Time and Again (short story)

Time and Again is a science fiction novel, often categorized as a time travel story, written by Jack Finney and originally published in 1970. The novel employs a combination of historical fiction, mystery, and science fiction elements. It tells the story of Simon Morley, a New York advertising artist who is recruited by a secret government project, Project 20, to travel back in time to 1882 New York City.

The project's objective is to investigate whether time travel is possible through self-hypnosis and immersion in a specific time period. Simon is chosen due to his seemingly average background and his talent for drawing, which allows him to accurately document his experiences.

Time and Again is notable for its meticulous detail in recreating 1882 New York City, drawing upon extensive historical research and using numerous photographs and illustrations throughout the narrative to enhance the reader's sense of immersion. The story explores themes of historical accuracy, the nature of time, and the potential consequences of altering the past.

The narrative follows Simon's preparation for his journey, his experiences in 1882, and his developing relationships with people he encounters in the past, particularly a woman named Abigail. As he delves deeper into his assignment, he uncovers a potential conspiracy related to historical events and faces difficult choices about whether and how to intervene.

The novel's success led to a sequel, From Time to Time, published in 1995, which continues Simon Morley's adventures in the past. Time and Again is considered a classic of time travel fiction and is admired for its engaging plot, historical accuracy, and thought-provoking exploration of time travel concepts.