In Lone Warrior Vol 14/2 (May/June 89), there was an article by Geoff Barker on alternative history novels. Since then, a number of other similar novels have been published. Here are some that I have come across. AGENT OF BYZANTIUM by Harry Turtledove (Baen Books). In a Moslem-free world, the Byzantine empire flourishes developing technology at an earlier date than our own. Not an outstanding story, but does provide some interesting ideas for an alternative Dark Ages setting. THE GENERAL series. THE FORGE, THE HAMMER, and THE ANVIL with two more books planned - David Drake and S.M. Stirling (Baen Books). The series is set long after the collapse of interstellar civilization through devastating war. On the planet of Bellview two main governments have emerged, the Civil government, of mainly Hispanic origin, and the Colony, of Arab descent. Both of these have reached a technological level on par with the late 19th century, with several other, less advanced governments. The story centers around a young officer in the Civil government called Raj Whitehall, who is in communication with a pre-fall (of civilization) computer. Using his own ability and the computer's knowledge, he embarks on several campaigns to retake territory lost by the Civil government. Many scenario and campaign ideas for the science fiction gamer, or the 19th century gamer looking for something a bit different. THE LOST REGIMENT series. RALLY CRY, UNION FOREVER, TERRIBLE SWIFT SWORD and FATEFUL LIGHTNING - William Forstchen (Roc Books). At least the first three books have been published in the UK. While being transported by sea in 1865, the 35th Maine, an ACW Union infantry regiment and veterans of Gettysburg, are shipwrecked during a storm and are washed up onto an unfamiliar coastline, to be greeted by medieval Russians! They have been transported to, as well as other humans (Romans, Chinese etc), a world where mankind is a little bit lower in the food chain than normal. The natives of the planet are 8 foot tall beings, who travel in hordes constantly, circling the planet once every fourteen years, and whose word for humans is "cattle." Needless to say, when the Tugars (one of the hordes) arrive, the 35th Maine don't climb into the cooking pots. Instead, a bloody and vicious campaign ensues. The second book covers a war between the 35th Maine, Russians and the Cartha (Carthaginians) with ironclads against galleys and the introduction of airships. The final two books cover a massive war between the 35th Maine/Russians/Romans and the Merki, another even larger horde. Four excellent books, but they do get a bit gory in places (anyone of a nervous disposition should skip over the descriptions of the Moonfeast). FALKENBERGS LEGION (released in the U.K. as Future History), PRINCE OF MERCENARIES, GO TELL THE SPARTANS, and PRINCE OF SPARTA by Jerry Pournelle with S.M. Stirling (Baen Books). Set at the collapse of mankind's first interstellar government, the Condominium. Technological research has been suppressed, leaving technology at just post 20th century levels. A must for any science fiction wargamer. The series is also a good read for 20th century gamers. There are plenty of mainly infantry scenarios, and with the two novels set on the world of Sparta, an almost ready made campaign. These are mostly infantry actions from skirmish to battalion level. THE PROTEUS OPERATION by James P. Hogan (Arrow Books). This interesting novel begins in an alternative 1974, with the U.S.A. and Australia the last two nations in a Nazi and Japanese dominated world on the brink of war, in which the U.S.A. is hopelessly outmatched. The only chance of survival is for President John F. Kennedy's government to send a team of experts and special forces back to 1939 in an attempt to alter history. An interesting book, which provides some good ideas, though now it is most probably out of print. THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE by William Gibson and Bruce Stirling (Victor Gollancz SF). The computer age arrives during the industrial revolution with the perfection of Charles Babbages analytical engine. Well worth reading. ANTI-ICE by Stephen Baxter (Harper Collins). Another Victorian alternative history. Anti-ice is discovered in the Antarctic. This substance is harmless while at sub zero temperatures, but when thawed, a massive release of energy occurs. This energy release is controlled to power machinery and is used to end the siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War (with an explosion similar to that of a nuclear bomb). The above two books provide some interesting ideas, especially if combined with Space 1889. Also, Wessex Games (4 Old Acre Road, Whitchurch, Bristol, BS14 0HN) plan to release a set of 6/15 Victorian SF rules called Redcoats on Mars. If you want to obtain these books from your local library their ISBN's are: Agent of Byzantium #0-671-87593-0 The Forge #0-671-72037-6 The Hammer #0-671-72105-4 The Anvil #0-671-72171-2 Rally Cry #0-451-45007-8 Union Forever #0-451-45060-4 Terrible Swift Sword #0-451-45137-6 Fateful Lightning #0-451-45196-1 Falkenbergs Legion #0-671-72018-X Prince of Sparta #0-671-72158-5 Prince of Mercenaries #0-671-69811-7 Go Tell the Spartans #0-671-72061-9 The Proteus Operation #0-09-948200-2 The Difference Engine #0-575-05297-X Anti-Ice #0-586-21296-5 Also, in addition to the above, another way I've found of creating an alternative history is to use one of the many historical computer wargames available. One example is Clash of Steel, available for the PC. In one game, playing the allies, the war followed its historical course until December 1940, when Spain joined the war on the Axis (computer) side threatening Gibraltar. General Alexander (in the game a generals unit is not only the general, but also includes troops), who was on his way to North Africa was diverted to reinforce the Gibraltar garrison, stopping it from being overrun by the Spanish. Fighting continued in the area between Madrid and Gibraltar (this being the main area of fighting for the allies instead of North Africa) until March/April 1942 when Montgomery entered Madrid and Spain surrendered. So, instead of invading France from across the English Channel, the remaining German units in Spain were destroyed and France was attacked from the south. This alternative WWII campaign I intend to use as a setting for skirmish games in the future, using the increasing number of 15mm WWII figures and vehicles being made available. Two other games that are also useful in this way are Civilization and the recently released, but slightly disappointing sequel Colonization, but there are a host of other wargames for all computer formats. [See what happens when members get their hands on Back Copies - they become inspired!] Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #109 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1995 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com