Using/Abusing History: The Novel in 2012

This essay surveys the fictional production of 2012 from the perspective of the growing interest in the relation between fiction and history. Specifically how, if at all, can the use of techniques associated with the novel contribute to the understanding of historical phenomena. The essay attempts to sketch Some of the potentially positive contributions fiction can make to the study of history, but it also points out the possible dangers of rhetorical verve serving as a substitute for more rational analysis.