Stars and Stripes in Peril

Harry Harrison's "Stars & Stripes In Peril" excels as a textbook example of what might have happened if the United States had launched a blitzkrieg invasion of Ireland during the early 1860's. Harrison is at his best when he describes the American campaign and its hard fought battles on land and sea. Yet this book does show many of the same problems as its predecessor, especially with regards to character development. Yet there is at least one memorable character, Don Ambrosio O'Higgins, who is more compelling than historical figures such as Lincoln, Lee or Grant. Yet this is a fine page turner, and one I'd recommend for a quick read. If you want a more substantial novel of alternative history, choose any of the ones recently written by Harry Turtledove.

I enjoyed reading this book. I also helped the author, in a small way, with some historical research about the military in Ireland/Ulster in the 1860s. I'm surprised that a reviewer finds it historically innacurate in this regard since all details were taken from original source documents held in the Public Records Office in Belfast. For example, the names of regiments, barracks etc. were taken from an 1860s street directory. Why does no one notice an American landing on the west coast of Ireland? Well you would know if you've ever been to this wild and still sparsely populated area. A reviewer argues that this book is an exercise in hating the "evil English". However, if anyone has read the author's previous work they would know that he despises bigotry, racism and war mongering. And also, perhaps, badly written and researched reviews :)

Mr Harrison has another hit with this one. This go another step to show that he can write alternitive history as well as any one.In the beginning of this seris,Stars and Stripes forever. We see Great Britian agreeing to aid the CSA with their war for independance,only to mistakinly attack their newly found ally,resulting in a cease fire in the cival war.Now former enemies are fighting a new foe. This is a must read for all who are historions or are just interested in what could have been. I would also like to recommend to all interested persons another great alternitive history series,starting with Guns of the South written by Harry Turtledove.