History of the Modern Age

by Julian K. Prescott

An "unconventional" history ... real events, with fictional characters, conversations, settings, and explanations ...

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[J K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.

Although really written by Albert Fried as a part of his "Prescott Chronicles"

Would heavily recommend, not boring when describing historical events.

[Patrick Tobin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only got this book because of the going-out-of-business sale at Acres of Books (sigh, moment of silence).

It's a strange and compelling look at the Cold War between WWII and Bay of Pigs. Prescott was an undersecretary of state and apparently used as sources all sorts of "faceless functionaries" such as interpreters, bodyguards, valets, cooks, waiters and chauffeurs.

Prescott presents pages and pages of dialogue that are odd and mannered, yet fascinating. Is it "historical"? Probably not, but maybe it does reach greater truths. Sections on Vietnam are particularly interesting.

Apparently he went crazy and died before he could finish his life's work. The last section contains his notes, which get increasingly brief.