1862: A Novel

I found it interesting to consider what would/could happen if the British joined forces with the South. I think the author took a few liberties with the book, but that is what alternative history is really all about. Overall, this book got me started reading the other Conroy novels of alternative history.

I think this is an excellent alt history novel. Those who criticize it as being unrealistic are too limited in their understanding of what can happen when new factors are introduced into a situation. The truth is that the North took four years to win because it suffered through a series of unbelievably (but nevertheless real) bad commanders. Replace McClellan with Grant or Sherman (or John Reynolds or Winfield Hancock) and you likely have a very different outcome. Shelby Foote, the great Civil War historian, conceded that the Union "fought with one arm tied behind its back." It introduced conscription late and with tons of exceptions. If it was a matter of national survival -- such as posed by a British invasion -- the nation's efforts could and would have been redoubled. The passivity of the Southern forces, and those of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico have been decried by some, but both are historically accurate. The strategy of the Confederacy was to fight a defensive struggle; they didn't want to acquire land, just keep the Yankees out. Why risk all that when a powerful ally (OK, "associate") seems willing to do that for them? Maximilian was an unpopular imposed monarch with a tenuous hold on his fictional "throne." He faced not only popular opposition from within Mexico but the certainty of American intervention had he thrown his meager resources into the war. Clearly, the smart thing for him was to act he did in the book: stay home and await developments. Conroy also factors in the importance of the anti-slavery movement in England, which other alt history writers do not. It was a major issue in British politics and did shape national policy. War always accelerates technical and societal change. The critics of Mr. Conroy's novel forget this and try to hue to a "logic" which would be thrown to the winds in such a case as is outlined in "1862." In general, Mr. Conroy has written a thoughtful, intelligent, well-written piece of alternate history. The premise is certainly possible and the book is a better read than some of the longer, more torturous treatments that pile on the chapters as if the author was being paid by the word.

1862 starts out with the normal jumping off point that seems to have been used before, the Trent Incident, but Mr. Robert Conroy makes sure that his time line is not too wild and not too stale. He stays realistic yet does seem to add the touch of adventure and action that keeps it from sounding like a cold history lesson or the unfolding of some military fantasy game. 1862 seems to be a tad smoother than 1901 showing that the author's skill has done nothing but improve since his first well crafted novel. This novel is a treat to those of us who enjoy a good what if history novel. Get it used or new.

A definate improvement over the works of SM Sterling, Harry Turtledove and especially Harry Harrison whose wretched works are found in the Sci-Fi section of the bookstores. This book is found with the General Fiction. I picked this delightful little book up by accident. Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Some parts are a bit dry for me and some parts a bit difficult to believe. Other parts I disagree with for various reasons. (Personally I would have had old General Burgoyne in charge of the Canadian forces in a repeat folly of his father's, and; I believe Disraili might have done better considering Jefferson Davis had at least one Jewish confidant Judah Benjamin). Certainly if history shows anything it is that the armies of the North could be formidable. When Canadians considered the possibility of a Northern Invasion, they estimated the means for defense far exceeded their resources. Legislation for the defense was actually voted down first time. Overall , I would say this book is impressive and a fun read.

I am surprised by the negative reviews of this book. The author tells a much better articulated tale of alternate history than anything Harry Turtledove has ever written. He has carefully researched his material, and--in presenting it--has avoided the mindless and nauseating dialogue that prevails in Turtledove's books. Nothing Conroy presents would have been impossible, or even unlikely, given the global situation at the time. I suspect that the negative reviewers are unwitting victims of the dumbing-down of American education now so prevalent in our school system, which ignores history in favor of politcal, dogmatic special interests. To be a writer of alternaive history, one must truly understand and immerse himself in original-source history. Conroy has:Turtledove hasn't! I applaud Conroy's fortitude and adherence to historical fact. I can't wait for his next book.

Robert Conroy has written another very good page turner that makes up for some inaccuracy in describing the times by good story telling. It is true that Great Britain would have been unbeatable by the Union which was tied up by the Confederacy. However, one must remember that the Brits were even more unbeatable during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. In point of fact the critics forget that the British blundered by trying to wrap things up in a year's time and their depending upon the South to go more on offense than defense. Had the war gone beyond a year's time for England it is likely the Union would have lost. However Conroy brings in some interesting factors for his novel, 1862, and readers should not forget that politics will too often get in the way of winning. The powerful United States should have wiped Vietnam off the map in a couple yers time and would have had things not been managed by bungling politicians in Washington. What we have here is bungling politicians in London. The book does reveal the greatness of General Grant and the flaws in General Lee. I am a Virginian historian and not too proud to admit that. I admit that I may have been prejudiced by the fact that Conroy did a much better job than Harry Turtledove has recently.