Enrique Gaspar's El anacronópete published in Barcelona

Author and Context. Enrique Gaspar y Rimbau was a Spanish diplomat and writer born in Madrid. He authored numerous plays, including zarzuelas, and is credited with writing one of the first novels involving time travel. His diplomatic career included a mission to China, during which he composed the novel.

Publication Details. El anacronópete, a neologism meaning "who flies against time," was published in Barcelona in 1887. This work is considered one of Gaspar's most important contributions. It predates H.G. Wells's first time-travel story by one year, though it follows Edward Page Mitchell's 1881 story.

Literary Significance. The novel is notable for its depiction of a time machine, a device that departs and returns to Paris. The narrative includes elements such as "rejuvenated" characters disembarking upon return. Gaspar's work is recognized in science fiction encyclopedias and databases as a pioneering text in the genre.