Historical Fiction, recommended by Historians on Five Books
Historical fiction is a wonderful way to learn about history and there has never been a shortage of books written by authors who are able to combine lively imagination, beautiful or pacey writing with...
View ArticleFive of the Best Literary Historical Novels, recommended by Paul Carlucci
Writers approach historical fiction from many different angles, explains the novelist Paul Carlucci—whose new, evocative novel is set in colonial-era Canada. Here, he recommends five of his favourite...
View ArticleThe Best Historical Fiction of 2024, recommended by Katharine Grant
The judges of the Walter Scott Prize aim to highlight the very best new historical novels, and in 2024 they have settled on a varied shortlist featuring a Trinidadian tragedy, a Vatican-based thriller,...
View ArticleFive of the Best Feminist Historical Novels, recommended by Flora Carr
In recent years there has been a boom in fiction that reimagines stories of the past—tales that have traditionally been told by men—through female eyes. Here, the writer Flora Carr recommends five of...
View ArticleHistorical Novels Set in Italy, recommended by Tracy Chevalier
Historical novels are at their most compelling when they get the details of daily life in the past right, argues bestselling author Tracy Chevalier. She picks five of her favorite historical novels set...
View ArticleThe Best Historical Fiction Set in the American South, recommended by Xan Brooks
The 'Deep' South is a complicated place with a complicated history. But that's what makes it such an effective literary setting, says Xan Brooks—author of The Catchers, a story of Blues music and...
View ArticleThe Funniest Historical Novels, recommended by Toby Clements
Historical fiction, as a genre, is not known for its laugh-a-minute qualities. But that's not to say there isn't space for humour, when the events of the past have so often been surreal, ironic, or...
View ArticleClassic Historical Fiction Set in Ancient Rome
Ever since the ruins of an ancient civilization started to be discovered around Italy, ancient Rome has captured the imagination and inspired writers. Here we've collected together all the novels about...
View ArticleTen Historical Novels Set in China
China's dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and tumultuous political history serves as a rich seam for historical novels. Here, we've drawn together a list of recommended titles, selected by and...
View ArticleThe Best Novels about the History of the United States, recommended by...
An exploration of the history of the United States may require novels that are challenging to read but offer the reward of really making you think about a complex subject. Literary scholar Bernard T....
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