Introduction to Anthology of American Folk Music:
The title of the series is in reference to a collection of American folk songs (from various cultures across the so-called United States) complies by the eccentric Harry Smith and released by the Smithsonian.
There are three “periods” which the stories can focus on: the past (which corresponds to any number of time periods in post-Colonial North American History, though all before the 2000s,) the “present” (roughly the mid-2010s to ~2060s) and the future (an unknown amount of time later, say for the sake of argument 750-1000 years, the details matter little.) Stories in the past and present are named after songs in the Anthology, which may have degrees of thematic relevance.
Genre-wise, the series can be considered ‘diet sci-fi,’ fantastical elements are present, yet the plot is less so about these. Perhaps the closest author to this style would be Philip K Dick, but even he gets carried away with what sort of technologies are present. Present and Future may feel somewhat cliched, and a bit close to stereotypical post apocalypses, like the Fallout series. I can’t offer much in explanation other than that nothing is original. Many of the truly advanced things in this universe are secret, separate from mainline society. The past, present and future contain these unbelievable aspects.
Many of the characters in the series, especially in the past and present, are abhorrent people. They are the crème de la crème of the American and Imperial project, even if they are not materially at the time. They embody the horrific realities of American excellence and its overreach. Operating usually without impunity, creating comedy and tragedy alike.
It is a story of empire at end and without end. Hope you find it interesting!!









