historical novels

The Alberton Papers, Vol. V, #XI
By Dick Darne 1-6-08
Let’s ruminate on the historical novel for a while. There are some that weave a fictional story into real history and the reader can not only be entertained, but his interest in the actual history can be piqued leading to further study and understanding. Of course there are the "trashy" historical novels, characterized by the cover picture, usually a beautiful blond white woman held in the arms of the handsome native, complete with heaving bosom and pulsing manhood. While appealing to the baser instincts of some, there is no real history to be learned here.
There are some authors, however who manage to combine a good story with historical accuracy. At the top of my list is James Michner. His books are all far better than the movie versions. My all time favorite is "The Source", I have read it 3 times and learned from it each time. Other authors of the same caliber are: Gore Vidal, Larry McMurtry and Louis L’Amour. At the very least, they will get you thinking.
Way back in the early 70's, I was headed home after a job way out of town. While dialing the radio, looking for something to keep me awake, I heard Howard Cossell’s voice. I had always thought of him as a loudmouth sports commentator, but this was different. He was interviewing Gore Vidal and they were discussing his new book, "Burr". As the discussion went on, the focus was on the founding of our country. They both agreed that at the beginning the best collection of brains wrote our Constitution and now days, at best, second and third rate brains are in politics. Where are the best now? Why going to Harvard business and law school, the better to pillage our country.
These authors, along with my old high school history teacher convinced me that there is always other versions of history and what is taught was written by whoever won. Next week we will explore some history books that tell the other side of the story. Until then, dd.