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.
During the Wu Zhou period, there were internal and external troubles. Internally, there was a struggle for the throne, while externally, there were threats from the Turks, Tibetans, and the Arab Empire... Yang Chen arrived during this turbulent autumn when the Wu family held power and the Li family was in a perilous situation. As a young man named Li Longji, how can he ascend to the throne? How can he create a "prosperous era of the Kaiyuan reign"?
102.91 Million words | 2021-10-31 17:22Update
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
An excellent jewelry technician accidentally travels back in time to the Tang Dynasty, where he becomes an apprentice in a struggling gold shop. His master is lazy and hot-tempered, and his two older apprentices have a difficult relationship. To make matters worse, he is bound by a strict apprentice contract that forbids him from leaving. Fortunately, there is a beautiful young lady who secretly has feelings for him. Liu Yuan has yet to decide on his future path. Unexpectedly, overnight, his two older apprentices kill their master and flee with all the gold and valuables, leaving behind a mountain of debt and unpaid loans. The impending rent payment and other financial obligations leave the young lady at a loss for what to do. Should she sell their possessions or even sell herself to a brothel? PS: The book's chat group welcomes anyone who likes to chat and brag.
327.02 Million words | 2021-01-24 08:39Update
A former top-notch thief reigns in a parallel universe. Immersed in a completely unfamiliar world, he strives to forge a new era, though such a story may seem cliché. However, in this case, I hope to inject some fresh elements into the familiar narrative. The protagonist, a thief in his previous life, retains memories he shouldn't have acquired due to not drinking the Meng Po's footwashing water before being reincarnated. In this new world, what can he accomplish? The only viable option seems to be to continue his thieving ways, but on a grander scale – stealing the entire world. Of course, in a YY novel, failure is not an option. So, as long as the readers find it thrilling, it's all good. If they're not pleased, the author can indulge in some appropriate consequences. No need to hold back. Author's self-defined tags: passion, adventure.
101.25 Million words | 2022-01-10 23:46Update
In the 14th year of the Xiantong era in the great Tang Dynasty, in the year of AD. The 17th Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Yizong, passed away, and the empire in the setting sun welcomed the 12-year-old 18th Emperor, Emperor Xizong Li Xuan. It was only a few months before private salt merchant Wang Xianzhi led ten divisions to rebel against the Tang Dynasty, and another private salt merchant, Huang Chao, who loved singing chrysanthemums, had long held grievances against the Tang Dynasty. At this time, Prince Jin Li Ke used was still a small frontier officer, and the Thirteen Guardians had yet to make a name for themselves. Emperor Zhu Wen of Later Liang was feeding pigs at a landlord's house, Prince Wang Jian of Shu was killing donkeys, Xu Wen of Southern Tang was smuggling salt, King Qian Liu of Wuyue was a hired thug for salt smugglers, Prince Ma Yin of Chu was a carpenter, and Prince Gao Jixing of Nanping, a notorious gambler, was working as a house servant for a merchant family. The three Wang brothers, rulers of the Min Kingdom, were still low-level clerks in the county office, Prince Muzhi Li Maozhen was a low-ranking soldier in the Chengde Army, and King Yang Xingmi of Wu was a bandit hiding in Luzhou. At this time, the Khitan people, who would later oppress the Han people for hundreds of years, were still grazing on the grasslands. The future Dali Kingdom, which would eventually become a separatist in the southwest, had not yet been established, and the Western Xia Xiangxiang people, who would dominate the northwest in the future, were still loyal to the Li Tang Dynasty. It was at this moment that Li Jing accidentally stumbled into this waning empire of the Tang Dynasty. Group ID: [群号]
374.89 Million words | 2022-08-26 21:42Update
的子民。——一些爱国之士如是说。 Lu Yifeng is the number one scourge of our Qing Dynasty! I vow not to be human if I don't kill this thief! - So said a certain small pockmark who claimed to have shot 318 rabbits in one day and was known as the "rabbit terminator". Lu Yifeng is a great scourge! We Qing Dynasty will never have peace as long as this scourge exists. - Both the servant and the staunch traitors said the same thing. Lu Yifeng is the epitome of a traitorous official who harms the country and its people throughout history. He eats our Qing dynasty's rice and receives our Qing dynasty's salary, but every action he takes is to dig the foundation of our Qing dynasty's wall, undermine the foundation of our Qing dynasty's house, and harm every virtuous citizen of our Qing dynasty. - So said some patriotic people.
270.38 Million words | 2021-12-13 04:10Update
Modern mercenary Zhang Yan unexpectedly traveled back to the war-torn era of the Three Kingdoms. He helped Tao Qian to drive away Cao Cao, snatched Liu Bei's wife, and took over Tao Qian's territory in Xu Zhou. Zhang Yan recruited fierce warriors, talented scholars, and established the Iron Cavalry. He fought against Cao Cao, drove away Liu Bei, battled Lu Bu, mocked Yuan Shao, destroyed Yuan Shu, challenged the world, dominated the emperor, established hegemony over Hebei, pacified Guanzhong, conquered Jiangnan, marched into Bashu, and conquered the Western Liang. With the invincible Iron Cavalry, Zhang Yan created a path of glory in the Three Kingdoms era.
263.60 Million words | 2020-11-25 13:14Update
"Gunman's latest work, a new alternative historical military novel titled 'I Fight for the King', is now being eagerly uploaded. We warmly welcome all our new and old readers to visit and support us. Book ID: [insert ID here]. As a new upload, we humbly ask for your clicks, recommendations, and collections. Thank you for your support."
326.96 Million words | 2021-06-03 00:09Update
In the fifth year of the Hongzhi reign, peace was restored throughout the land. Xu Pu, filled with confidence, became the prime minister for a generation. Li Dongyang, young and inexperienced, became an examiner for the imperial examination. Liu Jian ascended to become the Grand Academician of the Imperial Academy, while Xie Qian, although not yet in office, achieved fame as a wise and virtuous statesman. Yang Tinghe was appointed to participate in the compilation of the "Veritable Records of Emperor Xianzong," while Liu Daxia burned the "Zheng He's Navigation Charts" with a single fiery rage. Wang Yangming immersed himself in diligent studying, preparing for the upcoming provincial examination. Emperor Hongzhi and Empress Zhang playfully entertained their adorable child, Prince Zhengde... With the arrival of numerous talented individuals, both young and old gathered together. In this glorious era, where great scholars and renowned ministers abounded, in the city of Yuyao, Xie Shendeng, a young man from a humble background who had traveled through time, looked far into the distance, his heart already harboring dreams. Who says it is difficult for those from humble origins to achieve greatness? I will enter the imperial cabinet, become the prime minister, raise two jugs of fine wine, and embrace a beautiful woman by my side. As the saying goes: Xie Elder states, with a bald quill he secures the state, on a thin piece of paper he determines the fate of the world. No one is unaware of Xie Wenzheng, and no one is unfamiliar with Xie from Yuyao...
136.92 Million words | 2022-07-20 06:12Update
When the young are strong, so is the mighty Han! This is an era filled with heroism, exuberance, and unrestrained spirit. With a steed that travels a thousand miles beneath them and a precious golden eagle bow in hand, they ride steeds to conquer the Xiongnu, shooting three arrows to determine the fate of Tian Shan. Glory is destined to be attained on horseback, as the majestic Han's power spreads across thousands of miles.
205.77 Million words | 2020-07-30 07:02Update
In the fourth battle of Kawanakajima between the Takeda and Uesugi clans, Uesugi Kenshin wielded the renowned sword "Shunkyo Chokou" in his hand and rode his prized steed "Hoshogetsume" as he broke through the Takeda army's formation, heading straight for Takeda Shingen at the heart of the battlefield. With three swift strikes, he managed to cut through Shingen's defense. The first two strikes were blocked by Shingen using his war fan, but the third strike wounded Shingen's shoulder. Just then, Li Xiaozhai, dressed as a samurai, arrived on horseback and shouted loudly, "You scoundrel!" PS: This is a story of a grassroot's rise and the struggle of Ming people against foreigners. My new book "Jiangshan Guose" has been uploaded. I sincerely ask for everyone's support.
186.86 Million words | 2023-06-15 17:51Update
When Su Chen saw his father, Su Shi, who was a county magistrate in Wuyuan, single-handedly rescuing him from the siege of thousands of Xiongnu elite riders and then killing their leader, he knew that this Three Kingdoms was different. With one sword, he cut through mountains and rivers, with one punch, he shook the sun and moon. This was a flourishing era of martial arts in the Three Kingdoms, where warriors held a high status. The reason why the noble families became noble was because they possessed countless cultivation resources and monopolized the path of upward mobility for the commoners. This was a Three Kingdoms that had taken a different path, a martial arts version of the Three Kingdoms. Reborn into a small family on the borderlands, let's see how Su Chen navigates his family through this chaotic world and vies for supremacy among the warlords!
105.70 Million words | 2020-07-13 04:12Update
Cheng Feng, a hero who died for defending Diaoyu Island, unexpectedly traveled back to the Qin Dynasty and became Lord Fusu. In an era filled with heroic figures, witness how Fusu gradually grasped the power over the world, wading through the bloody mire, and competed with Xiang Yu and Liu Bang for the magnificent land.
202.41 Million words | 2022-05-21 06:13Update
I was born as a scholar but mistakenly ended up in a royal family. I have read many books and know thousands of characters. If there were peaceful times, I would teach some ignorant children, enjoy some music, and find some friends to sneak a look at beautiful young ladies. Traveling the world with a sword is too tiring; the allure of material wealth and power is too noisy; indulging in drinking is too nauseating. Looking back, I unexpectedly became a king, but the value of my precious head is worth more than gold, and yet it's still too bothersome. Walking a long road, I know that deep in the grassy sea lies a mountain covered in eternal snow, and beyond those hundred-thousand mountains, there is a sky-obscuring heavenly fire. The world is nothing more than a chessboard. With a beloved companion and the wisdom of many philosophers, it's hard to find a moment of tranquility. So, let's join in the excitement and play a few games of idle chess, waiting for the blossoming of spring to see if the jar of wine buried under the crabapple tree in my youth has matured.
568.14 Million words | 2021-12-10 14:32Update
The beauty and romance of the Ming Dynasty. The food and love affairs of ancient times. The political ecosystem four hundred years ago. A young man who travels back to the Jiajing Era.
150.20 Million words | 2022-12-13 06:48Update
In the eleventh year of Chongzhen, the Manchus broke through the borders, the bandits resurged, and the land of the Han Dynasty was on the verge of collapse. A horse bandit emerged out of nowhere, bringing peace to all corners, enlightening the people, promoting industry and commerce, exploring overseas
104.97 Million words | 2021-02-08 15:49Update
Emperor Qin sweeps the six realms, his tiger eyes gleaming with dominance! Brandishing his sword, he dispels the fleeting clouds, and all vassals come from the west. With keen judgment bestowed by heaven, he leads his great talents... To be reincarnated as anyone would be fine, but why did I have to be reincarnated as the miserable Qin bastard? Who is this Qin bastard, you ask? He is none other than the father of Emperor Qin Shi Huang! I don't want to pick up the pieces left by Lü Buwei, I don't want to be
218.02 Million words | 2022-10-23 14:48Update
Thief heavens, you actually made me become the son of Wu Zetian! Bah, I have my own strategy, why fear the Wutang faction! Lying drunk and reckless, singing boldly, I laugh as I watch the beautiful woman in her red sleeves. For a time, so many heroes, all fall into my trap. With my five-horse carriage and luxurious fur coat, all I desire is to plot a drunken scheme in the Zhangtai mansion, wielding my sword and pointing towards the Palace of Penglai from a distance.
239.00 Million words | 2021-07-10 04:13Update
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
Jian is wicked and Xiong is mighty. In times of order, one becomes a villain; in times of chaos, one becomes a hero. In the face of the end of the world, one becomes the hope of the world, known as a cunning hero. Due to an accident, Chen Guodong, the second officer of a large ocean-going ship, abandoned a bright future and transcended to the late Southern Song Dynasty, which was on the verge of destruction. Ahead were iron horses and golden spears, while behind was a deep abyss. Looking at the world, it was a time full of opportunities. Let's witness how the cunning hero Chen Dexing saves the nation from a millennium of decline amidst the raging storm...
271.18 Million words | 2020-12-02 09:20Update
In the grand and prosperous kingdom of Dayuan, the storehouses are filled, and the people enjoy peace and abundance. However, beneath this flourishing era, various barbarians eye the kingdom with hostility, and influential regional forces threaten the stability of the empire. The fearless Xu Mingyuan, originally a protagonist in the world of martial arts, embarks on a journey into the imperial capital, riding a donkey. From here, a legendary tale unfolds, where Xu Mingyuan rises from a loyal minister in court to becoming a covert ruler, defying all odds and single-handedly supporting the endangered nation. Join the loyal readers of the Assistance in Nation-Building Book Club: I am a regular in it. This story is of a similar genre as "Ever Night," "Snow in Miry Land,"
88.88 Million words | 2022-06-25 18:43Update
