The (new) Usborne Time Travel Book

Do you remember this feeling? The smell of the paper, the vibrant, detailed illustrations that pulled you into a world of history? For many of us, the original Usborne Time Traveller books were a gateway to the past. And now, there's a new edition. But can a classic really be improved? Let's take a look.

The first thing you'll notice is the new Time Traveller, sporting a modernized, more practical helmet. While the previous one felt like a heavy piece of sci-fi gear, this version is lighter and more streamlined—less endearing, perhaps, but certainly more logical. The book presents its content as a series of "Stops," each a journey to a different historical period.

Our first stop is Knights and Castles, where we explore what it was like to live in a medieval castle and city. Next, we journey to the land of the Viking Riders, learning about their history and daily life. Then we're off to Ancient Rome for a deep dive into the lives of Rome and Romans. And finally, we end our tour in the land of Pharaohs and Pyramids, exploring the wonders of Ancient Egypt.

Beyond the new Time Traveller, there are other noticeable changes in this edition. The illustrations now take up the entire page, with no white space or vignettes to break the immersion. The text is lighter and more concise, bringing ficticious historical characters to life to illustrate the text more accurately. This new edition is undeniably easier to read, making it a more accessible experience.

Of course, when it comes to something we hold so much nostalgia for, any change is bound to be controversial. While I see this as an improvement, others might not. But what do you think? Is this new edition a welcome update or an unnecessary departure from a beloved classic? To give you an idea of the nostalgia this book evokes, I had to track down the original edition, even though I believe the new version has its own merits.