Historical novels are, without question, the best way of teaching history, for they offer the human stories behind the events and leave the reader with a desire to know more. Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L’Amour
Historical novels were my primary source of information about history as a child, and I actually won an award for my history knowledge in high school. The school thought I got the information and insight into history from my American history teacher, but really almost everything I know and remember about history, I learned by reading fiction.
Some favorites:
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes. Set in Boston during the American Revolution, this book tells the story of Johnny, an apprentice silversmith, who learns about pride and patriotism as he participates in the events that were shaking Boston in 1775.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. What do I really know about the French Revolution that I didn’t learn from Mr. Dickens? Not much. I just finished re-reading this book for the British Literature discussion group I’m leading at our homeschool co-op, and I must say that it’s just as good as it was when I read it in ninth grade.
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Wonderful adventure. Another source for French (and British) history.
Dragonwings by Laurence Yep. A Chinese boy and his father dream of building a flying machine in California in the early 1900’s.
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. And all the other books in the series.
The King Must Die and The Bull From the Sea by Mary Renault. The fictionalized story of Theseus of Athens. Written for adults or young adults at least, these books have been favorites of mine for a long time—since I was a young adult.
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. Someday I’m going to take a year and just read all the Scott novels that I never read. I have read Ivanhoe, but it’s been a long time.
Imperial Woman by Pearl Buck. The story of Tzu-Hsi, last Empress of China.
I could go on and on. These are just a few (very few) of the favorite historical fiction novels that I found by scanning some of my bookshelves. I’m sure I missed some of the best ones. Mr. L’Amour mentions reading the historical fiction series by G.A. Henty. I read one of them, about William Wallace, with my children, and it was OK. I’ve read better, but I might need to try another.
One thing about good historical fiction is that even if it’s inaccurate, the reader is left with a desire to research and find out how many of the events in the book really happened and whether or not they happened as portrayed in the book. Biographies and works of historical nonfiction are good, but after reading them, the tendency is to take the author’s word that things happened just as she says they did. I’m left with not as much of a desire to research it for myself although I do sometimes want to read other points of view.
What are your favorite works of historical fiction? Who are your favorite historical fiction authors?
(I can feel a List coming on: the 100 best historical fiction books) 🙂
I’ll put in a plug for Sharon Kay Penman’s welsh and english medieval novels. Very good reads (and I think fairly meticulous history).
Sherry,
Thanks for posting that Louis L’Amour quote. When I read EoWM, I made a page of qoutes I liked, but I must have missed that one.
I love historical fiction. It puts flesh and blood on a skeleton. Some of my favorites have been The Zion Chronicles and The Zion Covenant (Thoene) about WWII, books by Jeff Shaara (American history, though more fact than fiction), and books by James Alexander Thom (again, American history). Plus, a number of juvenile fiction (author Jean Latham for one).
I hope you compile that 100 best historical fiction list! I did not grow up reading or in a reading household, nor did I grow up having to read a drop for school. How I regret and mourn for what I did not know I was missing! I have much lost time to make up.
I so enjoy Semicolon! Keep up the inspiring work.
I’m reading my first G.A. Henty right now – actually bought it for Daniel but he’s busy reading something else. What is your opinion on Mr Henty?
As I said, the only I’ve read is the one about WIlliam Wallace (can’t remember the title). It seemed to have lots of fighting interspersed with some really slow moving description. Maybe it’s a guy thing? I couldn’t get interested in Master and Commander either.
Ooo, Scott novels. Be forewarned: Waverley is not Mr. Scott’s best piece of work by a long shot. :-/
Yes, I would definitely add Sharon kay Penman to the list and Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. Not familiar with James Alexander Thom.
Keep the suggestions coming. Maybe I will make that list.
Wonderful list with a couple new-to-me titles.
I once read a friend’s copy of a Worcester, MA, historical society pamphlet about Esther Forbes’ research for JOHNNY TREMAIN and also her nonfiction PAUL REVERE AND HIS WORLD. It was fascinating. I have been meaning ever since to try to find a copy of the pamphlet on the ‘Net to add to my shelf next to the books.
As a Laura namesake, visiting some of her homes, especially the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE site, was extremely meaningful. I highly recommend it to anyone who lives the books.
My favorite historical fiction is the 7-book Williamsburg series by Elswyth Thane, starting with DAWN’S EARLY LIGHT. She also wrote a number of biographies and historical fiction about George Washington — my favorite is the non-fiction MOUNT VERNON FAMILY. I believe her WASHINGTON’S LADY was historical fiction — it’s been a while since I read it. Best wishes, Laura
Anything by Ann Rinaldi. And obviously Costain’s incredible … don’t know whether you consider that fiction.
Argh!! Oh I’m embarrassed. I missed that part where you mentioned Henty. (bad blogger! bad blogger!!!!)
Excuse me while I locate my sackcloth.
I loved Across Five Aprils and Summer of my German Soldier. These are the just first two that came to my mind. I am loving all of these great suggestions!
The Flashman books by George Macdonald Fraser! He’s a cad through and through, but because he runs away from battles, he always lives to join another. They are fabulous, and cover quite a range of events.
I really liked Across Five Aprils, too. I recently read and enjoyed All Quiet on the Western Front.
A few years ago, I was into reading about the Roman Empire. I remember really liking Quo Vadis and The Robe.
Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire is excellent!
Someone mentioned Michael Shaara… Jeffrey Shaara also has written quite a few historical fictions… By the extreme grip they take on my Marine husband- they must be pretty good.
Henryk Sienkiewicz’s WITH FIRE AND SWORD Set in 17th century Poland, it tells the story of the Cossack uprising against the Polish nobility. A stirring read – a long fat book if you like that kind!
Looking forward to your list – I’ve already opened another browser window and ordered some of these authors from my local library!