Do you find counterfactual history interesting?

Question

I'll let Wikipedia elaborate for me. :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_history

"Virtual history, also referred to as counterfactual history, is a form of history which attempts to answer "what if" questions. It seeks to explore history and historical processes from the point of view of extrapolating a position in which certain key historical events did not happen or had an outcome which was different to that which did in fact occur. Most historians regard counterfactual history as sometimes entertaining, but not meeting the standards of mainstream historical research due to its speculative nature. It should be noted that virtual history is most emphatically NOT revisionist history, nor should it be confused with the genre of alternative history fiction."

Answer 1

I find counterfactual history to be very interesting. I really do like to read books and watch movies set in alternate universes where an event was changed. I would have to say that "For Want of a Nail" by Robert Sobel is my favourite book in that genre. Turtledove poses some very interesting and occasionally plausible timelines. (His General Order 191 books are very well crafted, while Guns of the South is on the weird side.)

I am likely in disagreement with many historians as to the value of counterfactual history as I think that it is useful. Having to ponder what the consequences of a particular event from the other side of reality gives a greater appreciation of reality itself, something that some historians believe would happen naturally. Plus it has the benefit of being entertaining. (If you're not careful, you might actually learn something!)

One thing that I've been trying to do since I discovered Yahoo! Answers is pose questions of alternate histories. I would love to answer some as well. (Hint, hint...)

Answer 2

Could u elaborate?
Thats a interesting question.

If u mean, counter-factual history..
People do that all the time, assigning myth or nonfact to a even or person giving that person or event more value than truely deserved?

If u mean revisionist history that happens too but is often easy to dismiss with actual proof.

Exampe;
1. Jefferson was not christian - proven by his own words/letters.
2. G.Washington did not chop down a cherry tree..
That story is not in fact true but was invented by his
biographer years after his death.

Whatif history is a cute entertainment exercise, but is just that.
Its really no different than watching tv fiction, and has no real academci bearing on anything.

Answer 3

It is very facinating, it shows you the what ifs of history, allowing you to see in a broader perspective your actual situacion. Making you free of historic prejudices too. And teaches you history in a n entertaining way.
I love Alternative history, I am actually writting a book about it. If you see it in the future, buy it ok? LOL

Answer 4

I do find foolish thieves amusing. Is that the same thing? My own family history (identity) was stolen over 120 years ago, so that they could flee from hunger and war. IT was "wild" to find out that fact.

Our family heritage was completely changed due to that hidden fact. That was really cool, since most of us all believed that we were "Something" else...and that is very rewarded to know that we were always right on a primal level.

Answer 5

I like to read novels. And counterfactual history is just that, made up events.

Answer 6

Not really. The practitioners have to make so many assumptions about how people would have reacted to changed circumstances that, in the end, they're reduced to guesses.

Answer 7

Sometimes. It is a good way to understand the importance of what actually DID happen by asking what could have been.

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"What If?" By Robert Cowlet, ed. ISBN 0-425-18613-X