SOLVED. Adult Science Fiction book from the mid-1980s (I think) - In a world where only simple mechanical devices work due to the physics of the world, someone has manifested an elaborate functioning carousel... [s]

[Andre]

Thanks in advance - The setting is a medieval setting, horses and carts. I seem to recall some type of magic working in the world, but do not recall specifics. Depending on which way an object is turned in the world, it becomes longer, shorter, wider or narrower. This is why complex mechanical devices cannot work.

So it is like witchcraft or a miracle that an ornate carousel is set up and running for the characters in this book..

Thanks again!

[beichst]

A bit of a longshot. But, in James P. Hogan's 1991 novel Entoverse there is a pocket universe 'world' that exists within the physical structure of a massive computer system JEVEX that matches your description. In it, the physical rules have the limits you describe. At the same time other 'magic' was available for use.

Entoverse is the 4th book in the Giant's series. A description from Amazon is below:

"Meanwhile, in a very different universe, where magic worked and nothing physical was predictable, holy men caught glimpses of another place, a place where the shape of objects remained unchanged by motion, and cause led directly and logically to effect. And the best part was that when the heart was pure, the mind was focused, and circumstances were right, some lucky souls could actually make the transition to that other universe. "

Protagonist visitors from 'outside' the universe represented through avatars are able to demonstrate what seem like magical gifts by materializing a carousel.

Good luck.

[Daisy]

The Difference Engine?

[Capn]

Entoverse for Brad's

And there are also lists, if it isn't already solved:
Carousels (fiction): https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Magic Carousels: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/8...
Carousels on covers: https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...

[beichst]

Thanks for adding the link Capn. Not sure what happened in my original post that caused it to not work. I have updated that post as well.

[Andre]

Brad wrote: "A bit of a longshot. But, in James P. Hogan's 1991 novel Entoverse there is a pocket universe 'world' that exists within the physical structure of a massive computer sy..."

Holy moly I think this is it! I remember reading Giants novels.. Thank you. I guess I will have to have a go at them again.

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Andre.

"Giants" series by James P. Hogan - https://www.goodreads.com/series/4040...