Learn about the definition, history, and examples of historical fiction, a subgenre of speculative fiction that depicts fictional plots in real historical settings. Explore how historical fiction can explore themes, characters, and events of the past, and how it can be criticized or praised for its authenticity and creativity. Discover 50 of the best historical fiction books of all time, recommended by Barnes & Noble booksellers. From Pulitzer Prize winners to international bestsellers, these novels transport you to different times and places with rich storytelling and historical detail. Fictional explorations of real historical times teach us a lot about history, society, and what we have in common with people before our times. Nonetheless, it’s a tricky genre to write and understand. What is historical fiction? How do you write it? Historical fiction transports readers to another time and place, either real or imagined. Writing historical fiction requires a balance of research and creativity, and while it often includes real people and events, the genre offers a fiction writer many opportunities to tell a wholly unique story.
