history of historical fiction

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 Grand Tang's Splendid Romance Fiction
The Grand Tang's Splendid Romance

In the flourishing days of the Kaiyuan era, countless households were hidden in the small town. With rice flowing with oil and millet as white as snow, both public and private granaries were abundantly filled. In the fourth year of the Kaiyuan era, the Great Tang Empire was at its peak, and the capital Chang'an was the most prosperous city in the world, without a doubt. Yao Chong, Song Jing, Li Bai, Wang Wei, Zhang Xu, Wu Daozi, Yan Zhenqing, Gongsun Danniang, Pei Min, Guo Ziyi... At this moment, the sky of the magnificent Tang Dynasty was filled with shining stars. Born in a prosperous era, as a talented prodigy who was once forgotten, Du Shi Yi was not concerned about the overall situation of the world, but about how to live a more splendid life in this second chance. In the prosperous Tang Dynasty, there were those with heroic spirits, those with self-confidence and composure, those with great achievements, and those who enjoyed the luxury of palaces with the entire world bowing to them! After eight years of diligent writing, with nine works, following "The Amorous Adventures of Zhu Men," "The Treacherous Minister," "The Crown and the Robe," and "The Wealth and Glory," Fu Tian brings you his latest work, "The Splendor of the Tang Dynasty," taking you on a journey to truly experience the prosperous era of the Great Tang!

437.37 Million words | 2021-08-16 16:59Update

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Tang Dynasty: Li Shimin Exiled to a Deserted Island at the Beginning Fiction
Tang Dynasty: Li Shimin Exiled to a Deserted Island at the Beginning

Researcher Jiang Feng accidentally stranded on a deserted island, cultivating crops while waiting for rescue. One year later, three men dressed in ancient attire broke into the island. Old Li: Let's be honest, I am the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty! Old Sun: Well, I'll be honest too, I'm not Old Sun, I am Zhang Sun Wuji! Old Du: I'll be honest as well, I am Du Ruhui! Jiang Feng: When in doubt, quantum mechanics, I also know it. So, here's the truth, I am...!

146.59 Million words | 2021-05-10 19:34Update

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Armor of War: Three Kingdoms Fiction
Armor of War: Three Kingdoms

Give me a girl, and I cannot create a nation; give me a piece of wood, and I can instantly make a repeating crossbow. With the armor and weapon system in my hands, I have the three kingdoms under my control! What does the Wolf Cavalry of Bingzhou matter? Just watch how my three thousand aluminum helmets and armor lead the charge and conquer the world! What about the vanguard of Hebei? Just see how my Furious Edge Camp wields steel spring repeating crossbows to sweep across the Nine Provinces! What about the navy of Jiangdong? Just witness how my Yan vehicle and ship

208.08 Million words | 2023-05-31 00:39Update

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The Super Genius of Great Song Dynasty Fiction
The Super Genius of Great Song Dynasty

In that year, the first-class football league of the Great Song Dynasty was in full swing, and Su Dongpo, the national heartthrob, excelled in the college entrance examination. In that year, housing prices in the capital soared, and Ouyang Xiu, an old cadre, was kicked out of his house by his wife for not buying in time. In that year, Zhao Guanjia peeped at the voluptuous female sumo wrestler on the Lantern Festival, only to be caught red-handed by the masses led by Sima Guang. That was also the year when Wang Laohu brought his daughter to participate in a dating show and declared that she would only marry a scholar, causing panic among the four talented scholars by the Golden Ming Lake. And still in that year, Hedong Lion was pleased to get married while the rouge tiger was busy with blind dates, and the national child prodigy competition began with the grand entrance of young talents from all over the country.

215.93 Million words | 2021-08-03 20:52Update

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Bring the warehouse to the Ming Dynasty. Fiction
Bring the warehouse to the Ming Dynasty.

Fang Xing transmigrated and brought two warehouses with him! While others bring with them an aura of dominance when they time travel, Fang Xing only wants to farm! "All I want is to live leisurely in this era!" Sitting with his beautiful wives and concubines, he also takes the opportunity to teach a few disciples, working hard to make them climb up, so they can be his support! But who would have thought that these disciples are somewhat unreliable, and it turns out they are...

599.09 Million words | 2022-02-16 02:39Update

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A private soldier in the late Ming Dynasty border defense force Fiction
A private soldier in the late Ming Dynasty border defense force

In the third month of the seventh year of Chongzhen, there was a severe drought in Shanxi and Shaanxi, with thousands of miles of barren land and widespread famine. In the fourth month, Li Zicheng entered Henan and joined forces with Zhang Xianzhong to capture Chengcheng. In the seventh month, the Later Jin army besieged Xuanfu, looting Datong, and many border fortresses were lost. The Ming Dynasty faced internal troubles and external threats, in a state of instability. In July of that year, Wang Dou unexpectedly arrived in the Ming Dynasty and became an ordinary soldier stationed in Shunxiangbao, a fortress in Xuanfu. ※※※ [Rankings of the military in Xuanfu Garrison, Ming Dynasty: Soldier, Sergeant, Squad Leader, Defense, Integrity, Security, Guerrilla, Deputy General, Vice General, Commander.]

348.26 Million words | 2022-02-12 07:50Update

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The First Manor of the Great Tang Dynasty Fiction
The First Manor of the Great Tang Dynasty

Li Yuanxing, a modern idle person who didn't even graduate from high school, crossed over. He crossed over when he was mourning his brother whom he hadn't had the chance to see for the last time and arrived in the Tang Dynasty on the third day of the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Li Shimin looked like his deceased brother, while Li Yuanxing resembled Li Shimin's younger brother who died at a young age, Li Yuanba. Li Yuanxing became the fifth son, Li Shimin's brother! On the day Li Shimin ascended the throne, Li Yuanxing was named a king and inherited the title of the Qin King. Since he arrived in the Tang Dynasty, he should do something, and Li Shimin assigned him his first task as the new Qin King, which was to appease the noble families. The task was simple: to marry at least three wives and four concubines from the Seven Great Clans and Ten Noble Houses. After the great prime minister, Fang Xuanling, conveyed the order of the even greater emperor with an incomparably mournful heart, Li Yuanxing's life in the Tang Dynasty began with marrying a princess.

274.12 Million words | 2021-12-21 10:12Update

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Shining across the world. Fiction
Shining across the world.

The person died, the money wasn't spent. Before crossing over, Qin Mu inherited thirty billion worth of family property. The person didn't die, but the money was gone. Qin Mu, who crossed over, had to face a difficult situation. In the sixteenth year of Chongzhen, the land of Huaxia was filled with bloodshed and chaos. The Ming Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and countless households were in mourning. Qin Mu, who went from being a billionaire to having nothing, had no way out. He decided: to have a conversation with this world. Keywords of this book: Qinhuai, Ruijin, Dazi, Huaxia's clothing and crown, the country, beautiful women, what's eaten is one's own.

328.35 Million words | 2021-12-11 21:04Update

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Return to the end of the Ming Dynasty as a warlord. Fiction
Return to the end of the Ming Dynasty as a warlord.

The brilliant top student, Yang Chao, saved a drowning person and woke up as a mediocre student who longed for the glamour of the Qinhuai River in the Ming Dynasty. Yang Chao immersed himself in the atmosphere of the thousand-year-old makeup and beauty along the Qinhuai River, without reciting the poetry and literary works of future generations. Nevertheless, he thrived in the Qinhuai River area because he opened a brothel, creating a new benchmark for the glamour and elegance of Qinhuai. Despite lacking extensive knowledge, Yang Chao managed to form connections with great scholars such as Qian Qianyi and Ruan Dacheng. With his humble background, he was able to shake the Ming Dynasty's officialdom. He helped Zhang Pu in his operations and aided Zhou Yanru in becoming the chief minister. Although he resided in the world of rivers and lakes, he caused ripples in the court.

161.60 Million words | 2022-04-10 04:47Update

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Tang Marquis of the First Rank Fiction
Tang Marquis of the First Rank

In the 14th year of the Zhenguan era, renowned talents emerged in the flourishing Tang Dynasty, and mighty warriors were as numerous as clouds. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was in high spirits and dominated the world. In this year, Tangzhou, who had traveled through time, would use his astonishing culinary skills to conquer the Tang Dynasty and become a first-rank Duke of Tang.

462.87 Million words | 2022-09-27 08:47Update

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The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty. Fiction
The King of the Unknown Sword in the Flourishing Tang Dynasty.

(The new book has been uploaded. Please come and take a look, my new and old book friends.) In the midst of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, the free fighter Li Ye is transcended into Li Siye, a man who has yet to become a famous general. From the bustling Chang'an to the four towns of Anxi, from the narrow streets to the frontier cities of the desert, he will annihilate the Tubo, subdue the Turkic, and conquer the Great Western Xia. As a true man, as a successor, both men and horses will be shattered!

229.04 Million words | 2023-03-05 22:44Update

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Empire's Turbulence Fiction
Empire's Turbulence

Military spirit! Military soul! Military momentum!!! There is a thing in the world called "momentum". Dragons roam freely in the sea, tigers stride through deep mountains, snakes hide among grass, and horses gallop on plain fields. That is their momentum! A true warrior always harbors a fear and cautiousness towards things they don't understand, for someone who fears nothing...is a fool. The protagonist of the book, Qian Buli, often feels anxious about the future that he cannot grasp, which enables him to see farther than ordinary people. Because he doesn't want to turn every aspect of his life into a pawn and hand it over to the bewildering future, he rises up and does everything in his power to control the situation in his hands. The rest, belongs to fate.

199.32 Million words | 2022-01-24 13:44Update

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Arms Compendium of the Great Song Dynasty Fiction
Arms Compendium of the Great Song Dynasty

Master of Weapons in the Heroic Legend of the Northern Song Dynasty! Breaking the Khitan, exterminating the Western Xia! Severing the roots of chaos, the Jurchens and Mongols shall not prevail! Taming Tibet, reclaiming the Western Regions! Washing away the shame of the Tang dynasty, retaliating against the Abbasid Caliphate, the prestige of the Chinese nation resonates across distant lands! The strength of the Great Song surpasses the prosperous eras of the Han and Tang dynasties, unparalleled in history! ……………… What is a master of weapons? A true master of weapons not only excels in crafting unique and sharp weaponry, but also surpasses the capabilities of those who wield them! – "The Weapons Compendium of the Great Song? by Lu You"

110.28 Million words | 2020-08-15 03:07Update

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The era of not relying on family connections Fiction
The era of not relying on family connections

Wu Wei, a college student majoring in landscape design, unexpectedly passed away and reincarnated into the body of a farmer's child in the Iron Age. In order to change his fate, he joined the military as a common soldier. Starting from the bottom, he never shrank back in the face of various difficulties, knowing that no matter the era, one could only rely on oneself.

153.21 Million words | 2023-01-20 21:56Update

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Premium Accountant Fiction
Premium Accountant

Time Travel Strategist: From Accountant to Royal Aristocrat's Comeback! PS: New book "The Mightiest Martial Emperor" has been uploaded. Welcome everyone to watch!

221.95 Million words | 2021-07-12 13:54Update

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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

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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

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Mythical Version of the Three Kingdoms Fiction
Mythical Version of the Three Kingdoms

Chen Xi looked at the soldier who effortlessly threw away a huge stone weighing hundreds of kilograms, speechless as she gazed at the sky. Was this really the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty? Lu Bu, armed with only a spear, broke through an army of thousands of men. It just doesn't seem scientifically possible. Zhao Zilong seemed to have the spirit of a dragon within him as he sliced through mountains with a single sword. Is he really human? Dian Wei alone protected Cao Cao, charging through enemy lines and effortlessly slaying thousands of cavalry. His combat prowess is off the charts! Something doesn't seem right here. Chen Xi absentmindedly touched her feather fan and waved it casually. Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and she sighed. "Is this mythology? I don't even feel normal myself."

1,865.52 Million words | 2022-09-02 03:08Update

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Joy of Life Fiction
Joy of Life

"Joy of Life" is a novel written by Mao Ni, and was first released on the Qidian Chinese website. The story gradually depicts the ups and downs of the Kingdom of Qing over several decades through the growth journey of a young man named Fan Xian. Throughout the course of several decades, we witness the rise and fall, as well as the changing of prominent figures across three generations. Two main storylines, Fan Xian's growth and Ye Qingmei's life, run through the entire novel, one in the light and the other in the dark, encompassing the storms and vicissitudes of the Kingdom of Qing over several decades.

395.88 Million words | 2022-11-25 09:22Update

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Rebellion Fiction
Rebellion

We betray for interests, but seek redemption for our conscience. In the third year of Daqian, the indifferent emperor spoke like a god, and the world was stirred up. Yang Xuan, a countryside bumpkin bathed in starlight, walked into Chang'an City with a mysterious scroll from a thousand years in the future. With one step, he fell into a whirlpool... Until he stood above Chang'an. Holding the scroll, a sweet smile appeared on the girl inside, and Yang Xuan screamed in despair, "No...". Written by Sir Dibala, "Defeating the Rebels" is a free-to-read novel without pop-up ads, and its chapters are published by netizens. Recommended link:

623.72 Million words | 2021-04-15 11:49Update

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Li Zhi, don't be a coward. Fiction
Li Zhi, don't be a coward.

"Your Majesty insists on going against me?" Empress Wu's eyes flickered with anger. Li Zhi took a fearful step back and swallowed hard, saying, "I dare not... I mean, where is Lord Li? Li Qinzhai, come out!" After the great achievements of the three dynasties, Li Qinzhai rushed out and grabbed Li Zhi's retreating body, saying in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, don't back down!" Li Zhi seemed to have found a savior and grabbed Li Qinzhai's sleeve, whispering, "I'm not backing down, not at all. Lord Li, I authorize you to teach her a lesson on my behalf!"

271.42 Million words | 2020-12-31 21:17Update

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