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Timescape

Gregory Benford
Nebula 1977, Internet Top 100

Probably one of the most scientifically believable, realistic time travel books - but also possibly one of the most boring (at least of award winners).

Hard to find any of the internal inconsistencies of The Anubis Gates but a fraction of the excitement and suspense. More similar to Doomsday Book but without the depth of scholarship and historical fascination. More scholarship, however, on the scientific level - Benford, a professor of physics lectured at Cambridge University and did extensive experiments and research in astrophysics.

"Hard science fiction" affectionadoes love this book. It's intellectually challenging and poses mind-stretching conceptual questions. If you enjoyed college science classes, you'll like Timescape. It also lends an aura of a certain kind of respectability to science fiction in general.

It reminds me of Robert Heinlein's true story about being commissioned by the US navy during world war II in an antikamikaze brainstorming effort (along with the likes of Sprague de Camp,Theodore Sturgeon, L. Ron Hubbard and John W. Campbell, Jr.). Science fiction without doubt has its place in the practical world of exploring new possibilities. And science, of course, is both its place of birth and real-world application.

The environmental theme running through Timescape feels true enough to sober unconscious profligates and inspire self-serving politicians. I hope many of these types read it.

Though less entertaining and more difficult to plow through, reading this is a rare and valuable experience.

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