what is historical novel in english literature

A historical novel is a genre of literature that takes place in the past and often incorporates historical events, figures, or settings. It is a captivating form of storytelling that combines fiction with historical accuracy, providing readers with both entertainment and educational value. In English literature, there have been numerous exceptional historical novels that have engaged readers for centuries. 

One of the most renowned pioneers of historical fiction is Sir Walter Scott, an influential Scottish writer from the early 19th century. Scott's works, such as "Ivanhoe" and "Waverley," transport readers to different eras, immersing them in the medieval world of knights and chivalry or the Jacobite uprising in Scotland.

Another highly acclaimed historical novelist is Hilary Mantel, known for her award-winning novels centered around Thomas Cromwell and the Tudor period. "Wolf Hall" and its sequel, "Bring Up the Bodies," offer a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, capturing the political intrigues and the drama surrounding Henry VIII's court.

For those interested in ancient history, the novels of Colleen McCullough deserve attention. Her "Masters of Rome" series delves into the compelling world of Julius Caesar, offering a meticulous depiction of the Roman Republic and its legendary figures.

In recent years, the historical fiction genre has seen a surge in popularity with authors like Philippa Gregory. Her novels, including "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The White Queen," explore the lives of influential women in England's history, including the formidable Tudor queens.

To uncover more captivating historical novels, there are dedicated websites and online communities that provide recommendations and reviews. Goodreads.com, for instance, offers a platform for readers to explore historical fiction genres and discover new titles. Historical Novel Society (historicalnovelsociety.org) is another valuable resource for enthusiasts, featuring reviews, interviews, and a comprehensive list of recent releases.

Historical novels serve as portals to the past, breathing life into historical events and characters. Their ability to transport readers to different eras with richly detailed narratives makes them beloved among literature enthusiasts. Whether you yearn for the grand adventures of knights or the intrigues of royal courts, the historical novel genre offers a vast array of captivating stories waiting to be explored.
The Lv Clan's in-laws Fiction
The Lv Clan's in-laws

Qin Xu "accidentally" "harassed" a little girl, and the little girl's father is called Lv Bu!! So Qin Xu was in a sorry state! Dealing with all sorts of torment and hatred! Since he couldn't escape from this clutches! For his own life! For his family behind him! Then he'll join in with all his might! And so... Liu Daerduo, married woman Cao, and Sun Green Eyes, you're in trouble... Produced by Group Five, it is definitely a masterpiece! Please feel free to collect it! Wishing everyone a pleasant reading experience! Please show your support! Thank you.

236.81 Million words | 2021-08-23 12:04Update

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Sparrow Turns into Phoenix: Your Highness is not at ease. Fiction
Sparrow Turns into Phoenix: Your Highness is not at ease.

Prince Shen Yuli, who was down and out, found a young eunuch in the deserted garden. The eunuch had fair skin, a beautiful appearance, and a clever and adorable demeanor, but he was a bit noisy. Like a sparrow. Sparrows have wild nature and need to be properly restrained, or they will fly away. One day, the thread that tied them together snapped with a crack. I recommend and collect the new novel "Nine Lives Phoenix Destiny" and "I Invite You to Carry the Plaque", please support. Love you all! (づ ̄ ̄)づ╭?~

146.77 Million words | 2023-06-01 05:33Update

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Qing Song Fiction
Qing Song

When the solitary figure on the lonely ocean can only be mourned by future generations, when a hundred thousand soldiers and civilians of Yashan dive into the sea, becoming the nation's sorrow, a top student, a rich second-generation graduate from a prestigious university's history department, returns to the time when the Southeast Heaven was in turmoil seven hundred years ago, a collision of civilizations between the glorious Song Dynasty and the mighty Yuan Dynasty that changes the original course of history on the vast land of China

535.65 Million words | 2022-04-11 19:18Update

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Nine Tripod Military Adviser 2 Fiction
Nine Tripod Military Adviser 2

The military adviser of the Nine Tripods is revered even more than the emperor, possessing unparalleled loyalty and virtue. Outwardly, he dares to draw his sword against the vassals; inwardly, he is willing to take on the responsibilities of a servant. His unrestrained demeanor attracts both attention and admiration, causing people to willingly follow him. With a penchant for killing, his loved ones find joy while his enemies endure pain, resulting in divergent opinions from the world. He remarks, "Worldly matters hold no benefit for me; I only yearn for the company of a beautiful woman by the clear waters." If you, dear readers, find "The Military Adviser of the Nine Tripods" enjoyable, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and on Weibo!

107.68 Million words | 2020-09-28 02:43Update

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The Great Song Palace Fiction
The Great Song Palace

The 'Golden Chamber Alliance' left by Zhao Kuangyin sparked a power struggle in the Song court. Liu E, a lonely girl from Shu, fell in love with the third prince Zhao Heng during the war. They went through the rebellion of the Prince of Qin, the struggle for succession among the three princes, and the Battle of Chanyuan. Liu E's exceptional talent and careful handling of political affairs earned her the trust and reliance of Zhao Heng. With several princes lost, the succession to the throne became imminent, and the imperial court faced unprecedented crisis as ministers and influential families fought for their own interests or formed secret alliances. After Zhao Heng's demise, Emperor Ren was young and weak. In order to fulfill her late husband's wishes, Liu E took charge of the court and resolved party disputes, promoted water conservation, established welfare programs, and successfully addressed conflicts and unrest among various ethnic groups. She also boldly recruited new talents such as Fan Zhongyan, Yan Shu, and Su Xun, laying a solid foundation for Emperor Ren's prosperous rule for over 40 years.

99.86 Million words | 2023-02-12 18:54Update

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Morning and evening: My husband, can you do it? Fiction
Morning and evening: My husband, can you do it?

Usually updates are between 9 PM and 11 PM after being released. The kingdom has an ugly princess, and before the late emperor passed away, he arranged for her marriage. On the night of the grand wedding, before entering the bridal chamber, the ugly princess timidly asked in a small voice, "Husband, do you know how to...?" The husband replied, "I probably do." You deceived me, hid things from me, hurt me, pretended to care for me, but you have never betrayed me. That's why I forgive you first, and then I will love you. A naive and sweet princess who plays dumb vs. a proud and morose boyfriend, the all-powerful general.

325.29 Million words | 2022-08-18 11:22Update

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Don't treat time travel as a job. Fiction
Don't treat time travel as a job.

Have you ever seen someone use "time travel" as a job? Have you tried to capture a fugitive from the Warring States period at a Metro supermarket? Don't pay for him, or you'll end up broke. Or maybe pay the fine for drunk driving by Li Bai? Remember, never let him drive again. Also, the whole team works overtime and goes on business trips to the Tang Dynasty, chasing after the "number one fugitive in Chang'an," Emperor Tang Xuanzong. Oh, Your Majesty, please don't panic. Our director's name is not An Lushan. By the way, have you seen a missing university student? Doesn't this job sound great? Especially if it comes with the benefits of a

472.69 Million words | 2020-08-24 21:39Update

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I want to be the mastermind. Fiction
I want to be the mastermind.

When Wei Yu was reborn as Wei Zhongdao in the Three Kingdoms era, his first thought was to live a comfortable life with his wealthy and influential identity. However, living in the turbulent times of the late Eastern Han dynasty, he found it difficult to fulfill his desires. Forced by life, he embarked on the path of a strategist. From the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the campaign against Dong Zhuo, from the Battle of Jieqiao to the Battle of Guandu, from the Battle of Red Cliffs to the Battle of Yiling, he strived to become a competent advisor. He established academies, educated the masses, defied the constraints of noble families, controlled intelligence agencies, traveled overseas, developed the Eastern Liaodong region, and fought against foreign tribes. His figure appeared in every significant event. Wei Zhongdao asked the author, "When will Cai Meimei treat me better?" The author replied, "That depends on whether the readers are supportive enough!"

581.67 Million words | 2020-07-08 18:54Update

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Reborn in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fiction
Reborn in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

With a Soviet military base, he traveled back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire before World War I and became the second son of Archduke Ferdinand. Completed novels: Reborn as a Grand Duke in Great Britain, Reborn as an American-European Aristocrat, Reborn in the Russian Empire, Reborn in a Small European Country (ongoing). Group: [information not provided]

319.30 Million words | 2023-01-11 11:44Update

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The Reign of Chenguan Fiction
The Reign of Chenguan

At the end of the Sui Dynasty and the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, orphan Li Chengyan travels through time and becomes the eldest son Li Chengyan, who does not actually exist. Due to war, he is separated from his parents. By chance, he is saved by the second generation Guiguzi in the Yunmeng Mountains. He studies under Guiguzi for

124.31 Million words | 2023-01-31 12:36Update

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There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty. Fiction
There were tanks in the Northern Song Dynasty.

Crossing over to the Song Dynasty and finally finding love. My wife is sharp yet gentle, while my younger sister-in-law is blossoming with potential. A beautiful life awaits me... Wait a minute! The first year of Xuande? The emperor is Zhao Ji? The bandit, Wang Qing, is about to attack? I also have two edgy little cousins? And... my tank is out of fuel... ... Book club: If you follow me, if you follow me, I'll show you some... explicit content...

82.77 Million words | 2022-08-05 21:00Update

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Mighty Han Army Fiction
Mighty Han Army

New book in the works!

378.26 Million words | 2020-07-31 20:58Update

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Datang Express Company Fiction
Datang Express Company

Courier Fang Tang, with his tricycle and a load of packages, accidentally ended up in the Tang Dynasty. He was instantly dumbfounded. "Lao Gan Ma chili sauce," "trendy men's short-sleeved shirts," "women's underwear." Fang Tang was filled with despair. Others who time-traveled usually brought countless treasures, but why did he end up with women's underwear? What made Fang Tang even more hopeless was what happened next. "I am about to go to war. As my subject, shouldn't you make some contributions?" "You're the emperor, the boss. I will do my best." "Brother, my wife wants a divorce recently. Can you make sure the Civil Affairs Bureau doesn't

501.71 Million words | 2022-04-17 14:18Update

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Assassin in Splendid Attire Fiction
Assassin in Splendid Attire

...... The Embroidered Uniform Guard, what do they live off? They're used for killing! Who do they kill? Those who obstruct the development of the Ming Dynasty! Deadwood officials, corrupt bureaucrats, kill! Factionalism, indulging in internal strife, kill! Falsifying imperial edicts, framing loyal subjects, kill! Selfishness, tax evasion, kill! Hypocrisy, empty talk causing harm to the nation, kill! Collusion with foreign powers, betraying the country, kill! Disrespecting the Great Ming, no matter how far, must be punished with death, kill!

316.88 Million words | 2022-09-02 12:49Update

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Dominion of Slaughter Fiction
Dominion of Slaughter

In an alternate world, during alternate historical years, multiple heavyweight nations have been engaged in a power struggle, plotting and scheming, forming alliances and making enemies, in a competition that has lasted for hundreds of years. Who will emerge as the ruler of this continent, who will win, who will lose, and who will be lost in history, only time will tell. The first part of the novel series "Nation's Clash" is divided into five volumes, "Gold and Steel," "Decaying Monument," "Tears over the Horizon," "Flames and Moon," and "The Trench." Each volume is both independent and loosely connected to the others. The second part, "Age of Chaos," featuring "Wolf Slayer," "Seven Killings," "Broken Army," and "Greedy Wolf," promises even more excitement.

68.62 Million words | 2021-11-03 15:55Update

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Invincible Strong Soldiers in the Resistance against Japan Fiction
Invincible Strong Soldiers in the Resistance against Japan

Modern special forces soldier Sun Weiguo, with the spirit of his country, traveled through time to the battlefield against the Japanese invaders. He fought against the devils and eliminated the traitors, becoming an unbeatable warrior. "We hold guns in our hands, swords at our waists, why should we allow the mere Japanese dogs from the three islands to destroy our China? Even if our skulls are shattered, we shall reclaim our mountains and rivers!" - Sun Weiguo.

335.70 Million words | 2023-02-06 21:54Update

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Being a warlord in the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Being a warlord in the Three Kingdoms

The protagonist's determination and strong fighting spirit attract numerous renowned generals and talents. They then search for a territory, develop it, and ultimately unify the world. Are such plotlines not overused?

223.96 Million words | 2022-08-07 14:01Update

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My time-traveling mobile phone Fiction
My time-traveling mobile phone

When Anyang discovered that the phone he bought had been swapped, he initially refused. However, when he found out that this phone could take him through endless time and space, movies, TV shows, novels, games... he could no longer resist!

423.57 Million words | 2020-07-19 18:03Update

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Expedition to Europe Fiction
Expedition to Europe

In the year , as the First World War raged on in Europe, havoc and devastation spread throughout the continent. Faced with such dire circumstances, the Beiyang government dispatched a workforce of ten thousand laborers to Europe. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Zhiyuan promptly joined their ranks and established a Chinese unit within the French Foreign Legion. After enduring tremendous sacrifices, they emerged victorious alongside the Allied forces. However, at the Paris Peace Conference, Qin Zhiyuan realized that the Beiyang government had gained nothing but humiliation and loss as the vanquishing nation. At this moment of glory for the Chinese people, Qin Zhiyuan discovered that both he and his troops were left homeless. "Since there is no place for us in this vast world, we shall carve out our own space for survival with our own swords," Qin Zhiyuan declared, unsheathing his weapon and surveying his surroundings.

245.55 Million words | 2023-05-24 20:10Update

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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

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