alternative historical fiction

The main difference between alternative historical fiction and traditional historical fiction lies in their approach to history. Traditional historical fiction aims to represent historical events and periods as accurately as possible. It might include fictional characters, but the historical backdrop remains true to the facts. In contrast, alternative historical fiction takes a 'what - if' approach. It imagines a different outcome to a historical event. For instance, a traditional historical novel about the Roman Empire would focus on real battles, emperors, and social structures. However, an alternative historical fiction could imagine what would have happened if Rome had never fallen. This allows for more creative freedom and often leads to very different stories that make readers question the course of history.

You could say 'past-oriented fiction' or 'period fiction'. They both kind of mean the same thing as historical fiction.

In a way, yes. Alternative history books are often considered a subset of historical fiction. They take real historical events and then explore 'what if' scenarios, creating fictional narratives based on those alterations. This makes them a part of the larger world of historical fiction with their own specific appeal.

One popular alternative historical fiction is 'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick. It presents an alternate world where the Axis powers won World War II. Another is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' which reimagines a magical England during the Napoleonic Wars. 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris is also well - known, set in a world where Hitler won the war.

Fiction alternative history basically involves creating fictional stories that reimagine historical events or periods with altered details or different turns of events. It allows for creative speculation on how history might have unfolded differently. For example, what if Germany had won World War II? That's the kind of thing you might find in this genre.