Tunnel Through Time

Paul W. Fairman (1909-1977) authored novels under his own name, as well as pseudonyms like Ivar Jorgensen, Paulette Warren, and F.W. Paul. Using outlines created by Lester del Rey (real name Leonard Knapp), Fairman wrote seven science-fiction novels using del Rey's byline. One of these, a YA time travel adventure titled Tunnel Through Time, was originally published in hardcover by Westminster Press in 1966. It has been reprinted dozens of times in paperback, including a 1967 Scholastic paperback with illustrations by Hal Frenck. 

Bob Miller is 17-years old when his father, a scientist named Bob, invents a time machine. As one can imagine from the book's title, it is a tunnel of sorts, a large ring suspended in a lab. However, in the opening pages, Sam has yet to attempt time travel. After a discussion with Doc Tom, a paleontologist, the duo agrees that the doctor should be the first to go. The destination is the Mesozoic period, ripe with dinosaurs, sea serpents, and active volcanoes. Perfect!

After Doc successfully leaps through time, Bob, Sam, and Doc's son Peter realize they have effectively lost him. Fearing the worst, Sam allows his son and Peter to enter the tunnel to locate the Doc and bring the trio back home. Immediately, they realize they are miles from Doc's location due to the wonky GPS function. The two, initially rivals, must work together to overcome adversity to reach the Doc. After a second jaunt through time, the duo arrives in the Ice Age. Here they find human civilization and are swept up in a clash between warring tribes. Central to the plot is solving the problem of returning to the present while corresponding through letters with Sam. 

Tunnel Through Time was a fun read that certainly should appeal to all ages. As a YA book, I was surprised by the levels of violence. There are the obligatory stabbings, beatings, and shootings that would populate any action-adventure adult novel, but seems misplaced in this casual YA adventure. The narrative is fast-paced, the action is intense, and the overall time-travel technical nuances don't drown the storytelling. Recommended reading!

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