There are a number of notable things about the book 1632 by Eric Flint. It is an alternative history.  It is about the social evolution of technology and concepts that are critical to the modern world. While the brainchild of one person, it is the work of a community. The writing is engaging.  The characters are easy to identify with.  

A small town from the coal country of West Virginia is sent to 1632 in Central Germany and an alternate timeline is created.  The towns folk are literally in the middle of The Thirty Years’ War. Against them are The Habsburgs, Richelieu, The Inquisition, The Pope and the Holy Roman Empire. Headed their way is class warfare and The Plague.  While they have modern technology available to them, they don’t have the ability to build modern technology. 

What is their solution? Starting the American Revolution 150 years early. Take that Divine Right of Kings.

We will be discussing the book in three parts.  

Sunday January 12, 2014 is Part 1. Conversation will focus on the role of in Inquisition throughout history, The Divine Right of Kings and the American Revolution and on the role of technology and public policy in daily life.

Sunday February 2, 2014 is Parts 2 through 4.  Discussion will touch on Gretchen’s Choice, the evolution of Ms. Mailley, Breitenfeld, unionization, the ethics of snipers and Boom Towns.

Sunday February 23, 2014 we will cover Parts 5 through 7.  Discussion will touch on the role of witchcraft and intolerance in politics, the role of disease and mercy in warfare, and lessons from the battle over the divine rights of kings.

There is a teacher’s guide to the book available from Baen Books..  It is available in electronic format from Amazon and the publisher Baen Books for free.  The paperback is widely available.