History is More Like Science Fiction Than Fantasy

The author argues that history is closer in kinship to science fiction than to fantasy, because good history, like science fiction, assumes one lawful universe that applies equally to everyone, with no Chosen Ones. Drawing on Ted Chiang's distinction between the two genres, the piece contends that explanations invoking "greatness" or specialness are unsatisfying and that hagiography is the history-writing equivalent of fantasy. The piece uses Bettany Hughes' Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities as an example, noting that its account does not rest on the presumed greatness of figures such as Alexander, Catherine and Suleyman.