In the 27th century, sociomatist Philton J. Bugsomer has a problem: the data on first-century Christians is incomplete. His solution? Build a time-grabber, travel back to Roman-era arenas, and snatch a few believers before the lions get them. But Bugsomer doesn't just want to observe history. He wants to replace those doomed Christians with his own subjects: a group of 'round heads' whose outcomes he can study more conveniently. The paradoxes, naturally, spiral out of control. What follows is a gleefully irresponsible romp through time that asks just how much 'improving' history a researcher should attempt before the universe starts pushing back. First published in 1952, this is early Dickson at his most playful: a time travel tale that knows full well the rules are made to be broken, and that the best-laid temporal schemes of mice and sociomatists often go horribly, entertainingly awry. Perfect for readers who want their science fiction served with a wink and a sense of mischievous mischief.
