PHANTASMAGORICAL having a fantastic or deceptive appearance as something in a dream or created by the imagination For my agent Stephanie Fretwell Hill who believed in this story from the start B.A. In loving memory of my father C.H. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Many thanks to Julie and Ute for German translation to my steadfast critique partners and to my fantabulous family for their encouragement My gratitude also goes to Franz Gsellmann grandson of the creator of the World Machine to Sabine Gruber manager of the World Machine and to Dr. James Miller Edelsbach Tourism Association
The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious It is the source of all true art and science Albert Einstein
Franz's eyes twinkled with wonder as the little bird popped out of the cuckoo clock He put his ear close to the chirping bird What makes the sound He peered at the gears What makes them move He peeked behind the small door What's going on in there
A tiny whisper called him to imagine discover create But his mother had no time for Franz's playing Go help your father in the barn
