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.
The idle prince, not the wise prince, Zhao Yan crossed over and became the third son of Emperor Yingzong of the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally notorious, he had no ambition to compete for fame and fortune, only wanting to be a leisurely prince, drinking wine, enjoying fine food, and having a few beauties by his side would make it even more perfect. However, as a person from the future, Zhao Yan's words and actions were like a flashlight in the night among the people of ancient times, emitting a dazzling light. Whether it was the various items he brought with him when he crossed over or his own talents, Zhao Yan inadvertently attracted everyone's attention and gradually changed the situation between the Song, Liao, and Xia dynasties. When the Song people looked back many years later, they suddenly realized that their life trajectory had been led in a different direction by this idle prince, Zhao Yan.
321.43 Million words | 2021-10-20 13:31Update
In the thirtieth year of the Jiajing reign, the Emperor secluded himself in the Western Garden to refine mercury and burn elixirs. Prime Minister Yan Song wracked his brains to compose a Qing verse. Anda of the northwest galloped across the Central Plains multiple times, while the Japanese pirates in the southeast became addicted to plunder. Zhang Juzheng pulled his hair out for flattering articles, and Qi Jiguang was still kneading a washboard on his knees. Li Shizhen silently left the Imperial Medical Academy... Decay remains decayed, while new life blossoms. The songs and dances of Jiangnan, the melodies of swallows, and emerging with confidence, Tang Yi opened a promotion strategy with a calm smile… 24/7, awaiting your arrival. Welcome to settle in.
359.07 Million words | 2021-12-02 20:51Update
As the executive chef of a super five-star hotel, Li Qi miraculously crossed over to the late Northern Song Dynasty after having a few drinks. In this unfamiliar world with no family or connections, Li Qi had no choice but to pick up his old profession and work as a chef in a tavern in Bianjing, which was about to be sold at a low price. Li Qi originally wanted to be a low-key chef, but gold will always shine wherever it goes, and being too outstanding as a man is not always a good thing. "General Gao wants to eat steak?—No time!" "Prime Minister Cai wants to eat hot pot?—Tell him to make an appointment one month in advance." "Teacher Li wants to eat fruit salad?—Um...no time during the day, go in the evening." "Li Qingzhao wants to eat cheesecake?—Ask her if she divorced Zhao Mingcheng or not." "The Emperor wants to eat the Golden Han banquet?—Still in preparation, let's talk about it in ten years."
712.02 Million words | 2022-04-17 03:07Update
In the vast history of five thousand years, under numerous immense powers, there must always be one or two men who stand tall! Welcome book lovers to join the Drunkard QQ fan group, let's discuss the plot together.
225.79 Million words | 2021-02-10 21:41Update
The classical fantasy novel "The Great Dao" has been uploaded, book number: . The content portrays a solitary cloud and a wild crane, leading a leisurely life in the world of clear winds and bright moon. Mountains and rivers gather clouds, while the four seas shine with radiant splendor. Admirably, the grand achievements of creation shape the vast emptiness. How much knowledge lies within the immortal realm, revealed by the glow of the moon in the shadow of the toad? In essence, I hope to write a classical fantasy novel that captures the authentic spirit, which can be seen as addressing the regrets of "Root of Dust". I dare not claim substantial progress in this book, but it is indeed the work that required the most effort before writing. The upgrade of classical fantasy is always inevitable, and this was the aspect I deliberated on the most before starting "The Great Dao". However, beyond the setting and structure, my main goal was to incorporate the upgrade within the story itself. In short, this new book aims to tell a classical fantasy story with a rational structure and clear levels, which first and foremost captivates my own interest. The setting and structure used in the book are inspired by native Taoism, and the story possesses an Eastern and classical essence of the fantasy genre. Readers who are interested can take a look! Thank you!
135.72 Million words | 2020-07-18 20:59Update
In the previous life, after transmigration, Liu De busied himself wiping his brother's butt, wiping his uncles' butts, and wiping his mother's butt, but unfortunately, he still failed in the end. In this life, returning to the beginning of transmigration, Liu De swore that he would never want to live such a life again. In this life... "I want to be the emperor!" I shall become the country!
533.40 Million words | 2022-08-28 07:52Update
He inherited a position without succession, yet he is not of royal blood; he comes from a prestigious family, yet he is not from a noble lineage. As one of the heads of the Six Doors, he initially intended to dutifully pass down the iron rice bowl handed down by his ancestors through generations. However, he never expected to be deceived by a charlatan and lose his little world. From that moment on, a formidable figure emerged. He proclaimed himself as a selfless friend who would sacrifice himself for others, but wherever he went, he would always hide away those with virtuous wives and noble daughters, never daring to reveal them to the public. He claimed to have a pure and kind nature, but only to avoid serving under his superior, he amusingly used the excuse of "filial piety" to happily resign from his high-ranking position and return to his hometown. He declared himself a loyal subject, but because of him, the diligent Emperor Wanli no longer attended court early. Yang Ling is known as "Yang the Beheader" by the people, while Yang Fan is called "Plague Doctor", but he has even more nicknames to his name – "Mad Historian," "Ass-Carrying Official," "Night Emperor"... Each nickname represents one of his legends.
338.08 Million words | 2022-12-31 03:27Update
The family owns a good hundred acres of fertile land, making them prosperous landowners. However, at the young age of fourteen, Wang Fulin suddenly finds himself being called "father" by someone. Just as he was about to achieve success, it seems like it will slip away again, putting immense pressure on the young scholar. The first rule of the Wang family's teachings: immorality leads to calamity, filial piety comes first. Amidst the extravagant and decadent society, where beauty and pleasure are valued, making a living is not easy. Wang Fulin, the young official, embarks on an unconventional journey, setting off from this point.
349.95 Million words | 2021-09-24 12:21Update
A financial analyst accidentally travels back to the Ming Dynasty during the Wanli era and becomes the son-in-law of a wealthy merchant. He initially believed that he could live a prosperous life in ancient times, like the protagonists in time-travel novels, with wealth and multiple wives. However, everything changed when he encountered Emperor Wanli... "Your Majesty, regarding the commission for the common people..." "There's no need to worry, I will have the Ministry of Revenue issue it to you." "What the heck! Your Majesty, you previously asked me to empty the treasury and replenish the imperial household, and now the treasury is as empty as a mouse's droppings!" "Well, that's true. In that case, the treasury shall be entrusted to you." "Your Majesty, may I say something?" "You may." "Damn it!"
395.92 Million words | 2021-03-01 00:48Update
Historical version: When the Ming Dynasty lost its deer, the whole world pursued it. Modern version: At the end of the Ming Dynasty, famine and foreign invasions plagued the land. Let's witness how Luozhi Xue, with his wisdom, brings an end to this chaotic era and leads our people to stand at the pinnacle of the world, forging a prosperous era for our nation. Luozhi Xue's version: I want to be the emperor!
373.87 Million words | 2020-07-29 14:06Update
Ceng Yi, with his ancestral unique techniques and comprehensive knowledge in both Chinese and Western medicine, stood out in the highly competitive medical field. With just three prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, he successfully cured the underlying cause of the provincial party secretary's wife's illness, earning high praise and an unprecedented appointment as an expert in the provincial healthcare specialist group. Once in office, he showcased his talents, consistently treating difficult and complicated ailments that even renowned Chinese and Western medical experts struggled with. With his noble medical ethics, he gained the admiration of both domestic and foreign patients and formed unbreakable bonds with numerous celebrities in politics, business, the military, and law enforcement, becoming their most trusted confidant...
244.83 Million words | 2020-07-15 14:48Update
This world consists of hundreds of countries, large and small. When it comes to land martial arts, the country of Ning is almost invincible. With its four borders and four military libraries, the ferocious wolves dominate the world. Wherever the land extends, the soldiers of Ning can plant their battle flag. However, beyond the seas where the wolves do not reach, there are always some people who refuse to accept. And thus, there emerges a young warrior wielding a sword and a spear, crossing the river with a single reed.
532.38 Million words | 2021-10-16 14:18Update
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
In the fifth year of the Chongzhen era, Yu Guozhen drew his sword: Anyone who obstructs the progress of China shall be mercilessly killed!
233.80 Million words | 2021-06-03 13:43Update
Returning to the Great Tang, vying for world domination In the fifth year of the Tianbao era, more than a hundred years had passed since the founding of the Great Tang. After decades of governing the country, the weary Emperor Li Longji, who had already known his destiny, began to divert his attention away from the mundane and intricate affairs of state, ever since he bestowed the title of Guifei upon Lady Yang. "Amidst joyous songs and graceful dances, the monarch gazes upon them with insatiable desire." He indulged himself in music and dance, and subsequently stopped attending early morning court sessions... And it was in the spring of this year that a newcomer arrived at the Sulou Beacon in Anxi. This newcomer was someone from the future, a time traveler who first entered the frontier military, repelled the enemy barbarians, and then escorted a princess to the capital, stepping into the heart of power in the Great Tang. In a short span of time, he transfigured from a modern-day iron-blooded man to a wise and brave hero of an era of prosperity.
323.20 Million words | 2023-05-18 09:36Update
New book "The Tiger Son of the Zhao Family" seeks collection and recommendation. Aiming to be the prosperous prince of the Great Wei, I yearn to be a leisurely king in a prosperous era. My ambition lies in enjoying the extravagant lifestyle with beauties, wealth, and power, while also caring for the welfare of my family, country, people, and the safety of the state. If my brothers are virtuous, if my younger brother is wise, I will leisurely be a king among men. If you cannot strengthen the country, I will ascend the throne as the emperor! - Hongrun "If You Can't Do It, I Will"
674.58 Million words | 2022-07-12 00:06Update
A young pharmacist from a traditional Chinese medicine hospital accidentally time-traveled to the early days of the Tang Dynasty and became a junior doctor in a small medical shop. The father who ran the shop had mediocre medical skills, the compassionate but timid mother, and the fierce elder sister who always defended her family. The medical shop was on the verge of bankruptcy, and the family struggled to make ends meet. As the new year approached, there was only a pot of black bread mixed with wild vegetables in the pot. Sitting in the main hall, a stern landlady demanded the rent payment. If they couldn't pay the rent, they would be forced out of their home. It was from here that he embarked on a challenging journey in the medical field full of obstacles. Book Friends Group: (Super Group, periodically cleared, lurkers beware) (Advanced Group) (Advanced Group) (Advanced Group)
208.16 Million words | 2021-05-02 13:01Update
The new book "Scholarly Charm" has been uploaded. Thank you all for your support. Knowledgeable, cultured, adept at healing, adept at killing. Passionate, wicked, powerful, remarkable. I am a member of the Imperial Guardians, a burdensome son-in-law, the emperor's personal army, and the prince's mentor. I am who I am, a good husband, a good power figure. In the era of Zhengde, there are many wonders and brilliance because of me. ... A new work by Lao Hu.
294.25 Million words | 2021-01-23 00:21Update
The Song Dynasty came to an end without ever reclaiming Yan Yun. Throughout the entire Song Dynasty, they were constantly oppressed by foreign enemies... As the Southern Song Dynasty approached its demise, he vowed to accomplish the great ambitions that had eluded the dynasty for so long.
414.51 Million words | 2023-05-01 08:58Update
Emperor Xiaozong revived the Great Ming dynasty, while the wayward and reckless Xuande disregarded conventions. Scholars fervently discussed the state of the nation, while the palace guards were as fierce as tigers and wolves. In an era where opportunity and crisis coexisted, amidst the bustling prosperity of the Great Ming dynasty, there was a young man named Qin Kan who disrupted the calm waters. As he elegantly and charmingly engaged in his mischievous acts, the conventional definitions of a "gentleman" were completely overturned in the minds of the Ming dynasty's civil officials, military generals, and eunuchs.
222.07 Million words | 2020-08-13 05:32Update
If traveling back to the Song Dynasty, should one indulge in poetry and appreciate the beauty of nature or focus on military prowess and conquering the world? Regardless, satisfying one's hunger should be a priority before anything else.
119.75 Million words | 2020-08-18 03:59Update
