legend of the Silk Weaver and the Cowherd, and they rescue the first written book that tells their tale. —Michael Main
“Give a message to the silk weaver. You will see her at the farmhouse,” said the young man. “Tell her to meet me here at twilight.”
Dressed in ancient Chinese garb, young Jack and Annie confront the first
                Chinese emperor.
  • Fantasy
  • Audience: Children
  • Definite Time Travel
TV Episode

Time Bandits, s01e01

Kevin Haddock


After stealing the Map of the Universe from the Supreme Being, a band of dissatisfied new bandits pops through the time portal in Kevin’s bedroom—and the adventures begin! —Michael Main
Dad was right. It is just a pile of stones with a gift shop.
A pirate ship, bits of earth torn from the ground, and the cast of Time Bandits
                float in front of colorful clouds.
  • Fantasy
  • Comedy
  • Audience: Families
  • Definite Time Travel