Above are good starters for those who may have an interest in reading up some 'Alternate History', also see references below to other books and films worth taking an interest in. ENJOY!
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Alternate History writing is not “Revisionist History” but a speculative and conjectured view of history has it might have been on basis of “What If?” an event in history had occurred differently that changed the course of history. I am not going to attempt explaining this in any greater detail as it is done better by ‘enthusiast experts’ on the web.
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In particular search for:
· Alternate History.
· Stephens Alternate History Web Site.
· Uchronia: The Alternate History List.
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These sites will lead you on to many other rewarding excellent source of information web sites, that will be invaluable regards providing you with all kinds of information on this genre of creative writing. Particularly of value to those who are unaware of this area of fictional creativity, which note may other than the writing of short stories and novels also allow for creation of “Alternate History Time Lines” and much else as you will see.
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Many years have passed since I had pleasure to read a fictional novel with subject matter based on themes of ‘Alternate History’, books in this genre I have had pleasure of reading are:
· Bring the Jubilee (subject: Confederates win the American Civil War) By Ward More
· Pavane . (subject: England lost to Spanish Armada) By Kieth Roberts
· Fatherland (subject: Hitler wins the second World War) By Robert Harris,
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Would you believe it, but my attention was drawn back to ‘Alternate History’ over Xmas 2004 by being handed a little handbill entitled “if Jesus Had Never Been Born”, very simply it set out an “Alternate Religious History” based on this conjecture, not a story as such but simply speculatively making propositions regards all the “good things” that might not have happened “if Jesus Had Never Been Born”. Of course this was a very much biased account and just may have been otherwise written with an opposite view, regards all the ''bad things'' as examples of; Persecution of Pagans and even of the Christian Cathars, not forgetting the Crusades, Christian Conquest of the New World, plus the Protestant - v - Catholic Religious Wars and let's not forget the burning of ''Witches', etc.
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Whatever, it got me to thinking about ‘Alternate History’ and so I began to check out the web for further information and soon came up with a Web published document entitled ‘The Irish Empire’, that conjectured the coming into existence of such an Empire following Roman conquest of Ireland in the first century and it’s eventual demise during the 20th century. (see this excellent story on web). Of course it did not take me long then to wonder why there seemed to be no great Welsh attempt at Alternate History Writing , particularly those of Welsh history subject matter. At least I can find no reference to such (some one please inform me if I am wrong), other than a very well known story in the Welsh Language: Wythnos Yng Nghymru Fydd (a week in future Wales) by Islwyn Ffowc Elis.
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Post 2004 I was given as a birthday present the alternate History 'For Want Of A Nail' subtitled 'If Burgoyne had won at Saratoga' by Robert Sobel, this is a 'tour de force' in writing of alternate history and as the title suggests is about an 'Alternate America'. It is very detailed and so writen that one could almost believe it as a real history, especially because the Author has cleverly included foot notes. I am afraid at age 61, life maybe too short for me to attempt such a 'tour de force' so I will stick to some short stories and my on going blog epic:
· Alternate History.
· Stephens Alternate History Web Site.
· Uchronia: The Alternate History List.
.
These sites will lead you on to many other rewarding excellent source of information web sites, that will be invaluable regards providing you with all kinds of information on this genre of creative writing. Particularly of value to those who are unaware of this area of fictional creativity, which note may other than the writing of short stories and novels also allow for creation of “Alternate History Time Lines” and much else as you will see.
.
Many years have passed since I had pleasure to read a fictional novel with subject matter based on themes of ‘Alternate History’, books in this genre I have had pleasure of reading are:
· Bring the Jubilee (subject: Confederates win the American Civil War) By Ward More
· Pavane . (subject: England lost to Spanish Armada) By Kieth Roberts
· Fatherland (subject: Hitler wins the second World War) By Robert Harris,
.
Would you believe it, but my attention was drawn back to ‘Alternate History’ over Xmas 2004 by being handed a little handbill entitled “if Jesus Had Never Been Born”, very simply it set out an “Alternate Religious History” based on this conjecture, not a story as such but simply speculatively making propositions regards all the “good things” that might not have happened “if Jesus Had Never Been Born”. Of course this was a very much biased account and just may have been otherwise written with an opposite view, regards all the ''bad things'' as examples of; Persecution of Pagans and even of the Christian Cathars, not forgetting the Crusades, Christian Conquest of the New World, plus the Protestant - v - Catholic Religious Wars and let's not forget the burning of ''Witches', etc.
.
Whatever, it got me to thinking about ‘Alternate History’ and so I began to check out the web for further information and soon came up with a Web published document entitled ‘The Irish Empire’, that conjectured the coming into existence of such an Empire following Roman conquest of Ireland in the first century and it’s eventual demise during the 20th century. (see this excellent story on web). Of course it did not take me long then to wonder why there seemed to be no great Welsh attempt at Alternate History Writing , particularly those of Welsh history subject matter. At least I can find no reference to such (some one please inform me if I am wrong), other than a very well known story in the Welsh Language: Wythnos Yng Nghymru Fydd (a week in future Wales) by Islwyn Ffowc Elis.
.
Post 2004 I was given as a birthday present the alternate History 'For Want Of A Nail' subtitled 'If Burgoyne had won at Saratoga' by Robert Sobel, this is a 'tour de force' in writing of alternate history and as the title suggests is about an 'Alternate America'. It is very detailed and so writen that one could almost believe it as a real history, especially because the Author has cleverly included foot notes. I am afraid at age 61, life maybe too short for me to attempt such a 'tour de force' so I will stick to some short stories and my on going blog epic:
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The ASSYRIAN ROD*.
.It is quite possible that in time this 'Alternate Welsh History' will become an epic and possibly a 'tour de force', if I can find time to continue to the climatic conclusions, I have at moment only in my meandering mind. Do note, this story is no instant done job, it will take time, possibly years to completes as it will have to compete with other blog and Web Site work I am involved in. This story is actually in two, possibly three parts, and fantasy fiction will merge with present times realities of Wales today, in the seventh year of the ''Second Millenium''. The stories will owe much to Alan Garners book: RED SHIFT which I have not read but seen in 1978 'Play for the Day' BBC Drama form and whilst the book was criticised by some, the drama left a good impression on me. Do not expect or ask me to explain to you exactly what a 'Red Shift' is in scientific terms, go to web for that, suffice to say in theory at least the scientific idea can be used creativelly in the writing of 'Time Travel' or of 'Parallel Universes' stories. This was the subject matter of Garner's book, a story of three seperate periods in English history linked by one place and one person, no need for me to say much more on this as material on the web deals fully with reviews of it's writter, the book and the play.
.Essentially The ASSYRIAN ROD stories are based in the past, in time of Owain Glyndwr, beginning during the days leading up to his coronation on the 21 June 1404. Members of the 'Barefoot Welsh Doggis'' peasant army that are the basis of Glyndwr's ''rank and file'' support, seek meeting with the great leader so that they may present Glyndwr with a petition as to their reward for supporting his cause. Subsequently, an ''incident'' occurs that ignites events that changes the course of Welsh History, so influencing past, present and future? Glyndwr a popular leader amongs the 'Barefoot Doggis' is sympathetic to the demands of his ''landless'' followers'' and concedes to many of their wishes. However, many of his advisors are not and are weary of the ''Barefoot Doggis''and mindful in memories of the English Peasants Revolt of 1381. Glyndwr's chief advisors urge upon him caution but his generals Rhys Gethin and Rhys Ddu are totally opposed and conspire to crush the ''peasant army'' and execute it's leaders. As people gather in Machynlleth for the establishing of the planned parliament, the two generals conspire with other ''Glyndwr Captains'' to manipulate a situation where the ''Barefoot Doggis'' will lose the sympathy of Owain Glyndwr. On the eve of the coronation a plan is put into place that witnesses the conspirators organise an hired band of mercenaries to pose as ''Barefoot Doggis'' and kidnap Owain Glyndwr and other members of the Royal family, bind them as prisoners and take them off to the 'Barefoot Doggi' camp with the false story that they had heard Glyndwr conspire with his generals to crush ''The Doggis'' and kill their leaders. This causes confusion in ''The Doggi's'' camp, with some calling for the execution of the Royal Family whilst others shout care and caution, and that they should listen to what their prince has to say. However, already the two dark and devious Generals with a large host, are riding with great haste to ''The Doggis'' camp, ''to the rescue'' their rallying cry but in reality not only are they intending to crush ''The Doggis'' and kill their leaders. It is also their plan for they to kill Owain Glyndwr and other members of the Royal family, blame the murders on ''The Barefoot Doggis'' and then carry out a 'Coup d'Etat' to establish the rule of ''The Generals'', a Military Despotism aka Dictatorship........What happens next? Wait and See? Stay Tuned!
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Sorry no photos with this above story, needs some set up to illustrate, guess I will have to deal with this matter. So, Medieval Re-enactors wanted to pose for fantasy story?
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The second or is this the third story? set in the future, is in period where and when a third Investiture of ''William of Wales'' as the next English Prince of Wales is on the horizon. Set in a British Isles in total decay and decline with the demise of any central authoriy and the Welsh experiment with devolution a total failiure. Continental Europe has seen the idea of European Union disintegrate with only independant ''Crusader City States'' left with any resemblance of authority and normality, outside there is chaos aggrevated by the ''Muslim War'', everywhere discontented ''marginalised muslims'' rise up from their ''Ghetto Casbahs''. A European underclass have also risen up in ''Wheat War Popular Rebellions'' Scotland has achieved Independence and formed links with the Scandinavian and Baltic Countries whilst Ireland seeks to dominate an Atlantic Arc of Western Sea Board ''Celtic Bow'' Nations. Meanwhile England is in a total state of Anarchy and chaos, when the aged English Queen dies, and Charles becomes King. 'King Carlos', as he is known dispragingly by Welsh Patriots seeks by assuming more and more power to the English Monarchy, needs the Welsh on his side and embarks upon designs to make his eldest son, very much a real and hoped to be popular ''Prince of Wales''.
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This in itself is seen as a rather irrelevent idea but not to the ''White Flight English Settlers'' that have colonised much of central Wales, aka Mid Wales aka Powys, making of it an ''English Kossovo''. The Settlers branch of the BNP have founded 'Hengist and Horsa Movement', long campaigners for this ''English Kossovo'' to be made an ''Autonomous Anglo - March'' sees opportnity to advance their cause by combating Welsh Resistance to the Third Investiture, causing confusion to be seized upon by people with devious and sinister ''hidden agendas''.
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On the eve of an annual rally held by Welsh Patriots at the Cilmeri Cenotaph, the 'King Alfred Commando' plants a bomb at the Cilmeri Cenotaph, the explosion that night not only destroys a memorial sacred to Welsh Nationalists but also causes crisis in Cymru that explodes into radical national violence not witnessed sins the great Adfywiad Gwladgarol of the 1960's.
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Not long after the shattering of the ''Rock of Cilmeri'', White Eagle Crosses of Welsh Resistance are being painted up throughout the country, and there is whisperd talk of another great 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol'. But who is to lead this new ''Welsh Rebellion?'', there are many individuals who pose, posture and pretend to lead a renewed struggle and a number of groups and movements arise to occaision and sieze opportunity for a verity of reasons to advance a multiplicity of causes.
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Including amongst these is a ''mad mystic'' that attempts to lead a ''Celtic Christian'' militant religious revolution, seeking a return to the ''Age of Saints''. The martial monks of this radical religious revivalism are known as 'Gwynwyr' who with irony are soon called the ''Outlaws out of Hell'' because of the terror they bring to those who not come to their Godly Cause quick enough. Under the baner of their Red Celtic Cross, the Gwynwyr criss cross a torn and bleeding country side. To these ''Merchants of Murder'' all are enemies, they have no friends other than their fellow armed militant 'Comrades of the, soon to be bloody Red Celtic Cross'.
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However, there is but one patriot for real, he quickly becomes known throughout the land by the name he has given himself; The ASSYRIAN ROD, who leads a thought to have been demised organisation, now revived it becomes the restored and soon to be much feared, secret underground Welsh Resistance Movement, a revived Meibion Glyndwr - Sons of Glyndwr.
....What happens next? wait and see? Stay Tuned in!
.Well, that's the past and future of the story given a very brief introduction, for the present period part of the story, for an introduction starter into the historical political background, visit my existing ''Real World'' blogs:
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* Alternative Welsh Nationalist History Archive blog http://awnms.blogspot.com
* Cilmeri 40 Tribute blog http://anturysbrydcofiwn.blogspot.com
and not least visit:
* The Welsh Patriot http://welshpatriot.blogspot.com
also
* Adfywiad Gwladgarol Cymru http://adfywiad.blogspot.com
Material therein the above three blogs will get you prepared with the Welsh history and contemporary nationalist politics, so you have a better idea as to the background of the two/three stories contained in the collective creative work I am embarking on with The ASSYRIAN ROD. For further relevant Welsh History, I suggest you visit the following blogs:
*Owain Glyndwr Communicates (Embassy Glyndwr).
* Cofiwn History Archive http://cofiwn.blogspot.com
* I'R GAD Welsh Battlefield Campaign http://brwydr.blogspot.com
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Much else comes to play within my mind regard motivation and intended creation of The ASSYRIAN ROD, I have always had a great interest in Time Travel but perhaps oddly, not Dr Who, never, don't exactly know why? Particularly liked films are the excellent Millenium, 12 Monkies, Timeline and many more, also of course the all time classic The Time Machine by H.G.Wells. Am at moment looking out for Spike Lees film 'The Confederate States of America, seen it in DVD form at HMV in Cardiff, but did not buy, ''cheapskint Gethin'' has a £5:00 pain barrier when it comes to buying films on video or DVD, well! I will only watch such up to thrice more than likly?
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Supplementary to the writing of 'Alternate History' is the creative development of 'Alternative Time Lines' (see on web), why not give it a go? There you go then, interested in 'Alternative History', if you are and can get over the fact that I am a 'Radical Nationalist' aka ''Welsh Extremist'', and arenot scared by that, then do get in touch if you wish. In time I will consider promoting ideas regards possibly:
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* Alternative Welsh History Meetings/Weekend Schools/Conferences/Expos etc.
* Alternative Welsh History Society for Writers and Gamers.
* Alternative Welsh History Writing Competition.
* Alternative Welsh History, whatever? any ideas!
For now Hwyl!
Gethin aka 'Nahum' the Nationalist and compforter of the people.
NB: * The Assyrian Rod (c) Gethin ap Gruffydd with Intellectual Property Rights to Sian Ifan.
