Alternate history, alternative history (in Commonwealth English), or simply althist, sometimes abbreviated as AH, is a genre of speculative fiction consisting of stories in which one or more historical events occur differently . The stories are conjectural but are sometimes based on fact.
In today’s culture, it can feel uncomfortable at times to paint historically accurate, but politically incorrect scenes. But to change history, to change our writing to reflect today’s mores distorts the mirror we see the past through .
What is the purpose of alternate history?
Alternative histories provide an intriguing window on the ways in which particular peoples understand their pasts , for the genre’s practitioners often reimagine events and turning points that are central to national mythologies.
What is counter history literature?
As a method of intellectual enquiry, counterfactual history explores history and historical incidents by extrapolating a timeline in which key historical events either did not occur or had an outcome different from the actual historical outcome . ...
What is speculative fiction in literature?
Today, speculative fiction is a blanket term for the stories that take place beyond our known world . Margaret Atwood defines speculative fiction as literature that deals with possibilities in a society which have not yet been enacted but are latent.
What is the meaning of speculative history?
Speculative or alternate history is a field of historical inquiry that uses counterfactual speculation of historical events to reflect upon our present society and the social construct of memory . As Gavriel Rosenfeld states, speculative history narratives can shed light on the evolution of historical memory.
Why do we ask what if reflections on the function of alternate history?
The presentist character of alternate histories allows them to shed light upon the evolving place of various historical events in the collective memory of a given society. ... By examining accounts of what never happened, we can better understand the memory of what did.
Can you alter history?
By definition, history is the study of past events in human affairs. ... We cannot change that history by doing away with statues and memorials that might offend us, but we can learn from that history.
Can you use historical figures in fiction?
According to WD’s legal guru (and close friend) Amy Cook, writing about historical people is perfectly fine and won’t put you in any legal danger .
What is an alternative book?
Alternate history (also alternative history, althist, AH) is a genre of speculative fiction of stories in which one or more historical events occur and are resolved differently than in real life .
Why is counterfactual history important?
Historians use counterfactuals because they are closely linked to a common-sense understanding of causation . The claim that event A caused event B implies that if A had not occurred, B would not have occurred. Counterfactuals therefore serve as thought experiments to test causal claims.
What is speculative history and example?
Speculative or alternate history is a field of historical inquiry that uses counterfactual speculation of historical events to reflect upon our present society and the social construct of memory . As Gavriel Rosenfeld states, speculative history narratives can shed light on the evolution of historical memory.
How is historiography history of history?
Historiography can very simply be defined as the history of history; meaning historiography is the study of how history was written, by whom, and why it was recorded as such . Moreover, it is a look at if and how historical events have been reinterpreted by historians over time and why.
What is a speculative thriller?
Speculative fiction is often used as an umbrella term for genre fiction or for narratives that do not fully belong in a particular science fiction or fantasy genre . ... Under this classification, it can include literary fiction with fantastical elements as well as hardcore science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
What is speculative romance?
The Paranormal or Speculative Romance Novel category is for romantic novels that include elements beyond the range of scientific explanation , whether paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, time slip or worlds that include ghosts, vampires or creatures of legend.
Is speculative fiction important?
Speculative fiction, such as fantasy, helps readers leave their inherent biases at the door when it comes to social issues . Because these stories often take place in otherworldly settings or societies that don’t resemble our own, authors can subtly encourage readers to consider different perspectives on actual issues.
