My 2020 Blogging from A to Z Challenge revisits my best posts from the 2014 to 2019 Challenges.
When I re-read this old post, I was reluctant to re-blog it. Is it topical or frightening when there’s a pandemic creating havoc? But my better half advised me that I couldn’t ignore it. Do you agree?
This phrase chimes with today – ‘cleanliness is crucial’. So, be sensible and wash your hands etc., be sensible and inspired.
Before the ‘our timeline’ revelation, will you recognise the real historical event. It’s a major historical event. Could it have been avoided?
I attempted to find a route when constructing my Kanata alternative history. The initial trigger, Leif Eriksson’s permanent colonisation of Vinland, inspired me to rewrite other key episodes in history. I wanted the legacy forged from Vikings merging with the indigenous people to ripple down time. Kanata evolved into my vision of a 21st Century Viking Age.
I’ve been playing A Plague Tale: Innocence, a game set in France in 1348. Its realism is both amazing and terrifying – well, as far as I’ve got, elements disturb me. Not the right escapism at present. But I will finish it – one day.
Here’s a short observation on pandemics and a message from a historical fiction author I follow. Do I write the current ‘plague’ out of my alternative history? Or was it inevitable in any reality?
If you are willing to read a detailed article on our present pandemic, this one is informative – with a crucial lesson.
Expect more alternative history ahead.
Links to my other A to Z posts can be found here: https://rolandclarke.com/blogging-from-a-to-z/blogging-from-a-to-z-challenge-2020/
To visit other participants see The OFFICIAL MASTER LIST: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YphbP47JyH_FuGPIIrFuJfAQiBBzacEkM7iBnq6DGDA/
Writing Wings 
That is a fascinating article.
I hope that we will rethink rather a lot of things as and when we emerge from the Covid 19 pandemic. Sadly I fear that big business and greed will win. Again.
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There are already signs people are ignoring the lessons, EC. Humanity has a problem learning from history. Yet, the seeds have been sown of a brighter future, so maybe I must be optimistic.
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I’m glad you chose to repost this. It is most timely and appropriate!
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I’m glad I did, Lee. Whether enough people learn from this, remains to be seen.
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Very timely bit of history! Do I think the Black Death could have been avoided? Not with the knowledge and technology they had then. Just a little understanding of how it was transmitted would have done a lot, though the measures necessary to act on that knowledge are pretty hard to manage with medieval resources.
It’s worth the reminder, though: the only reason our generation’s plague isn’t as devastating is that we DO have understanding, and the means to control it, and medical care. But for too many, the understanding is lacking… and the jury’s still out on how we do.
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I fear the problem in that medieval period, especially in Europe, was superstition and ignorance. Many rulers, like the Catholic church, dismissed too much knowledge and technology – in part as it had emerged in the wrong places like North Africa. From the Great Library to Andalucia there was too much lost, I fear. Sanitation was better back in Roman times than Medieval – even if they used lead pipes.
Yes, we have the understanding and the technology to tackle Covid-19. But superstition and ignorance, plus racism and irresponsibility are working against the brave front-line workers. Hopefully, that minority will not be ‘the jury’, Rebecca.
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Very appropriate!
P is for Paranoia
https://thedreamgirlwrites.wordpress.com/2020/04/18/paranoia/
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I’m glad you feel that it is appropriate, TDG – and not badly timed. Timing wise I’m days behind in my reading as other writing deadlines keep looming.
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You can always catch up on reading! No worries there.
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I will catch up – I have to. I’m even behind with comments here. LOL.
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Haha it is okay!!
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