The name of this genre speaks for itself. In any historical novel, the action takes place against the background of any real or fictional historical events. However, each work of the genre does not set as its primary task a retelling of the ongoing action. It depicts people, their personalities, playing their part in a specific historical period.
The historical novel dates back to the Alexandrian era. Its beginnings are narrations about the Trojan campaign and about the exploits of Alexander the Great. Although these works were written in the first centuries AD, in the interpretation of medieval writers they received multiple interpretations, as a result of which they spread throughout Europe. True, these historical novels were filled with unstoppable fiction, and the centuries-old raid of documentary was almost the only way to make the reader believe in the events taking place on the pages.
The French historical novel (Calprened, Homerville and other authors can be attributed here) was replete with various documentary details, but depicted exceptionally long-past events.
The classic of the historical novel can be considered the period of the beginning of the 19th century, when Walter Scott came to literature. All that previously lacked genuine historical thinking, now it was possible to contrast real reality with a background and author's assessment through the prism of the heroes of action. Around the same time, a historical love affair arises , which later stands out in a separate genre.
Speaking of classic historical novels, one cannot fail to mention the work “Mackenna's Gold”, on which the film of the same name was shot. The main characters of the work are very colorful and are the true embodiment of their time. On the pages of the novel we live a lifetime with the Indians, vagabonds, cowboys and scouts. Will Henry constantly puts them in unpredictable situations, throws them into hopeless troubles and most miraculously saves them from death.
Jack London’s historical novel, “Daughter of the Snows,” tells of the equally exciting times of the Gold Rush. The main character is an independent and courageous ruler of the North - a woman named Frona Wells. She is quite capable of sharing all the trials of severe snowfall on an equal basis with men. But is there anyone with whom she will share her life without hesitation?
If we talk about Russian works of the genre, then the “Prince of Silver” by Alexei Konstantinovich Tolstoy will become an undoubted favorite. This historical novel tells the story of the difficult era of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, and the main character - Nikita Serebryany - is like a fearless medieval knight who knows neither fear nor obstacles in search of his love. An exciting plot, an accurate description of historical facts, colorful folklore images make the novel a book for all times and for all ages.
But this list would not be complete without Charles Dickens’s novel, “Our Common Friend.” The second half of the 19th century in England is a period of change. In addition to origin, stiffness and manners, volitional character and enterprise, adventurism began to enter the price. Against the background of this coup, the story of a girl with an unusual fate and a millionaire scavenger is described. The book has been translated into several languages, read by more than one generation of readers and has always been in suspense from the first pages.
After reading at least one book from our list, you will understand that they can rightfully be included in the rating of “Best Historical Novels”. These are works for all times, both sexes and almost any age!