‘The Time Traveler is an original, informative, and captivating book that shows just how much time is a cultural and human concept. It's worth taking the time to read it.’ – de Boekenkrant
A fascinating, accessible exploration of one of the most universal and elusive aspects of human life: time
In The Time Traveler, historian Philip Dröge packs his suitcase and travels the world in pursuit of our most elusive reality: time itself. Why is it that at 12 o’clock, it’s hardly ever actually 12 o’clock anywhere in Europe? Did the Indians invent time travel? Does time even exist?
From a small Swedish island to the Greek coast and from a temple in India to the Aboriginal peoples of Australia, Dröge follows the path of ancient clockmakers, obstinate monks, and horologists to discover how we measure and experience time.
This journey through time ultimately takes Dröge to the International Date Line, the place where today becomes yesterday and where no one knows exactly what time it is. That is it like to live on either side of this boundary of the world? Along the way, he discovers how people have been trying to master time for centuries. It makes sense: if you control time down to the last detail, it can’t catch you off guard.
- A truly global journey, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia and the International Date Line
- Written with Dröge’s trademark wit and accessible style, bringing little-known history to life
- Previous book sold more than 20,000 copies and won the Taalboekenprijs 2024
- Perfect for readers of entertaining, popular history with a strong travel and storytelling element
- Eligible for translation subsidy of ca. 50%-80%