11 Of The Best Historical Fiction Authors You Must Read
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Historical fiction, a genre that blends factual events with the artistry of storytelling, brings the past alive in a way that educates, entertains, and enchants readers. From gripping tales of ancient civilisations to epic sagas set against the backdrop of world-changing events, historical fiction authors have shaped literary landscapes.
In this article, we’ve collated a list of the best historical fiction authors. So, whether you seek battles and conquests, romance and intrigue, or nuanced explorations of the human condition, these authors are the custodians of captivating narratives that will leave an indelible mark on your literary journey.
What is historical fiction?
Historical fiction is a genre that blends elements of history with fictional storytelling. It involves creating narratives that are set in the past, often featuring actual historical events, settings, or figures. However, it’s important to note that while historical fiction incorporates factual elements, the story itself is fictional, with characters and plots created by the author.
The best historical fiction will be the product of extensive research and offer an accurate portrayal of the historical context, including social customs, political climates, and technological advancements of the time period. As such, this genre allows readers to immerse themselves in different eras and gain insights into the lives and experiences of people from the past.
There are no guidelines for authors regarding what they can and can’t write about or which historical events they should feature. For example, historical fiction books set in ancient Greece are popular right now. Some of my favourite historical fiction novels though are set in more obscure places and time periods allowing me to learn something new.
This unique blend of education and entertainment allows authors to explore lesser-known aspects of history or present alternative perspectives on well-known events.
What makes a great historical fiction book?
Several factors contribute to making a great historical fiction book including:
Authenticity and Research: When I read a historical fiction book I want to come away feeling like I was there. I want to take away a new understanding of how the world worked in this place and time. As such, a great historical fiction book is grounded in thorough research and attention to detail, this helps readers visualise and understand the historical context.
Compelling Characters: Having a great setting for your story isn’t enough. We ultimately read stories for the characters. They should be multi-dimensional and we need to care about what happens to them.
Well-Crafted Plot: The plot should be driven by both historical events and the character’s personal journey. Balancing historical accuracy with an intriguing narrative arc, including conflicts, tensions, and resolutions, is essential in creating a page-turning experience.
Themes and Relevance: The best historical fiction tells timeless tales that explore the human condition. Often this means addressing universal issues such as love, power, identity, justice, or social change. By connecting the historical context to contemporary relevance, the book can offer insights, reflections, and commentary that extend beyond the specific time period.
Ultimately, a great historical fiction book seamlessly weaves together history and fiction, creating a captivating and immersive experience that educates, entertains, and resonates with readers.
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11 Top Historical Fiction Authors And Their Best Works
1. Bernard Cornwell - The Last Kingdom
Bernard Cornwell is a British author known for his historical fiction novels. His most famous work is the Sharpe series (with a total of 22 books in the series this will keep you busy), which follows the adventures of Richard Sharpe, a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars.
More recently Cornwell’s The Last Kingdom series was adapted into a Netflix series (which is well worth a watch if you haven’t already). Cornwell's novels are meticulously researched and provide vivid depictions of historical events and battles.
2. Ken Follett - Pillars Of The Earth
Ken Follett is a Welsh author who has written in various genres, including thriller and historical fiction.
His best-known work is "The Pillars of the Earth," an epic historical novel set in 12th-century England. This also has a great TV adaptation by the BBC. The book explores the construction of a cathedral and the lives of the people involved. Follett's novels often intertwine intricate plots with rich historical backgrounds.
3. Conn Iggulden - The Wolf Of The Plains
Conn Iggulden is a British author specialising in historical fiction, particularly in the genres of ancient Rome and mediaeval England. He is renowned for his Emperor series, which delves into the lives of Roman emperors, including Julius Caesar.
My favourite series of his though is the series featuring Genghis Khan starting with “Wolf Of The Plain”. Iggulden's novels are known for their fast-paced narratives, compelling characters and epic battle scenes.
4. Wilbur Smith - River God
Wilbur Smith is a South African author known for his adventure novels set in various historical periods primarily set in Africa. His works often feature themes of exploration, survival, and family sagas.
Smith's most popular series is the Courtney series, which spans generations and covers events from the 17th century to the present day. He’s also written a series set in ancient Egypt that I thoroughly enjoyed starting with “River God”.
5. Mary Renault - The King Must Die
Mary Renault, a British author born in 1905, is best known for her extraordinary talent in bringing ancient Greece to life through her historical novels. Her meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and deep understanding of the period have made her a beloved figure in the genre.
Renault's most celebrated work is "The King Must Die," a masterful retelling of the myth of Theseus. Through her vivid prose and rich characterisation, Renault transports readers to ancient Greece, immersing them in the world of myth and legend. "The Persian Boy" is another notable work by Renault, exploring the life of Bagoas, a eunuch who served as a companion to Alexander the Great.
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6. Beatriz Williams - The Secret Life Of Violet Grant
Beatriz Williams is an American author known for her historical fiction novels, often set during the early 20th century. Her works often revolve around themes of love, secrets, and family dynamics.
Notable novels by Williams include "A Hundred Summers" and "The Secret Life of Violet Grant", a story of love and intrigue that spans a fifty-year time period from World War 1 to the Kennedy era.
7. Hilary Mantel - Wolf Hall
Hilary Mantel is a British author renowned for her historical novels. Her most acclaimed work is the Thomas Cromwell trilogy, which includes "Wolf Hall," "Bring Up the Bodies," and "The Mirror and the Light". The trilogy focuses on the life and rise to power of Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII. Mantel's writing is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and immersive portrayal of historical figures.
8. Colm Toibin - The Master
Colm Toibin is an Irish author known for his literary fiction and historical novels. His works often explore themes of identity, family relationships, and Irish history.
Toibin's notable works include "Brooklyn," a coming-of-age story about an Irish immigrant in 1950s New York, and "The Master," a profound and moving fictionalized account of the life of author Henry James.
9. Natalie Haynes - The Children of Jocasta
Natalie Haynes is a British author and broadcaster known for her works of historical fiction and non-fiction. She is particularly interested in ancient history and mythology. Haynes has written novels such as "The Amber Fury" and has also published non-fiction works exploring the lives and stories of ancient Greek and Roman women.
Her work tends to focus on retelling stories from the perspective of women in ancient Greece offering a voice to an otherwise underrepresented demographic. My favourite novel of hers is “The Children of Jocasta”, a retelling of Oedipus and Antigone from a female perspective.
10. Sharon Penman - Here Be Dragons
Sharon Penman is an American author specialising in historical fiction, primarily focusing on mediaeval England and Wales. Her novels often revolve around significant historical events and figures, such as the Plantagenet and Welsh princes.
Penman's notable works include "Here Be Dragons," "The Sunne in Splendour," and "The Reckoning," which are set in a tempestuous 13th-century Wales. Her novels are known for their extensive research and engaging storytelling.
11. Louis de Bernières - Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Louis de Bernières is a British author known for his diverse range of novels, characterised by their unique blend of wit, humour, and profound insight into the human condition. His most renowned work and one of my absolute all-time favourite novels is "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," a critically acclaimed historical fiction set on the Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II.
Beyond "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," de Bernières has authored numerous other notable works, including "Birds Without Wings," a sweeping epic that spans generations and cultures in the collapsing Ottoman Empire, and "The Dust That Falls from Dreams," a tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of World War I.
De Bernières' storytelling prowess lies in his ability to seamlessly merge historical events with captivating narratives, all while exploring timeless themes of love, friendship, and the impact of war on ordinary lives.
The Best Historical Fiction Authors: Final Words
From Bernard Cornwell's gripping tales of warfare and heroism to Hilary Mantel's masterful portrayal of Tudor England, each of these historical fiction authors has carved out a distinct niche within the genre, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Through the words of these exceptional authors, historical fiction not only educates us about the past but also provides a lens through which we can understand our present and contemplate our future. It allows us to connect with the triumphs and tragedies of those who came before us, gaining insights into the complexities of human nature, love, and resilience.
So, whether you are a devoted history enthusiast or simply an avid reader seeking to be transported to different times and places, these 11 best historical fiction authors are an essential addition to your to-be-read list.