In this final volume of the Bastable children’s adventures, Cyril, Robert, Anthea, and Jane discover a magical Psammead in a London shop and purchase a broken Egyptian amulet. To find the missing half and restore its power, the siblings travel through time to ancient civilizations including Babylon, Egypt, and Tyre. They witness the fall of Atlantis and interact with historical figures and common citizens, seeking the artifact that will grant their hearts' desire while struggling to navigate the unfamiliar social customs and dangers of the past.
Readers interested in the origins of modern portal fantasy find here a foundational text that balances historical detail with humor. The story appeals to those who enjoy seeing children encounter the logistical realities of time travel, such as language barriers and cultural misunderstandings. A reader walks away with a concrete sense of how ancient societies functioned and a perspective on how the Edwardian era’s problems, like poverty and urban crowding, compare to the challenges of previous millennia.
- Published
- 1905
- Language
- EN
