Goliath

States. So I thought it would make sense to make the Mexican Revolution part of my story. Dr. Mariano Azuela was not really Villa’s personal physician, but he was a fine writer, and his novels and stories are among the best about the Mexican Revolution.

The two Japanese boffins mentioned by name, Sakichi Toyoda and Kokichi Mikimoto, are both real; the former founded the company we now call Toyota. Hearst’s lieutenant Philip Francis is also a historical figure, and it was discovered after his death that he had been born Philip Diefendorf. It is unlikely that he was a German agent —he isn’t a German agent in Goliath, either—but many Americans with German names were persecuted during World War I, including one of my great-great-uncles.

The most important departures from history in this series, of course, lie not in these details, nor even in my fantastical technologies. The greatest changes are in the course of the war itself. In the real world, with no airship Leviathan to visit Istanbul, the Ottoman Empire joined the Central (“Clanker”) Powers and cut off Russian food supplies. The long and bloody battle of Gallipoli failed to force The Straits, and the vigor of the Russian army was blunted. And of course there was no German attack on Shoreham, New York, so the United States remained neutral for three more years. In the meantime the war ground down into a horrific stalemate, and by its end Europe lay in ruins, setting the stage for the horrors of a second world war to follow.

At the end of Goliath, however, my fictional Great War would seem to be drawing to a close. The Germans have fewer allies and stronger enemies, mostly thanks to the brave officers and crew of the Leviathan. Europe may well emerge from this war less devastated than in our world, and therefore less vulnerable to worse tragedies to come. It’s only too bad that Alek and Deryn have no way of seeing into our history and knowing how great a difference they made.

But then again, at the moment they have better things to do.

About the Authors

Scott Westerfeld most recent novels are Leviathan and Behemoth, the first two books in a new trilogy. His other novels include the Uglies series, the Midnighters trilogy, The Last Days, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and the sequel to Peeps. Scott was born in Texas, and alternates summers between Sydney, Australia, and New York City. Visit him on the Web at scottwesterfeld.com or follow him on Twitter at @ScottWesterfeld.

Keith Thompson’s work has appeared in books, magazines, TV, video games and films. Upcoming games that include conceptual design by Keith are Borderlands and Aliens: Colonial Marines. Keith has also written several books on concept art techniques, the latest being How to Draw and Paint the Undead. See his work on the Web at keiththompsonart.com.

Also by Scott Westerfeld

The first books in the trilogy:

Leviathan

Behemoth

And the books in the Uglies series:

Uglies

Pretties

Specials

Extras

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Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

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First Simon Pulse hardcover edition September 2011

Copyright © 2011 by Scott Westerfeld

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Designed by Mike Rosamilia

The text of this book was set in Hoefler Text.

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Westerfeld, Scott.

Goliath / written by Scott Westerfeld ; illustrated by Keith Thompson.

p. cm.

Sequel to: Behemoth.

ISBN 978-1-4169-7177-1 (hardcover)

Summary: Alek and Deryn encounter obstacles on the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, reclaim Alek’s throne as prince of Austria, and finally fall in love.