Books of Interest?
                     Alternate History
              Subject Author: Harry Turtledove

                  Reviewed by David Froude

During our life, each of us is constantly making decisions which
affect us and those around us.  Most of these would not make an
effective change to the world's timeline, or future.  For example,
you may go to work by a different route or method of transport.
Each will get you to your destination and even though you may come
into contact with many others, the outcome is likely to be the
same.  Just a ripple which quickly smoothes out.

However, if a government makes a decision like declaring war, this
will change the lives of millions as we have seen from the two
major conflicts during the twentieth century.  Thus history is
made.  But "what if" these conflicts had never taken place?
Decisions made will therefore either have no real effect or will

be extensive depending upon the nature of that decision and who
made it.

For those who are interested in fantasies of this nature, they may
enjoy the Harry Turtledove who has seized this concept of "what
if" and written some entertaining books on the subject.

In one of these, "GUNS OF THE SOUTH", the Southern States win the
American Civil War and history is changed.  This theme is
continued in a later volume, "HOW FEW REMAIN".

In another series, the "WORLDWAR" tetrology, Earth is invaded from
space during the Second World War. This is initially covered in
four volumes

1 Worldwar: In the Balance
2 Worldwar: Tilting the Balance
3 Worldwar: Upsetting the Balance
4 Worldwar: Striking the Balance

An invasion force the like of which the Earth has never known is
inhuman and unstoppable.  Their weaponry is overwhelming and their
aim is simple, total domination.

This is continued in a further series entitled Colonisation, the
first novel being Second Contact with more to follow.

The books cover the grand overall picture and "lesser" individuals
that are caught up in the conflict.

Another story, written in conjunction with Richard Dreyfuss,
entitled "THE TWO GEORGES" hypothesises an alternate 20th century
in which the American Revolution of 1776 and subsequent War of
Independence never took place.  Thereby, the USA never came to be
and America remained in the British Empire.

DWF Jan 2001


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