A 2,000 year old mechanical ‘computer’ known as the Antikythera Mechanism is at the heart of an intriguing new novel: ‘The Great Year’. The mechanism may already be familiar to Indiana Jones fans as the so-called ‘dial of destiny’. In author David Jinks’ latest novel, the real-life device’s purpose is revealed to be a countdown to the end of the Ancient Greek’s Great Year, when the world is said to end in flames.
The astonishing Antikythera Mechanism, a ‘clockwork computer’ built by the Ancient Greeks over 2,000 years ago, has puzzled and intrigued historians and scientists alike since it was discovered on the seabed by Greek sponge divers at the turn of the last century.
It’s true purpose has been much-debated over the decades since its discovery, but could it be counting down to the end of the Greek Stoic’s ‘Great Year’ cycle, when they believed the world will be consumed by flames?
That’s the premise at the heart of The Great Year, an exciting new historical mystery by author David Jinks. Should the mechanism’s purpose be kept a secret? What happens if the revelation results in panic, the breakdown of order and a descent into anarchy? What lengths might some people go to in order to prevent this?
‘The Great Year’ blends historical fiction, mystery and supernatural elements, exploring themes of fate, legacy, and the cyclical nature of time. Says author David Jinks: ‘If Archimedes’ invention sounds familiar, that’s because the real-life device it’s based on, the Antikythera Mechanism, is also the McGuffin at the heart of the recent not-quite-blockbuster, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.’
Explains David: ‘It’s a coincidence, as I embarked on my novel long before the film appeared, but a fortuitous one. Many people have become curious about the true story of the mysterious mechanism after seeing the movie, prompting an explosion of videos, podcasts and articles.’
David is passionate about history and a Member of the Royal Archaeological Institute. Like his novel’s protagonist, David was an award-winning journalist and magazine editor before turning to the so-called ‘dark side’: public relations. He is now Head of PR for a global delivery company .
Says David: ‘My “hero”, cynical PR guru Paul Seagrove, is a flawed protagonist you can’t help but root for. He is about to be dragged, grudgingly, into an adventure that will introduce him to a scientific marvel from Ancient Greece via a Gothic mansion in the Fens. Paul believes there’s no price too high to pay for good publicity. It’s a belief that’s about to be challenged.’
David laughs: ‘Buy this book soon – you may have less time to read it than you think!’
The Great Year is now available in paperback and on Kindle. For more information, see davidjinks.co.uk
