A mysterious cosmic force - the "Ring of Fire" - has hurled the town of Grantville from 20th century West Virginia back to 17th century Europe, into the heart of the Thirty Years War and changing the course of history - in ways both small and large. University students become rambunctious in Cambridge, England because of the lifestyles and theological impact of the time-lost Americans. Meanwhile, American teenagers conquer new financial worlds when their elders aren't looking. A woman terrorized by a notorious Hungarian countess seeks sanctuary in Grantville. A Lutheran pastor seeks American adherents, while a Benedictine monk finds a new calling for his order. Europe's leading musicians want to learn of the music of the future. 20th century healers and their 17th century counterparts search for common' ground. These and other new stories - including a new story by Eric Flint himself - return the reader to one of the most popular series in alternate history science fiction. Also included are articles exploring the technical problems the time-lost Americans face, adding up to an indispensable volume for the many followers of the 1632 series.