Alternate history

thumb|It is easy to argue persuasively the truism that the lessons of history are best derived from what actually happened, rather than from what nearly happened. It should be added, however, that what happened becomes more fully comprehensible in the light of the contending forces that existed at moments of decision. Understanding of the total historical setting is bound to contribute to a clearer view of the actual course of affairs. —Harold C. Deutsch thumb|We look at this as the best of all possible worlds, but the French know it isn't, because most people speak English. —Mark Olson Alternate history is a subgenre of speculative fiction (or science fiction) and historical fiction that is set in a world in which history has diverged from the actual history of the world. Sourced Plausibility, as the necessary brake and control element, has been our most essential guide. Harold C. Deutsch, introduction to What If? Strategic Alternatives of WWII. It is easy to argue persuasively the truism that the lessons of history are best derived from what actually happened, rather than from what nearly happened. It should be added, however, that what happened becomes more fully comprehensible in the light of the contending forces that existed at moments of decision. Understanding of the total historical setting is bound to contribute to a clearer view of the actual course of affairs. Harold C. Deutsch, introduction to What If? Strategic Alternatives of WWII. We look at this as the best of all possible worlds, but the French know it isn't, because most people speak English. Mark Olson at the "Histories: The Way We Weren't" panel at Boskone 28. Is the very essence of what science fiction is all about. Harry Harrison on alternate history. http://www.strangehorizons.com/2002/20020715/time.shtml The Time of the Other: Alternate History and the Conquest of America 2 January 2009 Fred Bush July 15, 2002 Strange Horizons. See also Harry Turtledove S. M. Stirling External links Alternate History 101 by Evelyn C. Leeper Today in Alternate History, a daily-updated blog, featuring "Important Events In History That Never Occurred Today" in several recurring timelines. Category:Literature Category:science fiction