Why Is There Alternate History?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 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.

When did alternate history become popular?

The late 1980s and the 1990s saw a boom in popular-fiction versions of alternate history, fueled by the emergence of the prolific alternate history author Harry Turtledove, as well as the development of the steampunk genre and two series of anthologies—the What Might Have Been series edited by Gregory Benford and the ...

What is meant by an alternate history?

1 : fiction that is based on history and that explores what might have happened if certain historical events, figures, etc., had been different Kennedy surviving the assassination attempt is a popular event of alternative history, inspiring novels, stage plays and short stories.—

How do you do alternate history?

  1. Focus on one specific change to historical events. ...
  2. Do a ton of research that goes beyond the single event you are altering. ...
  3. Remember the same rules of standard fiction writing apply.

Why do authors alter history?

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 alternate history hub?

Alternate History Hub is, as the quote suggests, a YouTube channel created by Cody Franklin that is dedicated to Alternate History scenarios . ... Another feature is his “Contro-History” videos, which takes the Alternate History approach to various controversial subjects.

What is if book alternate history?

The Book of Alternative History, experts consider what might have happened if key moments in time had gone differently, including the Nazis winning World War Two, Abraham Lincoln surviving his assassination, the Allies losing the Battle of the Atlantic, China discovering America first, and much more.

What if Germany won ww2 book?

The Black Book : What if Germany had won World War II – A Chilling Glimpse into the Nazi Plans for Great Britain Kindle Edition. In July 1940, Walter Schellenberg of the German Secret Service drew up a list of 2,694 people believed to be living in Britain, who were known enemies of the Reich.

What madness is this by Napoleon53?

“What Madness is This?” is a dystopian Alternate History timeline by Napoleon53, a member of AlternateHistory.com. It can be read here . It starts with the corrupt dealings of the American Federalist Party, whose attempts to gain supreme power lead to the collapse of the United States.

What is the synonym of the word history?

In this page you can discover 66 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for history, like: the past , records, antiquity, account, change, chronology, description, social-science, memoir, historical evidence and future.

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.

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.

Why do authors use historical fiction?

Reading historical fiction allows us to be moved by what happened. ... The historical novelist exposes the reader to the inner lives of people across time and place , and in doing so illuminates history’s untold stories, allowing the reader to experience a more complex truth.

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 .

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.