Rewriting History

Throughout the annals of literature, authors have reimagined or reinterpreted historical events, sometimes proposing new narratives that veer into fanstic realms. These creative reinterpretations give rise to a genre of fiction that intertwines fact with speculation, known as 'fictional histories' or 'speculative fiction'.

This genre doesn't merely rewrite history, it dives deep into the unfathomable depths of the 'what ifs'. It proposes alternative explanations for historical gaps, ascribes significance to seemingly random events, and postulates the existence of hidden forces and secret societies pulling the strings.

For some, the appeal of speculative fiction is the thrill of an intricate narrative that teases reality yet defies conventional understanding. For others, it's an intellectual exercise, a way to question accepted narratives and challenge the status quo. By inviting readers to question what they think they know about the past, these genres offer a unique blend of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. They foster curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and open new vistas of imagination.

Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics that define these genres, explore the role of conspiracies and secret societies, and introduce some of the most notable authors and their contributions. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, we hope this will offer fresh insights and new perspectives.

In order to appreciate the depth and diversity of these genres, it's important to understand what we mean by 'fictional histories' and 'speculative fiction'.

Fictional Histories: A narrative that either adds to or reinterprets established historical events. Fictional histories often fill gaps left by the historical record, propose alternative explanations for well-documented events, or imagine 'what if' scenarios that diverge from the accepted narrative. These stories often incorporate real historical figures and settings, but the narrative itself is largely a product of the author's imagination.

Speculative Fiction: A wide range of sub-genres including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and alternative history. Speculative fiction is characterized by its focus on 'what could be', exploring hypothetical scenarios and alternative realities. This genre often incorporates the fantastical, the supernatural, or the futuristic. Speculative fiction might reimagine historical events with a sci-fi or fantasy twist.

Both genres challenge readers to think beyond the constraints of established narratives and to imagine new possibilities.

In the world of fictional histories and speculative fiction, the role of conspiracies and secret societies is often central to the narrative. These elements serve to inject mystery, suspense, and intrigue, enriching the story and captivating the reader's imagination.

Conspiracies: Secret plans or schemes by a group of people, often involving the manipulation of events behind the scenes. Conspiracies are often used to explain historical events or phenomena in unexpected and unconventional ways. They challenge the accepted narrative and encourage the reader to question what they think they know. The allure of a conspiracy theory lies in its capacity to make sense of seemingly random or unexplained events.

Secret Societies: Clandestine organizations that operate away from the public eye, with secret knowledge, rituals, or objectives. Secret societies serve as powerful actors in the narrative, wielding influence over historical events or possessing hidden knowledge. The intrigue and mystery make them attractive for authors of fictional histories and speculative fiction.

The role of conspiracies and secret societies in these genres is not merely about creating captivating narratives. They serve a deeper purpose by challenging perceptions and encouraging readers to question established narratives. They lend a sense of wonder and excitement to history, making the past a playground for the imagination.

Fictional histories and speculative fiction owe their popularity to a number of talented authors who have pushed the boundaries of these genres with their creative storytelling.

Jim Marrs: An American journalist and New York Times bestselling author, Marrs was known for his investigative reporting and his interest in a wide range of conspiracy theories. His book "Rule by Secrecy" delves into the roles of secret societies in shaping world history, while "Crossfire: The Plot That Killed Kennedy" offers an alternative perspective on the assassination of JFK.

Graham Hancock: A British author and journalist, Hancock is renowned for his theories involving ancient civilizations, particularly his proposal of a lost, advanced civilization that predates known history. His books like "Fingerprints of the Gods" and "Magicians of the Gods" challenge conventional historical narratives with his alternative theories.

Erich von Däniken: A Swiss author best known for his work "Chariots of the Gods?", von Däniken popularized the ancient astronaut theory, which suggests that extraterrestrials influenced early human civilization. His work has been influential in shaping the genre of alternative history.

Dan Brown: An American author of thriller novels, Brown's works often intertwine real historical events and figures with fictional narratives involving conspiracies and secret societies. His books, such as "The Da Vinci Code" and "Angels & Demons", have been enormously popular and influential, bringing elements of fictional history and speculative fiction to a mainstream audience.

While the authors discussed in the previous section have achieved mainstream recognition, there are many other writers who, though perhaps less well-known, have made significant contributions to the genres of fictional histories and speculative fiction:

Robert Bauval: An Egyptian-born author, Bauval is known for his Orion Correlation Theory, which posits a connection between the Great Pyramids of Giza and the constellation Orion. His books, such as "The Orion Mystery", challenge conventional understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child: This American writing duo are known for their thriller and horror novels. Their "Pendergast" series often blends historical events with conspiracy theories and elements of the supernatural.

Katherine Neville: An American author, Neville's novel "The Eight" is a blend of historical fiction and adventure involving a centuries-old chess set, the French Revolution, and a global conspiracy. Her work is an excellent example of how fictional histories can intertwine historical events with imaginative narratives.

Neal Stephenson: An American author, Stephenson's "Baroque Cycle" is a series of historical novels that combines history, adventure, science, invention, piracy, and alchemy. His work demonstrates the vast potential of fictional histories and speculative fiction to create rich, detailed narratives that span centuries.

Umberto Eco: An Italian novelist, Eco's "Foucault's Pendulum" is a complex narrative that involves secret societies and conspiratorial history. His work is acclaimed for its intellectual depth and exploration of signs and symbols.

Alan Moore: A British comic book writer, Moore's graphic novel "From Hell" is a speculative account of the Jack the Ripper murders involving freemasonry and royal conspiracy. Moore's work shows how fictional histories and speculative fiction can be effectively conveyed through different mediums.

Fictional histories and speculative fiction have left an indelible mark on popular culture and influenced other fields of literature.

Influence on Popular Culture: The theories and narratives introduced in these genres have often found their way into movies, television series, and video games. From blockbuster films like "The Da Vinci Code" and "Indiana Jones", to popular video games like "Assassin's Creed" that weave together historical events with fictional narratives, the influence of these genres is evident. They have significantly contributed to the popular fascination with secret societies, ancient mysteries, and conspiracy theories.

Influence on Literature: These genres have influenced other genres, such as historical fiction, mystery, and thriller, encouraging authors to incorporate elements of speculation, alternative history, and conspiracy in their narratives. The success of authors like Dan Brown and Jim Marrs has shown that there is a large readership that enjoys narratives that challenge conventional wisdom and offer alternative explanations for historical events.

Controversies and Criticisms: While these genres have a wide appeal, they have also been subject to criticism. Scholars and experts often criticize the lack of rigorous historical research in these works and the promotion of unfounded theories. However, proponents argue that these genres, at their best, are not meant to replace rigorous historical study but rather to stimulate the imagination and encourage critical thinking about accepted narratives.

For writers interested in exploring the realms of fictional histories and speculative fiction, here are some tips to help get you started:

Do Your Homework: While these genres invite you to imagine and create, a solid foundation of historical knowledge can lend credibility to your narrative. Familiarize yourself with the historical period, events, and figures you wish to incorporate into your story. Understand the established narrative before you begin to challenge it.

Embrace 'What Ifs': The heart of these genres lies in the exploration of alternatives. Ask yourself 'what if' questions about the historical events you're dealing with. What if an event had turned out differently? What if a lesser-known figure played a more important role? What if there was a hidden force influencing these events?

Create Engaging Characters: Even though the focus may be on reimagining history, don't neglect your characters. They are the ones who will guide your readers through this alternative world you've created. Make them relatable, interesting, and integral to the narrative.

Use Conspiracies and Secret Societies with Care: While these elements can add intrigue and suspense, they should serve the story and not become the story. Avoid making your narrative overly complicated or unbelievable.

Balance Fact and Fiction: One of the challenges of writing in these genres is to strike the right balance between fact and fiction. While you're reimagining history, it's important to keep your narrative grounded enough, in reality, to be believable.

Be Prepared for Criticism: As we discussed earlier, these genres can be controversial. Be prepared for criticism from those who disagree with your reinterpretations of history. Remember that your goal is not to rewrite history but to stimulate imagination and provoke thought.

Fictional histories and speculative fiction serve to remind us that history, often viewed as a concrete and unchanging entity, can also be a rich tapestry of narratives waiting to be reimagined. These genres challenge our perceptions, encourage us to question established narratives and provide a platform for exploring alternative explanations of historical events.

While they often invite criticism and controversy, fictional histories and speculative fiction provide an exciting avenue for intellectual curiosity, fostering a spirit of inquiry and critical thinking.

As we turn the pages of these alternative histories, we are reminded that the past, like the future, is full of infinite possibilities.