A World Unknown

by John Clagett

The Emperor reigned in San Francisco with a brutal blending of ancient tyranny and advanced technology. The mass of men and women were slaves, but sex was free for all. Barbarian Indian tribes occupied the Midwest, and provided savage entertainment in sadistic gladiatorial games. Pagan Rome had never died, and Christ had never been born.This was the year 2717, and Simon Ash, time traveler, fought for his liberty and life and very soul in an America that once had been his home and was now a nightmare of the unknown

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised that Clagett’s “A World Unknown,” is as unknown as the title suggests. I bought it in an ebay sale of “unread” sci fi novels, suggesting that they were so bad that no one would want to read them. Written in ‘72, the world on display is an alternate dimension of our own, where the Roman Empire hasn’t ended and has expanded to the New World, taking with it all of its strengths but also the glaring weaknesses of slavery, institutionalized torture and sexual excess.
Gender roles revealed are what you would expect for an early 70’s novel: women are subservient and portrayed as sexual objects.
However, if you enjoy sci fi with a vintage flavor, you might enjoy this fast-paced read.