Almost History: Close Calls, Plan B's, and Twists of Fate in America's Past

by Roger A. Bruns

Now in paperback, and in the tradition of the bestseller What If -- the events that narrowly missed becoming true history.Throughout American history, many speeches and documents were prepared for events that might have happened, but never did: Eisenhower's personal note apologizing for the failure of D-Day; Lincoln's plans for post-Civil War Reconstruction; the CIA's memo discussing the use of Americans as guinea pigs in drug tests, among many others.

Almost History includes more than eighty selections, many supported by photographs of the actual documents, and each is introduced with the story of how they came to be and where they fit in our history. They are compiled here for the first time, by a deputy director of the National Archives, illustrating how close America came to defeat, disaster, and distress -- and providing chilling proof that history can change in an instant. For example:

--Eisenhower's apology for the failure of D-Day

--Nixon's speech informing the public that Apollo XI would not return to earth
--JFK's prepared address justifying the bombing of Cuba

Almost History has been featured in USA Today, the New York Post, Chicago Sun-Times, Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Alternate History

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2000

About the author

Roger Bruns (b. 1941) is an author and the former deputy director for the National Archives and Records Administration of the United States.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

a few parts were fascinating (like JFK's prepared speech had he not been assassinated). mostly the commentaries were more interesting than the documentary evidence. glad I read it, though. oh, also great was HL Mencken's concocted history of the bath tub.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining collection of documents, news articles, and other works representing turning points and ironic twists in American history. The background notes that Bruns offers are as fascinating as some of the documents, and are frequently longer than many the documents as well. Overall, this book is a nice reminder of how often history can be shaped by simple chance and that confident predictions and pronouncements are frequently, and tragically, wrong.

[Nelson Rosario · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable and fun read. The book covers a lot of well known historical events and includes lesser known information that might have changed the outcome. Very easy read.

[Garth · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit too USA-focused for my taste or interest.

[Anne Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting look at historic events - primarily in the US. It was a fast read but made me think about how easily the ride of history could have changed.

[Mark A.]

""

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting read at some moments, but ultimately a bit of a let down for the fan of Uchronia. While pointing out some interesting documents, there aren't as many surprises (at least for me) and there's little to no ahistorical speculation to be had.

[Raving Redcoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sometimes chilling look at turns that history might have taken. Fans of Alternate History will find this book indispensible, as it uses actual historical documents to examines how history might have turned out radically different.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, though I didn't like the organization of it. I would have liked a more chronological approach better.

[Timothy]

Interesting but not very well written

[Bob Noff · Rating 4 out of 5]

bio: Non fiction

quarter 1

[Toesnorth's mom]

interesting

[David Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy history then this is your book. At times a little bit dry, due to the amount of historical material used. What if's and close calls a very interesting book on plan B throughout history.