Historical Fiction
Historical fiction as a recognized genre has ancient roots but became distinctly identified with the rise of the novel in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Ancient Beginnings: The blending of history with fiction can be traced back to works like Herodotus's Histories, where factual accounts were often interspersed with myths or embellishments. However, these were not considered fiction in the modern sense.
- Medieval and Renaissance: Stories based on historical figures or events were common, but often for moral or educational purposes rather than entertainment. Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae mixed legend with history, influencing later works like those on King Arthur.
- 18th Century: With the novel's rise, historical fiction began to take shape. Walter Scott is often credited with popularizing the genre with Waverley (1814), setting a template for combining historical accuracy with fictional narrative.
- 19th Century: The genre flourished, with authors like Charles Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities) and Alexandre Dumas (The Three Musketeers) using history as a backdrop for adventure, romance, and social commentary.
- 20th Century: Historical fiction saw a revival through different lenses. Authors like Mary Renault with her novels on Ancient Greece, and Robert Graves with I, Claudius, brought historical characters to life with psychological depth. WWII and its aftermath also became frequent settings.
- Contemporary Period: The genre has expanded in scope and style, with authors like Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall) reimagining historical figures with modern narrative techniques, and others exploring diverse histories and perspectives.
Well-Known Practitioners:
- Sir Walter Scott - Often called the "father of historical fiction" for his detailed accounts of Scottish history.
- Charles Dickens - His A Tale of Two Cities remains one of the best-known historical novels. Those two cities are Paris and London, mind you. Go read it!
- Alexandre Dumas - Known for swashbuckling adventure tales like The Three Musketeers set in historical France.
- Mary Renault - Her novels on ancient Greece are celebrated for their historical accuracy and character development.
- Robert Graves - His I, Claudius novel and series provided a new perspective on Roman history.
- Hilary Mantel - Her Thomas Cromwell trilogy has redefined historical fiction with its narrative complexity and historical detail.
- Ken Follett - Known for epic sagas like The Pillars of the Earth, covering centuries of history. (This particular book is so, so good, by the way.)
Sub-Genres of Historical Fiction:
- Alternate History (Occasionally referred to as Counterfactual) - Explores "what if" scenarios changing historical events.
- Check Out: Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle, in which the Axis powers won WWII.
- Historical Fantasy - Combines historical settings with elements of fantasy.
- Check Out: Guy Gavriel Kay's Tigana, loosely based on Renaissance Italy but with magical elements.
- Historical Romance - Focuses on romantic narratives set in historical periods.
- Check Out: Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, blending time-travel with historical romance.
- Biographical Historical Fiction - Fictions centered around real historical figures, often filling in the gaps of their personal lives.
- Check Out: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, focusing on Anne Boleyn's sister.
- Historical Mystery - Mysteries set in past times, often involving historical figures or events.
- Check Out: Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael series, set during the Anarchy in medieval England.
- Historical Adventure - Emphasizes adventure or action within a historical setting.
- Check Out: Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series, following a British soldier through the Napoleonic Wars.
- Coming-of-Age in Historical Times - Stories where personal growth is framed by significant historical events.
- Check Out: Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, set in Nazi Germany.
- Multigenerational Sagas - Follows a family or community over centuries.
- Check Out: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck, spanning generations in China.
