Real People And A Setting Sun

In historical fiction, we sometimes read about real people in fictional situations:

in Ian Fleming's From Russia, With Love, Serov telephones G, the fictional Head of SMERSH;

Poul Anderson's Manse Everard meets Hiram of Tyre.

In alternative history fiction, we sometimes read about real people in fictional histories. See Prince Rupert, Disraeli and Prince William (here).

I mention this because at least two more historical figures show up in unexpected circumstances in SM Stirling's Theater Of Spies. I say no more now. No images or Wiki links.

Paolo Roberto is not the only public figure to have played himself in a film. Sometimes the hero of one set of narratives is a villain in another.

Looking back at Prince William, reminded me of:

"...the halls of sunken Ys."
-SM Stirling, The Protector's War (New York, 2006), CHAPTER EIGHT, p. 236.

- and:

"...the sun was already setting. It made a path of blood and fire across the water, stretching clouds like hot gold and molten copper along the horizon."
-op. cit., p. 237.

Pure Poul Anderson...

And pure SM Stirling, of course!