The Runaway Skyscraper

Name: The Runaway Skyscraper
Author: Murray Leinster

A young engineer, Arthur Chamberlain, finds himself in a peculiar situation when the clock on the Metropolitan Tower begins to run backward, leading to a series of bizarre events. As the city around him transforms, Arthur and his stenographer, Estelle Woodward, realize they are not just experiencing a strange phenomenon but are being transported back in time. The skyscraper they occupy is moving through the Fourth Dimension, taking them to an era before the discovery of America. As they witness the rapid changes in their surroundings, including the seasons reversing and the city disintegrating into a primitive landscape, Arthur deduces that they are traveling backward in time. The two grapple with their fear and confusion, but Arthur's engineering background gives him a sense of purpose. He theorizes that the building's descent is linked to a flaw in the earth's structure, which has caused it to settle into a different temporal plane. The occupants of the skyscraper, numbering around two thousand, face the immediate challenge of survival in this unfamiliar world. Arthur takes charge, organizing efforts to secure food and establish order among the frightened crowd. They encounter indigenous people, and through a combination of trade and cooperation, they begin to adapt to their new environment. As time passes, Arthur and Estelle develop a bond amidst the chaos. They work together to find solutions to their predicament, including hunting and fishing for sustenance. Arthur's leadership and ingenuity help the group navigate the challenges of their situation, fostering a sense of community among the displaced city dwellers. Eventually, Arthur discovers a way to reverse the effects of their time travel by tapping into a geyser beneath the building. He prepares a plan to "soap" the geyser, which he believes will restore the skyscraper to its original time. As they execute this plan, the building begins to quiver, signaling their return to the present. In a whirlwind of rapid time shifts, the occupants experience the passage of generations in mere moments. Finally, the skyscraper lands safely back in modern New York, where the bewildered inhabitants emerge to a world that has continued without them. The experience leaves a lasting impact, with many writing about their extraordinary journey. Amidst the chaos, Arthur and Estelle's relationship blossoms, culminating in their engagement. They navigate the complexities of their new reality together, with Arthur taking on the responsibility of ensuring the building's stability to prevent future incidents. The story concludes with a sense of hope and adventure, as the couple looks forward to their future together, having faced the unknown and emerged stronger.

By Murray Leinster · First published 1956 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 12 chapters · 22,760 words

First lines

The whole thing started when the clock on the Metropolitan Tower began to run backward. It was not a graceful proceeding. The hands had been moving onward in their customary deliberate fashion, slowly and thoughtfully, but suddenly the people in the offices near the clock's face heard an ominous creaking and groaning. There was a slight, hardly discernible shiver through the tower, and then something gave with a crash. The big hands on the clock began to move backward.

What this Textopian page supports

The Runaway Skyscraper is listed on Textopian as a novel by Murray Leinster, dated 1956 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Murray Leinster
Date: 1956 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Speculative Fiction, Urban Fiction
Length: 22,760 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 511 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Runaway Skyscraper?
How does this novel by Murray Leinster fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot involves time travel and alternate realities, central themes in science fiction.
Fantasy — Elements of magical realism and the fantastical nature of the skyscraper's journey align with fantasy.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey through time and the challenges faced contribute to an adventurous narrative.
Speculative Fiction — The exploration of hypothetical scenarios and their implications fits within speculative fiction.