Many Dimensions by Charles Williams
"Many Dimensions" is a novel by Charles Williams that explores themes of spirituality, power, and the moral implications of desire through the quest for a mystical jewel, the Stone of Suleiman, which possesses extraordinary abilities. This jewel, linked to the biblical figure of Solomon, symbolizes a profound connection to creation and divine power, being described as a microcosm of the universe. The story centers on characters like the villainous archaeologist Sir Giles Tumulty and his nephew, Reginald Montague, who seek to exploit the Stone for wealth and control.
As they experiment with the Stone's capabilities, including time travel, they inadvertently trap an innocent assistant, Elijah Pondon, in a perpetual loop of past events. Meanwhile, other characters, such as Lord Christopher Arglay and his secretary Chloe Burnett, grapple with the moral dilemmas of using the Stone, ultimately recognizing its sanctity. The narrative unfolds through various subplots and minor characters, each demonstrating their own desires for the Stone, leading to tragic outcomes for many who misuse it.
In a climactic moment, Chloe offers herself as a vessel for the Stone, resulting in her own mystical demise. The novel concludes with Lord Arglay continuing his important work, embodying the ongoing struggle between the sacred and the profane. "Many Dimensions" prompts readers to reflect on the nature of desire and the consequences of seeking power at any cost.
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Many Dimensions
First published: 1931
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—theological romance
Time of work: During or near the 1930’s
Locale: England, particularly London
The Plot
Charles Williams’ novels often concern an occult MacGuffin pursued by the characters, a touchstone that reveals their true natures. This novel concerns a jewel from the crown of Suleiman ben Daood, King of Jerusalem—that is, Solomon, known as sage, lawgiver, and in some traditions sorcerer. Like the alchemists’ Philosopher’s Stone, the Stone of Suleiman is made of the primary matter from which everything was created; it therefore has many powers. It may be a microcosm of the whole world or somehow even contain the universe within it. The Tetragrammaton—the holy Name of God—is at its heart. When the Stone is divided, each resulting part is identical to the original.
Sir Giles Tumulty, a villainous archaeologist and occultist also seen in Williams’ earlier novel War in Heaven (1930), has the Stone. He and his nephew, Reginald Montague, wish to use the Stone, Montague to obtain money and Sir Giles to obtain power. With Abel Timothy Palliser, a professor of relative psychology, they experiment, using the Stone for instantaneous travel through space and time. In an experiment with time travel, an innocent assistant, Elijah Pondon, is trapped in the past, endlessly repeating the moment he used the Stone to visit. Sir Giles also uses the Stone for thought control and even to thwart death, with grisly results.
Pondon eventually is rescued by the heroes of the novel, Lord Christopher Arglay, Lord Chief Justice of England, and his secretary, Chloe Burnett. Arglay, related to Montague and Sir Giles but disapproving of them, is approached to invest in selling the Stone. Arglay and Chloe know better than to approve of such a plan. They increasingly realize that the Stone is too holy to use and must be adored. Arglay recognizes the justice it represents and embodies, and Chloe learns to submit herself to the Stone and to God. They receive advice from a Persian, Hajji Ibrahim, who reveres the stone but cannot put himself at its disposal as Chloe learns to do. Oliver Doncaster also joins their party, finding a Stone but not using it.
This central conflict is developed through and embellished by many minor characters and subplots. Various characters want the Stone for specific purposes, according to their desires. Newspaper stories report that it can heal, and many, including the mayor of Rich-by-the-Mere, seek it for that purpose. Two rich Americans try to buy it, and much intrigue, including governmental, is devoted to acquiring it or suppressing it. Chloe’s suitor, Frank Lindsay, first begs to borrow it for himself and then steals it. Copies are multiplied, each equally potent. Most people using the Stone end badly. Sir Giles wishes himself into the Stone’s heart but finds its light fatal, Montague is killed for his stone, and the Hajji’s nephew tries to steal Chloe’s Stone and is killed by it. Lindsay loses a chance at Chloe’s love, to which he was not equal.
Only Arglay, the Hajji, Doncaster, and Chloe pass the test of the Stone, and even they suffer. In a mystical climax, Chloe offers herself as a vessel in which the Stone can reunite. Presumably, her spirit is in bliss, but her body trembles in a coma for nine months and then dies, leaving behind those who loved and revered her. The last scene shows Lord Arglay hiring another secretary, carrying on important work as best he can.