history and historical fiction

History and Historical Fiction: Exploring the Past Through Books

From the rise and fall of empires to the lives of ordinary people throughout the ages, history has always captivated the human imagination. While delving into history textbooks can be informative, there is a unique charm to experiencing the past through the lens of fiction. Historical fiction allows readers to immerse themselves in rich narratives, filled with vivid characters and captivating settings. In this article, we will explore some popular historical fiction books and authors that will transport you back in time.

One notable author in the historical fiction genre is Ken Follett. Renowned for his epic novels, Follett has a talent for blending historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. His critically acclaimed book "The Pillars of the Earth" takes readers on a journey to twelfth-century England, weaving together the lives of various characters against the backdrop of the construction of a grand cathedral. Follett's attention to detail and intricate plotting make his books irresistible to history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.

Another author worth mentioning is Philippa Gregory, known for her captivating novels set during the Tudor period. "The Other Boleyn Girl" is one of her best-known works, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of Anne and Mary Boleyn, sisters whose relationship becomes entangled with the court of King Henry VIII. Gregory's meticulous research and ability to bring historical figures to life make her novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era.

If you prefer a different time and setting, Bernard Cornwell's "The Last Kingdom" is an excellent choice. Set during the ninth century, this book introduces readers to Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a young Saxon nobleman who is captured and raised by Vikings. Cornwell's vivid descriptions and fast-paced storytelling create an immersive experience, allowing readers to witness the clash between Saxons and Vikings firsthand.

For those who enjoy multiple perspectives and intertwining storylines, "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Set in the sixteenth century, this book delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell, one of the key figures in King Henry VIII's court. Mantel's impeccable writing and attention to historical detail earned her the prestigious Man Booker Prize, making "Wolf Hall" an absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction.

While these authors and their books offer a great starting point, there are countless other historical fiction novels waiting to be explored. If you're looking for more recommendations, websites like Goodreads and Historical Novel Society provide comprehensive lists and reviews to help you discover your next captivating read.

In conclusion, historical fiction is the perfect gateway to the past, allowing readers to learn about different time periods while enjoying a compelling story. Whether it's the grandeur of ancient civilizations or the drama of a particular era, historical fiction offers a unique blend of education and entertainment. So, grab a book, embark on a literary journey through time, and let your imagination transport you to worlds long gone.
Conquering the Han Dynasty. Fiction
Conquering the Han Dynasty.

When I time-traveled, Emperor Hanwu had just been weaned at the age of four. When I time-traveled, Emperor Jing of Han had just finished repairing my father. When I time-traveled, Princess Guantao was vigorously sending beauties to Emperor Jing, while Princess Pingyang watched and remembered every move, diligently learning from her aunt's every gesture and action, in order to entertain her younger brother in the future. When I time-traveled, Chen Ajiao was still a queen-like girl. Wei Zifu was still working for Princess Pingyang. Zhuo Wenjun had not yet encountered the deceitful freeloader who tricks for wealth and beauty. And Chunyu Tiying was just transitioning from youthfulness to maturity...

31.54 Million words | 2021-02-06 09:54Update

fiction historical alternative historical fiction alternate historical fiction

The Elegant Household Servant Fiction
The Elegant Household Servant

Li Jin, a recently dismissed mechanical engineering graduate, was tragically killed in a car accident, only to unexpectedly find himself transported back to ancient times. Making the best of a bad situation, he shamelessly plagiarized the works of ancient poets and inventors, rising to power and surrounded by countless beauties in this new era...

547.12 Million words | 2022-09-02 17:50Update

historical fiction time travel books dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Chu Chen Fiction
Chu Chen

During the fragmented Tang Dynasty, various vassals emerged and the divine Emperor rose from the wilderness. For the past twelve years, Chu State has been established in the Jianghuai region, becoming one of the three most powerful overlords in the world alongside Liang State in the Central Plains and Jin State in the Hedong and Youyan regions. The relentless warfare has left the people in desperate hardship.

305.18 Million words | 2023-06-20 01:37Update

historical fiction. historical fiction new ya historical fiction

Searching for Ancestors in the Apricot Blossoms of the Mountain Temple Fiction
Searching for Ancestors in the Apricot Blossoms of the Mountain Temple

One morning, Ye Feng woke up in the body of a young child who had been abandoned by his parents. He found himself in the Kingdom of Wei, under the bright sun. Despite being a novice monk, he continued his journey in this new life. When he came down from the mountain, Ye Feng led the villagers to prosperity and a well-off life. He also dedicated himself to helping women and children who had been kidnapped, guiding them back home. Under his influence, the Kingdom of Wei enacted a comprehensive law against human trafficking, imposing severe punishment on traffickers. Nationwide campaigns were launched to raise awareness and knowledge about combating human trafficking. The search network system was further improved, ultimately achieving the goal of a "world without kidnapping". Eventually, Ye Feng also found his own biological parents, and they joyfully reunited as a family.

172.94 Million words | 2022-12-28 09:21Update

historical fiction us history historical ya fiction civil war alternate history fiction

Warlord Fiction
Warlord

The people remain the same, the country remains the same, with no division between north and south. In short, in summary, there is no distinction between east and west. This is the best of times, where some people use their passion and lives to realize their dreams and find a way for the country. This is the worst of times, where many people can't see where hope lies, and before them, it's nothing but darkness. In such a grand era, a nobody from humble origins rises against the odds, singing all the way. The flags on the city walls change, Who mourns for the dried bones by the river? In the chaos of a twisted fate, laughing madly as I go, Drinking wine and playing chess in front of Emperor Xuanyuan's tomb.

108.04 Million words | 2022-03-08 22:13Update

historical fiction history historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians. Fiction
The unparalleled talent amid the chaos caused by the Five Barbarians.

During the period of the Two Jin Dynasties and the Southern and Northern Dynasties, when the Five Hu (non-Han ethnic groups) invaded and chaos reigned, human lives were as insignificant as grass and hay. The Han people were regarded as lambs waiting to be slaughtered, with only one in ten Han people surviving. In such times, who could possess extraordinary talent and prowess? Let us witness how Shi Jia will turn the tide and restore the mighty glory of Great Han.

297.92 Million words | 2022-12-19 18:18Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel books best time travel historical fiction

Shunming Fiction
Shunming

He was just a sergeant in the army during the Ming Dynasty. After retiring, he became an employee of a finance and escort company. Whether he goes with the tide of history or defies fate, he has the power to change his own destiny and reshape the destiny of this era...

275.45 Million words | 2021-08-21 13:33Update

historical fiction. history and historical fiction historical fiction history

War of the Ming Dynasty's End Fiction
War of the Ming Dynasty's End

In the late Ming Dynasty, conquering the world, ruling the land, and collecting beautiful women, all in my hands!

82.88 Million words | 2021-05-05 00:29Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Traveling Through and Stepping Into Martial Arts Fiction
Traveling Through and Stepping Into Martial Arts

Zhang Jie returned to her dormitory, feeling annoyed. The other girls in the dormitory were chattering happily, but upon seeing her, they quickly scattered and gave her disdainful looks. 'Xiao Qing, are you still reading?' she casually asked. The girl lying on the bed put down her book and glanced at her sarcastically, 'Oh, I'm bothering people by lying here and reading, am I?' Just as she finished speaking, someone nearby let out a cold snort. 'I meant you've been lying down for too long and straining your eyes,' Zhang Jie explained kindly. 'No need to worry, let the beauty take care of it,' the girl replied, though accustomed to the situation. Zhang Jie could only smile helplessly and ask, 'What did I do to deserve this?'

174.94 Million words | 2021-09-20 09:31Update

historical fiction by time period best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Step by Step Startled the Tang Dynasty Fiction
Step by Step Startled the Tang Dynasty

Li Ang was transported to an abandoned child raised by a pack of wolves. With his mysterious background, he became entangled in a series of family conflicts, local official struggles, palace power struggles, and ultimately played a crucial role in the An Lushan Rebellion. Various power tactics, betrayals, assassinations, scheming, opportunism, and secret maneuvers abound. This is also an era of openness and grandeur, with beautiful women as stunning as the moon, picturesque landscapes, magnificent poetry, and vibrant spirits. Lifelong friendships that can withstand life and death, heartwarming family bonds, and passionate love stories thread throughout the book, showcasing the fascinating and magnificent image of the prosperous Tang Dynasty from various perspectives. I have already completed

120.55 Million words | 2021-01-29 04:39Update

fiction historical history of historical fiction historical ya fiction

Prince of the Jianghu Fiction
Prince of the Jianghu

Originally titled 'The Prince's Stick Technique', the protagonist's father sent him to learn martial arts with the agreement that once he had mastered it, they would venture into the Jianghu together and capture female warriors. However, unexpectedly, the father passed away, and Qin Shou'an had no choice but to leave the mountain ahead of time and inherit this enchanting and alluring world of the Jianghu.

481.15 Million words | 2020-08-14 13:33Update

time travel historical fiction best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history

Bandit camp Fiction
Bandit camp

He traveled through time but lost his memories; He was a hero, yet he cherished love for his children; Wearing uniforms of the Nationalist Army, eating food from the Eighth Route Army, he had only one purpose: to beat the hell out of the little Japanese! His name was Ye Tufei, a bandit leader who had no recollection of his past. With his bandit camp, he created a legendary tale of iron and blood during the resistance against the Japanese invasion!

87.36 Million words | 2020-11-23 16:22Update

history and historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

The First-Class Prime Minister Fiction
The First-Class Prime Minister

Kings from various countries arrived at the imperial banquet, engaging in a battle of wits. In their hearts, they coveted the prosperity of the capital, Bianliang, and all harbored intentions to bully the weakened Great Song. After three rounds of wine, they all took turns to taunt the Emperor of Great Song: "Our country has a mighty cavalry, a million elite soldiers!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country has a thousand renowned generals, capable of breaking the enemy's formation with a wave of the whip!" "I have Chen Siwei!" "Our country possesses mountains of silver and rivers of grains!" "I have Chen Siwei!"

212.79 Million words | 2021-07-20 11:44Update

historical fiction time periods historical fiction timeline historical fiction time travel

The Hunting System of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
The Hunting System of the Three Kingdoms

Otaku Hu Li returned to the Three Kingdoms with a headhunting system. Originally without any ambitions, he was forced onto the path of dominance by the system's elimination of threats. He recruited famous officials, gathered renowned generals, and embraced beautiful women, creating his own legend! Tian Feng, Chen Gong, and Jia Xu are mine. Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun are also mine. Zhen Ji, Da Qiao, and Xiao Qiao are mine as well. Cai Wenji, Diao Chan, Zou Shi, and Wu Xian, these married women cannot be let go either. I must also experience the style of the Western Regions and the culture of the Eastern Island. If there is a chance, I must

475.68 Million words | 2021-03-28 19:10Update

best time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction time travel

The downfall of the Qing Dynasty Fiction
The downfall of the Qing Dynasty

A grass-roots peasant after the First Sino-Japanese War, wrongly accused and imprisoned, unexpectedly rescued and coincidentally obtained a military book left by his father. He joined a secret society, defeated the Qing soldiers, became a leader of the White Fan Society of the Triad, the king of the beggar kingdom, the deputy leader of the Magic Sky Sect, and participated in ten armed uprisings, displaying his military acumen at every step, rising step by step, promoting the humanity of an ordinary person, and the helplessness of love and family. A scroll painting of the Southern charm, an epic of revolution written with passion, a lifelong pursuit of love

181.99 Million words | 2023-02-15 05:30Update

historical fiction by time period dual timeline historical fiction best time travel historical fiction

The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty Fiction
The Spring of the Great Tang Dynasty

When Li Xi crossed over, Yang Yuhuan was fifteen years old. It was spring in the 21st year of the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty. In Jinyuan County of Shuzhou, Jiannan Road, Yang Huahua, later known as Lady Guo, and Yang Guozhong, who would later hold over twenty positions of power and become a notorious eunuch, were currently residing here. However, at present, one was a widow named Yang in a precarious situation, while the other was Yang Zhao, struggling and destitute on the streets. Well, that's it. Although the plot is a bit clichéd, this story should be quite fascinating.

407.66 Million words | 2021-02-24 14:19Update

historical fiction time travel books best time travel historical fiction historical fiction time travel

A carpenter in the central court during the late Ming Dynasty. Fiction
A carpenter in the central court during the late Ming Dynasty.

I am a woodworker in the mountains and specialize in woodworking, carving, and lacquering. I have been fortunate to receive the favor of the late emperor, who did not overlook my modest skills and bestowed upon me the rank of a successful candidate in the imperial examinations. I have been given opportunities beyond my station and am grateful for them. I am now entrusted by the emperor

558.28 Million words | 2021-05-20 03:09Update

time travel historical fiction history and historical fiction historical fiction time travel

The Three Kingdoms of Otaku Fiction
The Three Kingdoms of Otaku

Same Three Kingdoms, Different Stories, A supreme otaku mysteriously reincarnates into the Three Kingdoms, Becoming an orphaned youth, By chance encountering Sun Shangxiang, Becoming a disciple of Zhou Gongjin, Managing his career, plotting for the world, Using the Three Kingdoms as a canvas, depicting a myth! Sun Quan says, "No money left, find Guan Zheng..." Zhou Yu says, "My disciple truly deserves to be the number one master of schemes in the world!" Zhuge Liang says, "Thinking of me, Kong Ming, being cautious in everything, yet repeatedly falling into this kid's schemes!" Cao Cao says, "In Dong Wu, Guan Zheng alone is worth ten thousand soldiers!" Liu Bei says, "Brothers are like limbs, women are like clothes..." Guan Zheng says, "Did you forget one more line? That is... Whoever dares to touch my clothes, I will cut off their limbs!"

201.32 Million words | 2021-10-29 15:15Update

time travel historical fiction historical fiction history historical fiction timeline

Tang Dynasty Blade Level 999 Fiction
Tang Dynasty Blade Level 999

Network writer Qin Chuan, carrying a knife-level system, arrived in the Tang Dynasty. Then, to his surprise, he found out that this Tang Dynasty seemed to be not so serious! (Already has two million premium books, "The Number One Wastrel in the Tang Dynasty," with no records of interrupted updates, guaranteed to be a "pit" of good quality, feel free to dive in. Note: This book is semi-fictional, not based on historical facts, please refrain from entering if you are a stickler for accuracy.)

23.92 Million words | 2021-02-01 22:53Update

fiction historical historical fiction ya historical ya fiction

Basic Interdimensional Law Fiction
Basic Interdimensional Law

Book Club Group Number: The old version of the introduction has been cut due to its excessive length and is now suspended from a tree.

281.53 Million words | 2022-05-29 03:17Update

time travel historical fiction dual timeline historical fiction historical fiction time periods

Great Ming Fireworks Fiction
Great Ming Fireworks

Zhu Yuanzhang: 'A group of corrupt officials who embezzle and pervert the law, I want to kill them all.' Han Du: 'Your Majesty, hold your anger. Instead of killing them, it's better to exploit their remaining value and squeeze them dry.' Zhu Yuanzhang: If my dear readers think 'Great Ming Fireworks' is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your QQ groups and friends on Weibo! w.

500.10 Million words | 2022-03-29 20:29Update

history and historical fiction historical ya fiction historical fiction