DVDs - Documentary

As Crichton explains, our understanding of the medieval period has changed in the past 50 years. The Middle Ages used to be thought of as a dark, static time with men in armor, women in pointy hats, bare, chilly castles, religious prejudice and mass slaughter. Our clichéd ideas were an invention of the Renaissance that lasted until the 20^th century. Perhaps, says Crichton, these ideas confirm the belief that we will always progress to a better, more enlightened way of life. The record of the 20^th century seems to conclude that we are in no way superior. The medieval period is now understood as a time when knowledge was sought, universities were born, learning was encouraged, trade was international and, of course, conflicts abounded.

Crichton sets his tale in 14^th century France - a time of endless fighting between France and England—the Hundred Years War, private wars between rival dukes, marauding troops of rough knights, etc. There is much documented evidence of this period. Crichton spent over a year researching the details of how people lived and behaved—their clothing, food, speech and mannerisms. He wanted a setting where knights still fought and was interested in our mostly mistaken ideas of the Middle Ages.

After 1370, knights became less important, and before 1300, there is not much reliable evidence. So 1357 was chosen as the year of this novel. Crichton concentrated on the area around the Dordogne River in southwest France, since it was the border between France and England. The English were victorious in Poitiers, and the French King John was captured and held for ransom.

In the Dordogne Valley, a group of archeological students and their professor uncover the ruins of a 14^th century castle. The professor is suspicious of their benefactor= s purpose and travels to the corporation= s headquarters in New Mexico to get some answers. In the meantime, the students find a chamber sealed for over 600 years. In it they discover a bifocal lens, which could not have existed before the room was sealed, and a note pleading for help, dated April 2, 1357, from their professor.

The students head to New Mexico to try to solve the mystery. They are astounded by the corporation= s invention B a time travel machine that has opened a wormhole to the 14^th century. The professor tried the machine himself and is now trapped in the middle of a vicious French-English war. Can the students travel back 600 years and rescue their professor? They have only 37 hours to do it.

With his clever juggling of time frames, his accurate picture of medieval life and his vivid descriptive narrative, Crichton takes us on an exciting adventure into history. He also presents us with the fascinating world of quantum technology and the encroaching possibility of teleportation. Quantum teleportation has been demonstrated in labs around the world. As in Jurassic Park, The Andromeda Strain and Prey, the theme of loss of control of technology over nature makes you wonder what the future will bring.

Highly recommended for history and science enthusiasts.

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