Historical Novels

[thetimeisnow]

I absolutely love the books written by Margaret George (The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Cleopatra, Mary Magdalene). I would like to find another author of historical novels that I could check out....any suggestions?

I just purchased 'Mozart's Wife' by Juliet V. Waldron and 'Sally Hemings' by Barbara Chase-Riboud but haven't started to read them yet.

 

[Alicia]

Sounds like you mean historical non-fiction... not fiction?

I haven't read much of either, but am interested!

 

[thetimeisnow]

Ooops!! Yes, historical NON-fiction novels. Sorry!!

 

[Mike Feury]

Heh, had to chuckle seeing a thread "Historical Novels" started by "TheTimeIsNow"

Robert Graves [probably best known for the fictional I Claudius has written some fine historical non-fiction, mainly centered around the Roman-Greek eras.

If pre-history interests you, try Jean Auel's books--the first one is The Clan of the Cave Bear--which are set at the time of the transition from the Neanderthals to modern man. They're about as close to history of that era [~30,000 years ago] as you'll get. The only fault is they get very repetitive--you might have enough after her 2nd.

I hear good reports about In Serach of Dracula--can't remember author, haven't read it. How about Anne Frank's Diary?

 

[Kaz]

I have read Anne Frank's Diary when I was young. It was really good but sad. Funnily enough, last week I watched the film about her. It was good. It is worth to read.

 

[Samurai Chicken]

Some excellent historical FICTION is Aztec by Gary Jennings. I highly suggest reading it.

 

[kasstorr]

Yes, Gary Jennings is a great author. I also read Raptor which has a mythological sort of theme. The main character does alot of travelling and you get to see the great Roman cities (before Rome fell) through the eyes of the main character. It was impressive.

 

[kasstorr]

OH - River God by Wilbur Smith is also good. It's about ancient Egypt, but it's historical fiction, not historical non-fiction

 

[lies]

I know this is fiction as well, but I've always liked Pauline Gedge's books. Although I can't really say I like all of them, because I've only read three so far. I'm looking for the rest of them though

 

[oloroso36]

Originally posted by thetimeisnow
Ooops!! Yes, historical NON-fiction novels. Sorry!!

Uh, how can a novel be non-fiction?? By definition, a novel is a fictional prose narrative.

Anyway, try Trinity by Leon Uris, or Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross.

 

[4free_mars]

what about mika waltari?..

 

[Corso]

If we are talking about Historical Non-fiction novels...

You are often talking about a lot of dross to be waded through. Showell Styles wrote a lot of mediocre naval books that outlined the careers of Admirals such as Shovell and Duncan.
Often these kind of books can be excessively scholarly or the other extreme (as in Styles case) badly researched.

I would like to recommend John Toohey's 'Captain Blighs Portable Nightmare' but with the comment that these books always strike me as an uncomfortable cross between fact and fiction. I don't get as absorbed as I do by pure fiction and yet the factual element leaves me cold.
But a good biography like one of Tom Pococks... that is what historical reading should be all about. A good one of his to start with is 'Remember Nelson' or perhaps 'A Thirst For Glory'. The Admiral Nelson biography, although supplanted today by more detailed historical sources, is still one of the best accounts of the mans life.
On balance I would make the following suggestions for a good historical reading experience.

1. Buy Lord Thomas Cochranes 'Autobiography Of Seaman.' reads like a piece of fiction but is entirely true and for the most part (when at sea) very entertaining. Like an Errol Flynn movie brought to life.
2. A good biography like 'Thirst For Glory' is an eyeopener.
3. A pure fiction historical novel book is often by far better written than the factual novel type. As a Patrick O'Brian fan I implore you to try 'Post Captain' or even 'Master and Commander'. Try this link to find out if you might like them... http://www.wwnorton.com/forums/POB/POBforum.htm

Of course if you don't like water...