My Top Ten historical fiction books

As a writer of historical fiction books myself, I thought it was about time I presented a list of my favourite historical novels and writers. Towards the end of this video, I add a few more writers, and I go on a bit of a ramble about why I like historical fiction (and what I don't like). Tilly also gets a look in, as usual.

Here is a list of the top ten books listed:

Poldark (series) by Winston Graham
The Source by James A. Mitchener
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
The Light Years (Cazelet series) by Elizabeth Jane Howard
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
London by Edward Rutherfurd
Wolf Hall (and sequels) by Hilary Mantel
The Taming of the Queen by Philippa Gregory
Fools and Mortals by Bernard Cornwell

[starraleta]

Centennial by James Michener. He gives an amazing description of what it feels like for the buffalo while they were still in large herds. Also the life of the beaver before the trappers came.

[thehappycricut]

I have loved the Cadfael Chronicles of Ellis Peters. Set during the anarchy. Lovely prose and very compelling historical basis.

[KathrynBrightbill-cmcy]

Michener is one of my favorite authors. "Chesapeake" and "Hawaii" are my favorites. They aren't multi-timeline, but the research and detail about the history of the subject is amazing.

[mariecarroll]

My favourite historical novel is ‘A Place Of Greater Safety’ By Hillary Mantel. It’s about The French Revolution. If you haven’t already read, you really must.
Thank you for that list of historical novels. I really do recommend C.J Sanson also, he is extremely good.

[jillfromatlanta]

You had me at Poldark, especially. by mentioning the 70s series with Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees.

[carmellarkin]

Patrick O'Brian's nautical novels set in the 18th century navy are classics. Always loved Mary Renault's novels set in Ancient Greece. Pauline Gedge's novels The Eagle and the Raven about the Roman conquest of Britain, and Child of the Morning about the female pharoah Hatshepsut are remarkably well written and researched, all classic historical fiction.

[ElizabethPetrie-mz]

M.M. Kaye’s novels: The Far Pavilions and Shadow of the Moon, set in India before, during, and after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. On my permanent reread list. Her mysteries are also well-crafted, and her 3-volume biography books are fascinating.

[andreavoss]

I totally agree with you about THE SOURCE. I was in graduate for library science and it really impacted me. It’s my top 5 of all time.

[debbieciafre]

Georgette Heyer is one of my all time favorite writer of Regency England romance novels. Second best to Jane Austen. Haven't found another author that can compare.

[MAC]

I have really enjoyed the Kingsbridge series starting with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett....I have the latest The Armour of Light set in the Napoleonic wars sitting on the tottering pile....I'm keeping it for time off over Christmas. 🙂

[anthonywaud]

Hello, how lovely to hear your opinion of some historical novels (and winter ones too). A personal favourite is Katherine by Anya Seaton, mistress of John of Gaunt. My copy is in pieces it’s been read so many times. Now I’ve found you looking forward to more recommendations. Jill

[jenniferstone]

All excellent recommendations! The Source also had a profound effect on me in my late teens. A fascinating read. Let me add James Clavell’s novels: King Rat, Taipan, Shogun… also the novel “Aztec”, another sweeping historical and sometimes grisly fiction tale. Pillars of the Earth gripped me so much I read it non-stop over a 3 day weekend. Happy reads to you all!

[Games-cwpg]

1:43 1. Ross Poldark By Winston Graham
3:57 The Walking Stick
4:09 The grove of eagles
5:04 2. The Source by James A Michener
7:15 3. The Name of the Rose By Vintage Eco
8:59 4. The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard
10:55 Marking Time
11:27 Confusion
11:56 Casting Off
12:29 All Change
13:26 Falling, The Beautiful Visit, Love All
14:04 4. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
16:09 A week in December
16:21 A possible life
17:19 5. Memoirs of a geisha By Arthur golden
19:26 6. London by Edward Rutherford
22:16 7. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
22:41 Bring up the bodies
25:52 8. The taming of the queen by Philippa Gregory

[cocostone-njnk]

Susan Howatch = Penmarric, Castlemara, Sins of the Fathers, Wheel of Fortune were my favorites. Still have them on my bookshelves. Brilliant!

[eddie_d]

Name of the Rose is one of my favorite books of all time....probably in my top five. So glad to see this on your list.

[MultiJeanette]

I have been reading Philippa Gregory books in her Tudor series. The last one was The Kings Curse and am looking forward to last few books in that series and then onwards to Tidelands. I have always been interested in historical novels since I was a teenager and read Gone With the Wind. I had read all the Canadian historical books and of course loved Anne of Green Gables and then moved on to Little Women. My first adult book was Hawaii by James A Michener and then all the rest of his. I love Dianna Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I really don't like to read modern stories. I have just discovered your channel and now will do some binge watching.

[kaylemoine]

What I really like about historical novels is that it leads me to read the non-fiction history of the era.

[murpesc]

Wolf Hall is my #1 favorite of all time. I also loved the Elizabeth Jane Howard books. The video presentations of both these are fabulous. Thanks for some great suggestions.

[tinawantland]

Edward Rutherford’s “Sarum” is my personal favorite of his novels, and I’ve read several, including “London”.
I am also a fan of Ken Follett’s “Pillars of The Earth”. And last, but not least, (although her novels have a bit of gothic leaning) Norah Lofts. Many of Norah’s novels stand alone, but many are based in and around the fictional town of Baildon, and some of the main characters, are minor characters in other of her novels. “The House” trilogy is my favorite.

[voyaristika]

As an American Anglophile whose favorite genre is well researched historical fiction I thank you for this list! I've read several of your recommendations but have realized how many years ago now, so it's time for some re-reads. Edward Rutherford's "Sarum" was an early read of mine and I loved it as well. Now you've added some new reads to my list. Thank you!