Alternate Histories

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if just one thing in history had happened differently? Well, that is the theme of our “Alternate History” Display. It features books in which some detail of history has been changed and thus the world is a much different place.

If you’re new to the concept of alternate history books, I recommend checking out Stephen King’s 11/22/63 (FIC Kin). You can always rely on Stephen King for a good thriller and this book is no exception. Jack Epping is an English teacher who learns that his friend Al has a portal to 1958. It becomes Jake’s obsession to prevent the Kennedy Assassination. Each attempt he makes takes a different and unexpected turn, will he be able to alter history?

If you are looking for a traditional Alternate History book, you might want to try Roma Eterna by Robert Silverberg (FIC Sil). It asks the question of what would have happened if the Roman Empire never crumbled. What would have happened when they encountered the prophet Mohammad? Or how would they have interacted with the Mayan Empire? And even further down the line, what would have happened in the age of space travel?

My favorite Alternate History story is River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey (FIC Gai). In real life, the United States government once considered a plan to import hippopotamuses into the marshlands of Louisiana to be bred as a meat source. As Hippos are incredibly dangerous this plan was luckily abandoned, but River of Teeth is a wild west-esq story about hippo riders in the American Southwest as they travel the rivers and bayous.

Of all the books on the display, I am most excited to read The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal (FIC Cow). This book is set in a world where in 1952 a large meteorite fell to earth and destroyed much of the east coast, and started a climate cataclysm that will soon render Earth inhospitable for humanity (like what happened to the dinosaurs). The threat causes an accelerated effort to colonize space. Elma York is an experienced WASP pilot and mathematician working in the International Aerospace Coalition attempting to put a man on the moon. But she soon wonders why, with so many skilled female pilots and scientists in the program, they aren’t being considered for space flight. She becomes determined to be the first Lady astronaut.

These are only a few of the possible alternate histories that you can discover in our display. It has everything from Zombie Apocalypses to the trials of the traitor George Washington. If this concept interests you, come check out the display between now and July 15th.

Interested in more suggestions? Stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor at CDPL. We will be happy to help you find your next reading adventure.

Emma Lashley is a Library Assistant in the Reference and Local History Department at CDPL