Time Grabber

"Time Grabber" by Gordon R. Dickson is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book explores themes of time travel and the consequences of tampering with history, focusing on an academic's unethical experimentation with the past. It presents a narrative that combines elements of historical fiction with speculative science. The storyline follows Philton J. Bugsomer, a sociomatist who disobeys the ethical guidelines of his field by using a device called the time-grapple to transport sixteen Christians from ancient Rome to the 27th century for his research. As he grapples with the ethical implications of his actions, the time disruption he causes threatens to unravel the very fabric of time. The main conflict escalates as Bugsomer must replace the Christians to avoid a catastrophic time collapse, leading to a series of comical and perilous situations involving Roman gladiators, historical misunderstandings, and the chaos that ensues when two very different time periods collide. Ultimately, the novel reflects on human nature, knowledge, and the risks inherent in scientific exploration.