"The Many-Colored Land" is a science fiction novel by author Julian May, published in 1977. It is set in a distant future where humans have discovered a way to travel back in time to the Pliocene era. The story follows a group of exiled individuals who encounter various prehistoric creatures and civilizations, including the Tanu and Firvulag, two distinct alien races. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the complexities of human nature. As the characters navigate their new environment, they face challenges that test their morality and relationships, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the universe.