I mentioned in a note to myself that the book I am currently reading mentions the topic of a prior post, Prince Kropotkin. Sure enough, on page 112 of the collected series edition I am reading, who should show up but Vladimir Ilyitch Ulianoz- an ancient Russian revolutionary with a distictive beard.
This thinly veiled historical figure pops his head up in an alternate history earth where he does little to advance the plot but much to advance author Michael Moorcock's opinions on racism, imperialism, socialism and anarchist politics.
Anyway, all of this really drives home the point that most of the first volume in this series, Warlord of the Air, takes place in the year 1973. Based on that (plus the 1971 publishing date) that is where I placed this series on my timeline. Turns out that may have been a mistake, as the novel actually starts out in 1903 when the author's alleged grandfather meets the main character, Oswald Bastable.
But wait! The entire series is framed by another 'story within a story' context. The very very beginning of the book is "real-life" 1971 Michael Moorcock discovering the writings of his grandfather. So the real real timeframe of the novel is 1971! Right?
You tell me, Dear Reader. I put way too much thought into the SETTING, and it really throws me off when you throw in time travel, shifting contexts, and toss in alternate histories on top of it all. Where does this series belong?
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