Rosenfeld, Gavriel. "Why Do We Ask "What If?" Reflections on the Function of Alternate History"
Summary: Essay examining on the motives for writing alternate history, e.g., nightmare scenarios suggest the authors believe the real world is better than the alternative, while positive allohistories suggest the authors believe otherwise. Also examines three themes: Nazi victory, Confederate victory, and no American Revolution.
Published: In History and Theory vol. 41, no. 4 (Dec. 2002).