Although the fourth edition's claim to succession remains disputed by owners of the third, and Thursday's ruling cannot be dated conclusively until the first forty minutes have been assigned to a meeting, a hearing, or an interregnum, I believe the book should retain its parking space.
Until we establish whether the four-second handshake began before or after the tray left Table 14, and whether the curling sticker retained authority during that interval, I cannot recognize the new owner.
Provided that 1850 retains its existing appointments in the nineteenth century, that 1800 is consulted in its capacity as former boundary, and that neither date claims sole credit for the additional hundred years, the letter is sufficient; time itself has no vote.
Provided that rulers whose reigns cross 468 are entered under both headings, that disputed accessions remain provisional, and that the curling edge is not itself taken to mark a transitional period, I can accept the new chronology. I cannot accept moving on to lighting before we establish whether the Dark Ages still qualify.
