The Panchronicon

By: Harold Steele Mackaye

A mysterious mechanical contraption gleams in the candlelit parlour, its brass dials and ticking gears promising to upend the very fabric of Victorian respectability. In this witty and imaginative tale, a group of unsuspecting Americans are swept from their comfortable 19th century routines into a whirlwind of comedic time travel, where the conventions of the era are turned delightfully upside down. With a deft blend of satirical adventure and speculative fiction, the narrative unfolds across eras and social boundaries, poking fun at pretensions while revelling in the absurd possibilities of invention and chance. The story's charm lies in its playful collision of historical fantasy and lighthearted fiction, offering readers both a sharp-eyed send-up of Victorian society and a celebration of the human capacity for mischief and invention. Its humour is both pointed and generous, drawing on the quirks of its era while inviting modern readers to enjoy its imaginative storytelling. As a work of vintage science fiction, it stands out for its clever dialogue, brisk pacing, and the sheer audacity of its premise-a time travel fiction that never takes itself too seriously, yet manages to illuminate the follies and foibles of its age. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure. For those who value the peculiar delights of humorous science fiction and the subtle pleasures of a satirical adventure story, this is a singular piece of classic American literature that rewards both discovery and rediscovery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9375360768
• ISBN13: 9789375360766
• Release Date: June 2026
• Publisher: Alpha Edition
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"