Rise and shine

Some alternative history stories appear to be more wish fulfillment rather than a plausible chain of altered events. A prime example of this would be 'The Foresight War' by Anthony Williams and published in 2004. It's actually quite a fun and fast moving read and, from a military historians point of view, is a fascinating 'what if' foray into weapons development and political dirty tricks. Imagine if you woke up one morning and it was now 1934 and you have full knowledge of what was to occur over the next years of peace and war? I suppose the first hurdle would be to convince someone that you were really from the future and not a lunatic. If you know your weaponry and the development of tanks, planes and ships throughout the '30's and '40's, then this book is a wonderland of new toys to play the war game with. Could the Nazi's actually win a war when they 'know' the future - read the book!! I won't tell you. I thought about that when watching Life on Mars. In 1973, my first visit would be to the Israeli embassy to warn them of the impending Yom Kippur war that would erupt in October. I could warn them of the surprise attack, the unprecedented use of anti-tank and anti-air missiles and the vulnerability of the Bar-Lev line. Now. here's the twist, what if the was another 'throwback' advising the Arab nations of the errors made on their side during the war. Unfortunately, I can also imagine my frustration if no one believed me. This is an interesting mental game that anyone can play. Give it a try.

Comments

[Laurence Cutner]

Thanks Sharon, I will certainly look for that. My alternative history obsession is taking me to odd places. I like that.

[Sharon Rosen]

I enjoyed "Time for Patriots", by T. Hamilton, published last August (full disclosure--the author was one of my college professors). A large grup of people from the 21st Century wind up in 1770. The ones in charge try to clamp down on most changes--except for ending slavery and allowing women to vote. Much of the plot is driven by various free-lancers going out to make their own favored changes, such as trying to prolong the life of Mozart (who roundly curses out a time traveler). Then there is Ben Franklin, who has a one night stand with one of the women, and steals a history book from their library.