Let me set the scene for you: Spain, 1887. A brilliant but eccentric scientist, Don Sindulfo, unveils his greatest invention—a massive, ornate, brass-and-wood time machine powered by electricity and 'fluido García.' He's not alone. He brings along his niece, her suitor, a grumpy soldier, and a group of 'restorative' French chorus girls (it's a whole thing). Their mission? To travel back in time. The story really kicks off when they aim for 8th-century China during the Tang Dynasty. But as you can guess, meddling with time never goes smoothly. Their adventures there are packed with unexpected dangers, cultural clashes, and a plot twist involving souls getting a second chance in new bodies—that's the 'metempsychosis' part.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the cool part: this book was published eight years before H.G. Wells' The Time Machine, making it arguably the first novel to feature a time-traveling vehicle. Knowing that adds a whole new layer of awe. But beyond the history, it's just a good time. Gaspar mixes laugh-out-loud satire with genuine philosophical questions. Don Sindulfo is a hilarious and tragic figure, so sure of his science but completely unprepared for the human heartache his machine unleashes. The book doesn't just ask how time travel works, but why we're so desperate to use it.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for any science fiction fan who wants to explore the roots of the genre. It's also perfect for readers who love historical settings with a fantastical twist. If you enjoy stories where big ideas are wrapped in adventure and a touch of comedy, you'll find a real treasure here. Just be ready for some wonderfully old-fashioned prose and a plot that goes to places you'd never expect.