One of the most fascinating genres in literature, alternate history or alternative history, invites readers to explore a realm of possibilities by asking a simple but potent question—what if? At its core, this genre presents a historical fact and then diverges from that reality by modifying key events or outcomes. This way, it proposes a universe where history as we know it took a different path. This article will explore the alternate history genre, its characteristics, differences from other genres, and some notable examples.
What is the Genre of Alternate History?
Alternate history can be broadly classified under speculative fiction, encompassing genres like science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It's a literary genre that blends historical facts with speculative elements, resulting in an alternative reality. This genre is highly diverse and can span across various themes and sub-genres, including alternate history science fiction or fantasy and even alternate history non-fiction books.
Is Alternate History Historical Fiction?
While it might seem that alternate history is a subset of historical fiction at first glance, there's a key distinction between the two. Historical fiction generally adheres to actual historical events but explores them through fictional characters or storylines. Alternate history, on the other hand, takes a turning point in history and asks what would have happened if events unfolded differently.
Is Alternate History Science Fiction or Fantasy?
This question has no clear-cut answer. The alternate history genre is fluid and can easily blend with science fiction or fantasy, depending on the author's approach to the historical divergence. If the divergence is explained through scientific or technological changes, it leans toward science fiction. An example of this is Harry Turtledove's Worldwar series, where aliens invade during World War II.
If the divergence involves magical or supernatural elements, such as in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik, where dragons exist during the Napoleonic Wars, it becomes an alternate-history fantasy.
Characteristics of the Alternate History Genre
The primary characteristic of the alternate history genre is its divergence point, also known as the point of departure. This point signifies the moment where history deviates from what we know to be true. Additionally, alternate history focuses on significant historical events or periods, often revolving around war, politics, or influential figures.
Another key characteristic is plausibility. A successful alternate history story maintains a sense of believability despite its speculative nature. The changes and their consequences should be logically consistent with the divergence point. Naturally, authors within the genre tend to fluctuate between the more outlandish to the more realistic. However, no matter how far they deviate from reality if they follow these general themes, they are still considered alt-history.
The Difference Between Alternate History and Alternate Universe
While both concepts play with the idea of different realities, they do so in distinct ways. Alternate history strictly modifies real-world history, keeping its root in actual historical events. An alternate universe, however, often refers to entirely different realities where the laws of nature, societies, and even time can operate differently. This concept is widely used in science fiction and fantasy genres. One such example is seen in comic books with the alternate timeline developed for the Avengers series.
The Difference Between Alternate History Fantasy and Historical Fantasy
The distinction here lies in the extent and nature of historical deviation. Alternate history fantasy reimagines history by adding fantasy elements but generally maintains a close tie to a specific historical timeline. On the other hand, historical fantasy may take place in a historical period but allows for broader departures from historical fact, often creating a world that is historically inspired but significantly fantastical.
Examples of Alternate History Literature
There are many great alternate history novels and fiction books. Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle, for example, posits a world in which the Axis Powers won World War II. Alternatively, The Plot Against America by Philip Roth presents a history where aviator-hero and rabid isolationist Charles Lindbergh becomes the U.S. President, leading to a rise in anti-Semitism and a Nazi-friendly version of America.
Historical Fiction Example
An example of historical fiction is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, which follows a young girl's life in Nazi Germany. The novel is deeply rooted in the historical events of the time, but the characters and their stories are fictional. Another popular historical fiction book that’s actually a series and a television show is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
Alternative History Book Example
Fatherland by Robert Harris is an example I’ve cited multiple times in this blog series as an example of an alternative history book. The novel is set in a world where Nazi Germany won World War II and Adolf Hitler was still in power in the 1960s.
Exploring More of Alternate History
Stepping further into the realm of alternate history, we find an abundance of riveting narratives, each unique in its interpretation of history. As diverse as the genre itself, these tales can explore a wide array of themes and periods, from antiquity to the near past. They are defined by their creativity and depth of research, capturing the imaginations of readers and critics alike.
Alternate History as a Tool for Examination
One of the most intriguing aspects of alternate history is its ability to examine historical events from an entirely new angle. This genre allows authors to dissect pivotal moments in history, considering the socio-political, economic, and cultural impacts if they had unfolded differently. Alternate history serves as an avenue for creative speculation and a tool for historical analysis and critique—one example that influenced Philip K. Dick’s novel is If the Allies Had Fallen: Sixty Alternate Scenarios of World War II. The work is a collection essay on various moments across World War II where things could have turned out differently.
Playing with Time and Space in Alternate History
A crucial element of the alternate history genre is its flexibility concerning time and space. While some stories might imagine a different outcome of a known historical event, others might propose changes in ancient times with effects rippling into the present day. Some might even blend historical periods, creating a world where technologies or ideologies of different eras coexist.
Exploring Sub-genres: Steampunk and Dieselpunk
Steampunk and Dieselpunk are two popular sub-genres within alternate history. Steampunk typically features an alternate 19th-century setting where steam power remains the dominant technology. On the other hand, Dieselpunk often presents a world where the early to mid-20th century diesel-based technology prevails—books like Cherie Priest's Boneshaker and the Leviathan series by Scott Westerfield.
More Alternate History Fiction Examples
Expanding on our list of alternate history literature, Kim Stanley Robinson's The Years of Rice and Salt is an exceptional work. The novel explores a world where the Black Death wiped out nearly all of Europe's population, leading to a dominant Eastern world.
Stephen King's 11/22/63 presents a time-travel scenario where the protagonist attempts to prevent JFK's assassination. This book is an interesting mix of alternate history with a science fiction twist.
Alternate History Non-Fiction Books
While less common, non-fiction books can also fall within the scope of alternate history. These books often present academic or scholarly examinations of "what if" scenarios. Virtual History: Alternatives and Counterfactuals, edited by Niall Ferguson, explores several hypothetical scenarios with the help of leading historians, offering intellectual and scholarly debates on various points in history.
The alternate history genre in literature is an intriguing blend of creativity and scholarly exploration. It allows us to reimagine the world as we know it by altering key historical events or outcomes. This genre's beauty lies in its endless possibilities, allowing for deep reflection on our past and how it shapes our present. Whether through a lens of fantasy, science fiction, or non-fiction, alternate history encourages us to question, ponder, and dream. I’ll list the top 100 alternate history books in the next blog.
