Historical Fiction

The Western evolved out of colonial adventure narratives that dramatised a battle between so-called 'savagery' and 'civilisation'; dime novels then turned the cowboy into an iconic symbol of masculinity—explains Susan Kollin, professor of American studies at Montana State University. But this antique genre has plenty of literary potential and moral uncertainty to offer to the modern reader. Here, she selects five landmark Western novels that explore frontier mythology.

Historical novels hold a mirror up to contemporary society, says Kate Kruimink—the novelist and joint winner of the inaugural Weatherglass Novella Prize. Here, she recommends five fascinating works of historical fiction from her home country, Australia.

The ancient world offers an excellent canvas for historical fiction but too many books fall victim to anachronistic thinking, says Oxford ancient historian Harry Sidebottom, author of two series of historical novels set in Ancient Rome. Here he recommends some of his own favourites, all written during the golden age of classical historical fiction half a century ago.

There are dozens of novels about the First World War, many of them well worth your time. Here, Alice Winn—author of In Memoriam, a bestselling story of forbidden love between two young soldiers—selects five of the very best, including autobiographical fiction by former officers and historical novels that bring humanity to the horror of the Great War.

If you haven't read any historical fiction by Robert Graves (1895-1985) yet, you're in for a treat, says Five Books editor Sophie Roell. She introduces the books by Robert Graves recommended on Five Books, from his novels set in ancient Rome and England during the civil wars to his memoir of World War I and retellings of the Greek myths.

Bestselling British historian and author Alison Weir plunges us deep into the world of walled-up skeletons, Vikings, poisoning, intrigue, witchcraft and rebellion. This is the best of historical novels – books that never compromise on painstaking research.

Historical novelist K J Whittaker takes us on a time-travelling adventure as she selects five brilliant historical novels for teens and young adults.

All archaeologists have to do some imagining because the data they work with is so partial and fragmentary, says Rebecca Wragg Sykes, author of Kindred: Neanderthal Life, Love, Death and Art. She picks five books that help bring to life our closest relations, from a historical novel by a Nobel Prize-winning writer to a work of sci-fi about a hybrid Neanderthal child.

Which are the best historical novels? Bestselling author Vanora Bennett recommends her top five.

What is historical fiction? Does it have to be historically accurate? Zimbabwean novelist Tendai Huchu talks us through five important examples of historical novels, including three set in Africa.