The history of historical fiction: exploring the realms of the past Historical fiction is a captivating genre that combines the allure of history with the creativity of fiction. It takes readers on a journey through time, immersing them in bygone eras and allowing them to experience the lives of people who lived before us. In this article, we will delve into the history of historical fiction, explore some of the notable authors and their works, and recommend websites for further exploration of this fascinating genre. Historical fiction has a long and rich history, dating back centuries. The earliest known examples can be found in ancient Greek and Roman literature, with works like Homer's "The Iliad" and Virgil's "Aeneid" presenting fictionalized accounts of historical events. However, it was not until the 19th century that historical fiction truly emerged as a distinct genre. One of the pioneers of historical fiction was Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish author whose novels such as "Ivanhoe" and "Waverley" set the stage for what would become a popular genre in the following centuries. Scott's meticulous attention to historical detail and his skill in blending fact with fiction captivated readers and set a standard for future historical fiction authors. As the genre evolved, authors began exploring various time periods and regions, bringing history to life in different ways. In the 20th century, authors like Marguerite Yourcenar, known for her novel "Memoirs of Hadrian," and Ken Follett, with his epic "The Pillars of the Earth," continued the tradition of crafting immersive historical narratives. In recent years, historical fiction has gained even more popularity, with authors like Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, and Bernard Cornwell captivating readers with their meticulously researched novels set in eras ranging from the Tudor period to the Viking age. For readers interested in diving into the world of historical fiction, there are numerous websites and resources available to explore. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com) is a popular platform that allows users to discover new historical fiction novels, read reviews, and connect with other book lovers. The Historical Novel Society (www.historicalnovelsociety.org) is another valuable resource, providing reviews, author interviews, and a comprehensive list of historical fiction novels categorized by time period and location. Some highly recommended historical fiction novels and their authors include: 1. "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco - A murder mystery set in a medieval monastery, blending history, religion, and philosophy. 2. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel - A fictionalized account of Thomas Cromwell's rise to power in the court of Henry VIII. 3. "Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon - A time-traveling adventure that takes readers from 20th-century Scotland to 18th-century historical events. 4. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak - Set during World War II, it tells the story of a young girl in Nazi Germany and the power of books. 5. "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell - A sweeping epic set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. In conclusion, historical fiction has a rich and diverse history, captivating readers for centuries. From the works of Sir Walter Scott to contemporary authors like Hilary Mantel and Diana Gabaldon, historical fiction continues to transport readers to different time periods and provide a unique perspective on the past. With the help of platforms like Goodreads and the Historical Novel Society, readers can easily discover new novels and satisfy their appetite for historical knowledge.
Zhu Cilang is more treacherous than a traitor, more vicious than a Tartar, and can deceive people's hearts better than Li Zicheng! - Chongwang Li Zicheng stood on Mount Jiugong, looking southeast, feeling a thousand emotions. This son Cilang is rebellious and unfilial, cunning and cruel. He is like the reincarnation of Cao Cao and the rebirth of Sima. If he becomes the emperor, all the rebels, tartars, treacherous ministers, and wily people in the world will surely miss me! - Emperor Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty, standing in front of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, weeping bitterly. I am wrongly accused! I, Hong Chengchou, am truly not a collaborator of the Zhu thief Cilang. I am loyal to the Qing Dynasty! - Hong Chengchou, the Minister of War of the Qing Dynasty, shouted loudly from the execution ground. Father Emperor, do not run away, your filial son is obedient! - These are the heartfelt words of the Ming Crown Prince Zhu Cilang, who had his soul possessed by an honest child from the century, as he chased after Emperor Chongzhen. - Book Club Group:
558.61 Million words | 2022-07-06 00:57Update
Zhao Lie helplessly traversed to the late Ming Dynasty and found himself in the body of a second-generation official. It was the Tianqi period, a time of internal troubles and external threats, with the Great Ming Dynasty on the verge of collapse. For the sake of himself and his family, Zhao Lie had no choice but to navigate through various challenges, engaging in expeditions and battles that shaped the history of the Great Ming Dynasty, Korea, and
201.08 Million words | 2023-04-25 00:39Update
In the late period of the Three Kingdoms, hidden clouds loomed under the unified dawn. The power of Cao Wei was being gradually sidelined, and everyone could guess the ambitions of the Sima clan, but who could guess the trends of the world?
191.73 Million words | 2021-07-10 01:16Update
Luo Zhao crossed over and became the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa. He was entrusted with the regency and from the end of the Shang Dynasty to the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty, he established his own family. Throughout the rotations of dynasties, the lineage has been passed down continuously. "The Luo family has lasted until today, spanning more than 2,300 years. Starting from the regency of the founding ancestor, Su Wang Zhao, there were nine regents who all returned the governance to the king."
189.06 Million words | 2023-04-15 12:39Update
Since more than two thousand years ago, after the unification of China by Qin Shihuang, the country has experienced cycles of division and reunification, peace and chaos. Through many dynasties, it was not until six hundred years ago that the Mongols rose to power from the north. The Mongols relied on their formidable military strength to invade China, using their steel swords to conquer the people, plunder the nation's wealth, and enslave the labor force. They indiscriminately slaughtered and indulged in greed, acting lawlessly. This regime built upon violence and slavery is like a thatched hut constructed on volcanic rock. Eventually, the scorching lava will erupt and devour everything. In the early fourteenth century, as history's pages continued
70.15 Million words | 2023-05-03 18:46Update
My father is Emperor Tang Gaozong Li Zhi, my mother is Empress Wu Zetian, my younger brother is Emperor Tang Ruizong Li Dan, my nephew is Emperor Tang Xuanzong Li Longji, and my son is Li Zhongmao, the Young Emperor. Together with myself, our family spans three generations and includes six emperors. Because of this, I am jokingly called the "Six Emperor Pill" by later generations. This pill is delicious, so Empress Wu Zetian, my brother Li Dan, Princess Taiping, and my cousin Wu Chengsi are all interested in it. Li Xian said, "If a tiger does not show its might, do you think I am Hello Kitty? Do you want to taste the pill? Damn it, it will poison you all." Let's see how Li Xian, traveling through time, seizes the flourishing Tang Dynasty amidst numerous enemies, and creates a prosperous era of peace and dominance in the land.
110.15 Million words | 2023-01-25 21:12Update
Due to a series of unfortunate events, the legendary warrior Lu Bu found himself inexplicably transported to a different timeline. If he were to be in a world where might makes right, would his fate still be as tragic?
6.67 Million words | 2022-07-17 21:58Update
Austria's Road to Revival, the Struggle of the Habsburg Family! Neither holy, nor Roman, but the Holy Roman Empire revived! !!! The completed book "The Road to Mediterranean Hegemony" is now available for those who are looking for new books to read! Welcome to join the New Moon Book Club, group chat number: [群聊号码].
372.36 Million words | 2021-01-07 08:50Update
I, Yu Zhiqian, would rather die in poverty, starve to death, and be degraded to a commoner than become an emperor!
101.85 Million words | 2023-05-10 12:06Update
When a modern person goes back to the early years of the Tang Dynasty, he would engage in farming, raising horses, and
278.62 Million words | 2023-06-29 08:58Update
While playing a web-based strategy game, Zhao Wuming suddenly found himself transported to another world. As the youngest and most despised son of the Zhao King, he watched from the sidelines as his brothers fought for the throne. Silent and determined, he developed his city and recruited renowned ministers and warriors from history. In the vast northern lands, he forged his own empire.
68.37 Million words | 2022-08-29 15:47Update
This is a story that takes place during the late Southern and Northern Dynasties, when the Northern Zhou Dynasty was annihilating the Qi Dynasty. The writing style is humorous. Group number: .
102.32 Million words | 2020-10-18 20:52Update
This is a Tang Dynasty, which has taken a wrong turn, with the emperor's power declining and the empire fading away. This is also a time when the empire coexists with powerful aristocratic families. Fifteen years ago, the An Shi Rebellion finally subsided, but the Khitan people saw the weakness of the Tang Dynasty and invaded the Central Plains, causing immense suffering. The empire was in turmoil, and the seven major aristocratic families joined forces to drive out the invaders and restore stability. However, they gradually started to seek their own interests and made an agreement: the seven families would take turns serving as prime ministers, each holding power for five years. The protagonist, Zhang Huan, is the lowly-born illegitimate son of the Zhang family in Hedong. However, one day, he accidentally discovers a monumental secret about his identity, and from that moment on, Zhang Huan embarks on a difficult and dark path. - - - - - - - - - - - - (The historical background in this book is purely fictional) - - - - - - - - - - - - -
208.10 Million words | 2020-10-14 19:55Update
A mysterious landslide, which led to him replacing the Second Emperor of Qin; while most people who travel through time encounter beautiful ladies and have numerous adventures, I can only worry about staying alive; aside from Zhao Gao, recruiting Li Si, and saving the Meng brothers; restoring the fallen clans of the Six States, witnessing the turbulent times of the world; resisting the Xiongnu, rejecting the Xiongnu, and pacifying Goguryeo; I possess the world, how can there be a shortage of beauties. Snatching Yu Ji, seizing Lady Qi. Empress Lv? Oh, she's long been in Liu Bang's warm embrace. The splendid Han nation, only I am the great Qin.
203.95 Million words | 2023-05-08 00:50Update
Traveling through the Tang Dynasty: The Struggle of a Small Landowner. Dear readers, if you think "The Small Landowner of the Tang Dynasty" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ group and on Weibo!
162.60 Million words | 2020-07-17 03:04Update
This is an era belonging to the strong, This is an era where human life is worthless, This is an era of war and roaming, a time of tragedies for beautiful women. In the Three Kingdoms, heroes emerge; In the Three Kingdoms, emotions run deep; In the Three Kingdoms, the world is intoxicated with wine. Zhuge Yang, accidentally returning to the era of the Three Kingdoms, discovers that he has become the legendary Zhuge Liang's older brother, a monstrous being. Thus, he becomes completely entangled... "The Sleeping Dragon and the Phoenix, with either one, one can pacify the world." With such bold words still echoing, will he take a step forward? Or... Witness how the first genius, Zhuge Jin, manipulates the three kingdoms, displaying his wisdom in the midst of battles and adding fragrance to the red sleeves in love affairs. Awake, he holds the power of the world, intoxicated, he lies on the beauty's knees, and with a smile, he observes the affairs of the world! For those who enjoy "Genius," welcome to join the first Q group of this book: We have declared to join the ranks of civilized online literature writing and willingly accept the supervision of all members in the civilized writing ranks.
105.91 Million words | 2022-11-24 11:12Update
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, Zhou. The darkest period in Chinese history. Over fifty years, five dynasties came and went. Wars and rebellions plagued the land, with the common people living in dire situations, longing for salvation. Four women, each with different personalities and charms, who is the protagonist's true goddess? Brotherhood, who will accompany the protagonist to the end? Dai Zhou tells the story of a modern person's helplessness in ancient times, and their struggle in the face of adversity. What will be the outcome? Perhaps unimaginable. "Why not carry a Wu hook, claim fifty states of the mountain pass. I invite you to ascend the Lingyan Pavilion momentarily, becoming a nobleman of countless households?" Join "Dai Zhou" and experience a different journey through time and space.
137.92 Million words | 2022-03-27 13:10Update
Accidentally sent the lucky money password to the homeroom teacher... Didn't expect her to react like this...
478.83 Million words | 2022-02-26 09:43Update
When the young Lu Bu was playing the Three Kingdoms game, he died from being electrocuted, only to be reborn in the womb with memories from his previous life as Lu Bu. Where did I get all these skills? How come I didn't know I had older sisters, second sisters, third sisters, and fourth sisters? Hey! Changshan unexpectedly picked up a child named Xiaoyunyun. Hey! Guo Jia is following me to work out. I guarantee you'll live a hundred years. Dong Zhuo, that despicable scoundrel, wants to be my godfather. Does he even know the Heaven-Soaring Halberd? When Lu Bu, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, Jia Xu, and Guo Jia mess around in Liaodong, chaos is destined to ensue in the Three Kingdoms era
30.92 Million words | 2020-12-20 21:09Update
The new book "I Have a Dreamlike Castle" has been published. "Suyan, are you willing to help me unify the world?" "I will bring salt to the world."
97.19 Million words | 2022-11-19 23:52Update
A medical student crossed over to a small county town in the Northern Song Dynasty and became a doctor in a struggling pharmacy, starting his career of practicing medicine in ancient times. "Nǎ Qiè Jì" (Book Number), "Nǎ Qiè Jì Ⅱ" (Book Number), "Sān Yǎn Fǎ Yī" (Book Number), "Xíng míng Shī Yé" (Book Number), "Àn Líng Fǎ Yī" (Book Number) are the completed YY novels by Mu Yi. Book Club Groups: Hua Yao Pharmacy, Advanced Group, Heng Xiang Inn, Advanced Group, Ji Shi Tang Pharmacy, Wu Wei Tang Pharmacy, Advanced Group. (This group is regularly cleared and lurkers are advised to be cautious). Welcome book lovers to join.
280.67 Million words | 2020-08-05 15:20Update
