The Greatest American "Science fiction, Alternate History" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Science fiction

Science fiction is a genre of literature that explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations on society and individuals. It often features futuristic or imaginary settings, advanced technologies, and scientific concepts that are not yet fully understood or realized. Science fiction can encompass a wide range of themes, including space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence, and alternate realities. It is a genre that allows authors to speculate on the future of humanity and the impact of scientific progress on our lives.

Alternate History

Alternate History is a genre of fiction that explores the possibilities of what could have happened if certain historical events had taken a different course. It involves imagining a world where key moments in history have been altered, resulting in a different outcome. This genre often blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction, and can provide thought-provoking insights into the impact of historical events on our present-day world.

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  1. 1. The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick

    Set in an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II, this novel explores life in a world where the United States is divided into three parts: the Pacific States of America, controlled by Japan; the Rocky Mountain States, a neutral buffer zone; and the United States of America, controlled by Nazi Germany. The story follows several characters, including a jewelry designer, a trade minister, and a German secret agent, as they navigate this dystopian reality. The narrative is further complicated by the existence of a banned novel that depicts an alternate reality where the Allies won the war, causing characters to question their understanding of reality.

    The 510th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

    The 1357th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2424th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach

    The book is a utopian novel that takes place in a fictional country located in the western part of the United States, which seceded from the rest of the country due to differing ecological policies. The society in this country is highly sustainable, with its citizens living in harmony with nature, practicing recycling and renewable energy use, and promoting gender equality. The story is told through the eyes of a skeptical American reporter who gradually comes to appreciate this alternative way of life.

    The 4035th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Looking Backward, 2000 1887 by Edward Bellamy

    This novel is a utopian science fiction story that begins in late 19th-century America, where the protagonist falls into a deep sleep only to awaken in the year 2000. He finds himself in a radically transformed society where social and economic injustices have been rectified through the establishment of a harmonious, cooperative world. The narrative explores the contrasts between the world of 1887, marked by inequality and inefficiency, and the year 2000, where a socialist paradise has been achieved, highlighting the author's critique of the social and economic issues of his time and his vision for a better future through reform and moral progress.

    The 4077th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon

    The novel is a sprawling epic that spans the period from the 1893 World's Fair to the years following World War I. It follows the stories of several characters including the anarchist Traverse family, a group of balloonists, a detective, and a mathematician. The book explores themes of anarchism, capitalism, and technology, and incorporates elements of science fiction, adventure, and historical fiction. It is noted for its complex structure and dense, multifaceted narrative.

    The 5677th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson

    The book is an alternate history novel that explores a world in which the Black Death plague of the 14th century was far more lethal to Europeans, nearly wiping them out. As a result, world history is dramatically reshaped: Islamic and Buddhist societies emerge as the dominant global powers, leading to vastly different technological, cultural, and social developments. The narrative spans several centuries, following a group of characters who are reincarnated into various lives and roles, allowing the reader to experience the evolution of this alternate world through their interconnected stories. The novel delves into themes of history, religion, technology, and human nature, all while imagining a world both familiar and strange, shaped by different forces and ideas than those that have shaped our own history.

    The 6201st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick by Philip K. Dick

    This collection of short stories showcases the author's unique blend of science fiction and philosophy. Ranging from dystopian futures to alternate realities, the stories explore themes such as the nature of reality, human identity, and the impact of technology on society. The author's work is known for its complex narratives, thought-provoking themes, and vividly imagined worlds, all of which are on full display in this anthology.

    The 8314th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Lest Darkness Fall by L. Sprague de Camp

    This science fiction novel revolves around the adventures of Martin Padway, a modern-day man who inexplicably finds himself transported to Rome during the 6th century. Faced with the decline of the Roman Empire, Padway uses his knowledge of history and modern technology to introduce innovations in an attempt to alter the course of history and prevent the onset of the Dark Ages. Through his efforts to implement social and technological advancements, he navigates the complexities of ancient politics, economics, and warfare, striving to create a better future. The story blends historical fiction with time travel, exploring themes of innovation, cultural exchange, and the impact of individual actions on the course of history.

    The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Bring The Jubilee by Ward Moore

    This novel presents an alternate history where the Confederate States of America won the Civil War, leading to a vastly different 20th century. The protagonist, hailing from a diminished and impoverished United States, becomes involved with a community of scholars and eventually gains access to a time machine. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how history could have been different, he inadvertently causes the very outcome he sought to prevent, ensuring the Confederacy's victory at the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. The book explores themes of destiny, the impact of individual actions on history, and the nature of progress in a society shaped by a different set of historical winners and losers.

    The 9849th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Midsummer Tempest by Poul Anderson

    "A Midsummer Tempest" is a historical fantasy novel set in an alternate 17th century England where magic is real and the faeries are a powerful force. The story follows Prince Rupert and his loyal companion, the faerie girl Miranda, as they navigate political intrigue, war, and romance. Along the way, they encounter famous historical figures such as William Shakespeare and Oliver Cromwell, as well as mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns. The novel is a blend of adventure, romance, and political commentary, and explores themes of power, love, and the consequences of ambition.

    The 10112th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Blackout/All Clear by Connie Willis

    This two-volume science fiction narrative follows a group of historians from 2060 who travel back to World War II-era England for research purposes. However, their mission goes awry when they become trapped in the past due to irregularities in the time travel system. As they navigate the dangers of the Blitz and other historical events, they must also confront the possibility that their actions could alter history. The characters grapple with the chaos of war, the intricacies of time travel, and the moral dilemmas of potentially impacting the future, all while trying to find a way back to their own time.

    The 10177th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

    "Lovecraft Country" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and historical fiction. Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young African American man named Atticus Turner as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the racially segregated United States. Along the way, Atticus and his friends encounter supernatural forces, face institutional racism, and confront the horrors of Lovecraftian mythology. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of racial tensions, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on both the genre of horror and the complexities of American society.

    The 10192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal

    In this alternate history novel, a cataclysmic meteorite strike in the 1950s accelerates the space race due to fears of Earth becoming uninhabitable. The story follows a brilliant mathematician and former WASP pilot who battles the era's sexism and racism to become an astronaut. She and her diverse colleagues work against time to colonize space and ensure humanity's survival, while she also deals with personal struggles and the psychological toll of her ambitions. The narrative combines the tension of space exploration with the social dynamics of mid-20th century America, creating a compelling vision of what might have been if women had been at the forefront of the space race.

    The 10462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

    The 10557th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson

    The Baroque Cycle is an expansive historical fiction series that weaves together a rich tapestry of themes including science, politics, philosophy, and adventure during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The narrative follows an eclectic cast of characters, ranging from natural philosophers and mathematicians to pirates and nobles, as they navigate the complex socio-political transformations of the Enlightenment era. The series delves into the origins of modern finance, the scientific revolution, and the geopolitical power shifts of the time, all while exploring the intricate interplay between the emerging modern world and the intricate, ornate culture of the Baroque period.

    The 10619th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

    Set in an alternate 1880s Seattle, the novel unfolds in a world where a devastating mining invention has unleashed a toxic gas, turning many of the living into ravenous undead creatures. Amidst this chaos, a determined mother ventures into the walled-off, zombie-infested city to clear her husband's name from the creation of the catastrophic machine and to rescue her son, who has ventured into the dangerous quarantined zone. As she navigates the steampunk dystopia filled with airships, pirates, and a relentless will to survive, she uncovers dark secrets and faces the horrors that have taken over the once-thriving city.

    The 10676th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Arabella Of Mars by David D. Levine

    This novel transports readers to an alternate 19th century where the British Empire extends its reach to Mars through the use of airships in space. The story follows Arabella Ashby, a young woman raised on the Martian colony who embarks on a daring adventure across the stars. When a threat emerges that could jeopardize her family's safety, Arabella disguises herself as a boy to secure a position aboard a Mars-bound ship. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges, including dealing with the intricacies of navigation and the prejudices of her crewmates, all while racing against time to save her loved ones. Combining elements of steampunk, adventure, and a touch of romance, the novel offers a unique blend of science fiction and historical fiction, set against the backdrop of an imaginatively re-envisioned 19th-century spacefaring era.

    The 11042nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Fated Sky by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1961 where a meteorite has devastated the Earth and accelerated the space race, the narrative follows an astronaut as she navigates the complexities of space exploration and her role in the international effort to colonize Mars. Facing both technical challenges and social dynamics within the crew, she must contend with the era's pervasive sexism and political tensions, all while dealing with the personal sacrifices required for humanity's survival. The book blends historical detail with speculative fiction, exploring themes of duty, ambition, and the drive for scientific advancement against the backdrop of an alternate history of the space program.

    The 11212th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Relentless Moon by Mary Robinette Kowal

    Set in an alternate 1960s where a meteorite strike has accelerated space exploration, the novel follows a female astronaut as she navigates the complexities of lunar politics, espionage, and personal sacrifice. With Earth facing environmental catastrophe, the space program becomes a beacon of hope for humanity's survival. The protagonist must contend with sabotage attempts that threaten the stability of the lunar colony, while also grappling with societal expectations and her own ambitions. As the space race intensifies, she is drawn into a dangerous game of political intrigue and must use her wits and courage to ensure the success of the mission and the safety of her colleagues.

    The 11234th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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