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.
In the second year of the Great Jin Dynasty, Prince Dai, who had just recovered from a serious illness, arrived in Chang'an City. He flipped through history books and finally came to a conclusion: this was a dynasty unfamiliar to him, but possibly a dynasty he was familiar with. With the emperor's order to conquer Goguryeo, Baekje, and Korea, and the construction of the Grand Canal, as well as a series of national policies to pacify the south, he seemed to grasp something... an alternative history! Please don't take it as fact, thank you all! Regular group.
169.21 Million words | 2022-11-14 04:27Update
This is a pretty cool alternative reality novel... Well, I think so. If you readers think "Usurpation" is good, please don't forget to recommend it to your friends in your QQ groups and Weibo!
169.41 Million words | 2022-11-13 17:52Update
Year of the Chinese calendar, 17th year of the Ming Wanli era. Zhang Juzheng, the powerful eunuch, has died. Qi Jiguang, the war-loving general, has died. Hai Rui, the troublemaker who challenged the corrupt officials, has also passed away. Emperor Wanli and his court officials are tired of constant arguments and disputes, so they decide to retreat from court affairs and initiate a strange era known as the "Year of No Countryside, No Wilderness, and No Court Attendance." Time keeps passing by, and the streets are bustling with prosperity and peace. The common people indulge in discussions of harmony, enjoy music, go on trips, gamble, consort with courtesans, collect artworks, and appreciate nature's beauty, such as plants, insects, fish, and birds. Amidst this bustling world, no one knows that on the other side of the continent, the Europeans are setting sail, venturing out into the vast oceans, and exploring the world.
137.16 Million words | 2022-11-13 07:39Update
Superior wit unravels mysterious cases, ingenuity reveals wrongful imprisonment. A modern forensic expert traverses to the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, where the upper class revels in luxury while the lower class faces hardship. In a turbulent and unsettled world, he encounters endless murders and bizarre incidents, where human lives are as worthless as weeds. Fate is like a sword, eager to be tested and demonstrated!
291.08 Million words | 2022-11-02 00:46Update
God has given me a second chance at life, and I will never allow betrayal and deception to happen again. This time, I will defend what I have with iron and blood, for this is my world, my kingdom －－ I am the king.
478.83 Million words | 2022-10-31 19:19Update
【Official Version】Heroes are like the wind, beauties like clouds. Strategists devise plans, wise men discuss widely. Governance and martial arts, dragons soar and tigers roar. Ten thousand cavalry leaving all in their dust, seizing the world in a single moment! Let us behold the strongest special forces unit in history. 【Classic Version】A special forces soldier travels back in time and becomes a lowly horseman with a mysterious background. Struggling to survive in a tight spot, he gathers powerful generals and talented strategists, forging the strongest special forces unit in history. He fights against warlords, conquers the world, infuriating Cao Cao to the point of spitting blood, leaving Liu Bei in despair, and scattering the soul of Sun Quan. Growing into a heroic figure amidst political schemes and fiery battles.
106.65 Million words | 2022-10-26 08:18Update
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
Yun Zheng opened a door and never looked back. Such is life, once the bow is drawn, there's no turning back the arrow. To turn back is to age a hundred years. This is a novel about the path of a teacher, speaking of wisdom for survival, depicting human warmth, emphasizing brotherly love, and portraying kindness and humility. It contains the most beautiful love and deepest bonds of brotherhood... Perhaps, I would very much like to unfold "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" slowly, offering you a different Song dynasty, a different depiction of the world...
334.54 Million words | 2022-10-18 20:54Update
Rebirth in the Ming Dynasty, I found myself becoming the protagonist of the crosstalk performance "Rapidly Ascending Three Levels". The story began to become interesting. It is more amusing to join Wei Gonggong and train the emperor than to follow Emperor Tianqi who was sweeping Liaodong in a Tianqi tank. By then, the Ming Dynasty was no longer the same.
282.92 Million words | 2022-10-17 04:45Update
A forensic doctor who traveled back to the Ming Dynasty became a renowned magistrate's assistant. He encountered various mysterious cases and used his knowledge of forensic investigation and reasoning to carefully examine and meticulously analyze the evidence. Unraveling the layers of mist, he finally unveiled the truth behind these bizarre cases one by one, revealing them to the world.
257.91 Million words | 2022-10-15 01:46Update
In the chaotic era of wielding weapons, men aspire to be heroes! The late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, an eternal theme of passionate men! It was an era that gave birth to countless legends. There was Bai Ma Yi Cong, unmatched in horseback archery; the invincible vanguard soldiers; the unstoppable assault troops; the world-renowned Tiger and Leopard Cavalry... Great generals were abundant, and mighty soldiers were like a forest! Amidst the crumbling world, they galloped across the Central Plains, stirring up endless smoke of war. Who was the strongest? In the first year of Chu Ping, the warlords in the eastern region rose together, storming the gates to overthrow Dong Zhuo! Just...
348.82 Million words | 2022-10-09 04:37Update
The Three Generations of the Emperor's Legacy, Li Xing as the Martial Proxy! The prosperous era of the Great Tang, from the decline after Empress Wu Zetian, would it still be the renowned prosperous era if the rightful crown prince, Li Hong, had not died prematurely? In the female protagonist's court, powerful officials and cruel bureaucrats! When a different soul awakens in the Luoyang Palace, everything changes...
88.27 Million words | 2022-10-03 04:43Update
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
The Growth History of a Dominant King! Little did the mighty Liu Xiu, with his indomitable spirit, know that when he arrived in this world, thrilled by this strange and powerful body, the wheels of Han Dynasty's history had already undergone irreversible changes. Hero? Tyrant? Cunning strategist? With a sword in hand, who dares to challenge his dominance! ... Yuan Shao had tears of helplessness: "This lad is not merely a
286.34 Million words | 2022-09-25 19:41Update
He had exhausted all his schemes in vain in his previous life. If given another chance, he would prefer to live a simple life, enjoying the pleasures of eating, drinking, playing, and having fun. However, before that, there was still an obsession in his heart. After plotting for a while, he ultimately became entangled in this era of great strife. In turbulent times, some people wielded their blades in resistance, while others sang mournful songs. Amidst the sound of horses neighing, arrows flying, and swords clashing, he had originally thought he was just a bystander. But it turned out that what awaited him
78.68 Million words | 2022-09-24 05:32Update
In the fifth year of Long'an, Jia Qiang, who was known as the Second, fled the den of tigers and wolves in Ningguo Mansion at the risk of his life to maintain his innocence. From then on, he embraced the spring in the world of the Red Chamber...
451.34 Million words | 2022-09-23 19:21Update
Do you believe it? A person's life is predetermined from the moment their character is formed. Although there will be many opportunities and choices in life, when faced with these opportunities and choices, your character and perception have already determined how you will choose. As a destined failure, are you willing to reshape your life from this moment on? Life simulator, changing the future, changing lives, you deserve to have it. Outside Luoyang City, Lu Bu sat astride his horse, Red Hare, riding along the spacious postal road with the troops. The nightmarish information flooded his mind once again, accompanied by that irritating voice that kept lingering in his ears. It was not much, but it repeated relentlessly, like mosquitoes buzzing in your ears on a summer day, unable to be killed, leaving Lu Bu feeling extremely annoyed.
225.78 Million words | 2022-09-20 22:42Update
Reincarnated as the helpless Adou, overturned the story of the Three Kingdoms. This novel "Adou" can be considered as a representative work during my early days as a writer. If you like Three Kingdoms genre, you can give it a try. New pen name, "Passing Through the Obstacles," new book "The All-Rounder," with a very innovative concept that can be said to have pioneered a new subject matter. The story is quite passionate, so I recommend everyone to take a look!
154.53 Million words | 2022-09-19 01:30Update
...... 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
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
During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Anshi was uneducated and committed heinous crimes. It turned out that his brother-in-law was the crown prince? Oh, then it's no problem!
326.25 Million words | 2022-08-29 18:51Update
