For the average American, history—that which was made outside the borders of the United States (and even more so before its formation)—is like science fiction. American science fiction writers are no exception. All the more curious against this background is the figure of one of the classics of the genre - Paul Anderson, who would have turned eighty on November 25. Unlike most of his colleagues, he loved and understood history. And he constantly researched - using his own science-fiction means.© “If” No. 11, 2006.