06-07-2001, 03:18 AM
Few topics engage both the devotees and the detractors of historical fiction as fiercely as does the question of historical accuracy. When Gladiator burst before the public, gallons of cyber-ink flooded the chat boards over this or that hobnail or belt buckle. It’s amusing how much heat can be spontaneously generated over this sort of thing, seemingly contradicting the First Law of Thermodynamics which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed.<br>
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Several posters to this board have begun to explore this subject with regard to fiction about Ancient Rome. Some have railed at certain writers for their inaccuracies, while others have been permanently soured on all historical fiction because of some authors’ carelessness with respect to historical detail. Is this a valid topic for further exploration? Absolutely, provided it does not get out of hand.<br>
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Before discussing accuracy, we should define it. With regard to historical fiction, there are essentially three kinds, namely, accuracy of detail, accuracy of event, and accuracy of outlook. Accuracy of detail (as well as its absence) is the easiest to detect. Hey, where did Mark Antony get that Pompeii gladius? Accuracy of event means simply did these events occur, or could they have occurred, at this time and in this context. Let’s give back the Republic to the people, says Marcus Aurelius. Hmmm, sounds fishy. The lastâ€â€Â
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Several posters to this board have begun to explore this subject with regard to fiction about Ancient Rome. Some have railed at certain writers for their inaccuracies, while others have been permanently soured on all historical fiction because of some authors’ carelessness with respect to historical detail. Is this a valid topic for further exploration? Absolutely, provided it does not get out of hand.<br>
<br>
Before discussing accuracy, we should define it. With regard to historical fiction, there are essentially three kinds, namely, accuracy of detail, accuracy of event, and accuracy of outlook. Accuracy of detail (as well as its absence) is the easiest to detect. Hey, where did Mark Antony get that Pompeii gladius? Accuracy of event means simply did these events occur, or could they have occurred, at this time and in this context. Let’s give back the Republic to the people, says Marcus Aurelius. Hmmm, sounds fishy. The lastâ€â€Â
