Past Nominations

Caesar: a novel
Jason Dunstall <womby58@hotmail.com>
cronicles rise of Caesar from his abortive attempts to invade Britain in 52BC until his appointment as dictator and the assasination of Pompey., - Thursday, March 07, 2002 at 00:59:04 (GMT)

Lymond Chronicles/House of Niccolo/King Hereafter
Olive <kahekili@san.rr.com>
by Dorothy Dunnett Incomparable; impeccable historical accuracy & research; seamless interweaving of fictional main characters into historical events/interrelations with historical people; felicitous prose, often poetic; lavish descriptions. Individual book titles: Lymond Chronicles: The Game of Kings, Queen's Play, The Disorderly Knights, Pawn in Frankincense, The Ringed Castle, Checkmate House of Niccolo: Niccolo Rising, The Spring of the Ram, Race of Scorpions, Scales of Gold, The Unicorn Hunt, To Lie With Lions, Caprice and Rondo, Gemini King Hereafter is a unique investigation of the life of MacBeth, drawing heavily upon the author's original research, and her assertion that MacBeth and Thorfinn, Earl of Orkney, his contemporary, were one and the same person. Unparalleled use of primary sources., - Saturday, March 02, 2002 at 09:06:08 (GMT)

A Dream of Eagles - Jack Whyte
Guinevere <stormykitty85@hotmail.com>
This is the story leading up to the Arthurian Legend told with a realism that makes the reader believe that this is the way it could have happened. The first book in the series is called The Skystone. The series is also known a The Camulod Chronicles., - Saturday, March 02, 2002 at 01:26:34 (GMT)

Alexander Vols 1-3
Gavin McHenry <gavinmchenry@dpe.ie>
A complete history of the conquest of Alexander the Great and his Companions, charting his life from birth to his death at the age of 32. The era is brought fantastically to life and the novels give real human insight into the main characters taking into account the different attitudes at the time. All battle scenes are described in detail and on the whole the recreation is meticulous., - Friday, February 22, 2002 at 15:34:30 (GMT)

The Last of the Wine
T.L. Waite <staunton262@yahoo.com>
- Sunday, February 17, 2002 at 17:21:20 (GMT)

'Bridges Over Time' series by Valerie Anand
Helen Waters <h.waters@onmail.co.uk>
- Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 23:59:42 (GMT)

The Killer Angels
William Dashiell Hammett <whammett@abs.net>
Not only does this book provide a vivid account of the battle of Gettysburg, it illistrates the feelings and opinions the people of the time held., - Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 23:43:13 (GMT)

Queen Margot by Dumas
Melissa Dodds <Lowesdodds@aol.com>
A brillant novel centered around France in the 16th century, during the turmoil between the Catholics and Protestants. From murderous plots, poisoning, and forbidden love, this is Alexandre Dumas at his best., - Tuesday, February 12, 2002 at 04:26:20 (GMT)

"Flames of Rome" by Paul L. Maier
Ted Z
Set in 1st century Rome spanning the emperorships of Claudius and Nero, Maier give us a view of how the ever tolerant empire of Rome came to persecute the Christian church. The Characters are deep, the settings are vivid, and the story is real! If you are interested in acient Rome, this is a must read!, - Monday, February 11, 2002 at 10:09:32 (GMT)

Pillars of the Earth
Scott Moger <smoger1@aol.com>
- Tuesday, February 05, 2002 at 21:48:01 (GMT)

Niccolo Rising by Dorothy Dunnet
Jennifer Macaire <jjsasmacaire@wanadoo.fr>
An orphan apprentice in a dye shop rises to prestige and fortune by his wits. Set in Bruges in the fourtheenth century, this book is wonderfully complex with unforgetable characters and a strong storyline., - Sunday, February 03, 2002 at 10:50:01 (GMT)

The Master of All Desires
Pete Mowbray <pete@mowbrays.freeserve.co.uk>
Clever and interesting with some great historical detailand twist after twist. The story never stalls in its pace, and I regretted finishing it, - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 23:50:51 (GMT)

This is a good book about a Greek person.
Anil Kumar <chiefneo@msn.com>
The Mask of Apollo, - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 15:28:37 (GMT)

Flashman
Ben Waterhouse <bwmc_waterhouse@hotmail.com>
Wicked humour with unrivalled historical accuracy and, as importantly, accurate characterisation for the time; unlike for example Cornwell's Sharpe who seems to be a chippy 1970's polytechnic lout transported to the Napoleonic Era, - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 11:31:48 (GMT)

War And Peace
Phil <Preamy@juno.com>
- Monday, December 31, 2001 at 17:27:59 (GMT)

Flashman
Paul Jones <Totty1@supanet.com>
The continuing story of the bully from 'Tom Browns Schooldays'set against the back drop of Victorian England/India. This is the book that got me hooked on the genre & history itself., - Monday, December 31, 2001 at 09:21:55 (GMT)

The English Templar
Edward Page <epage@acadia.net>
The novel describes the destruction of the Knights Templar by Philip IV of France, focusing on an English Templar caught in France at the time of the surprise arrests. The novel is carefully researched and free of the usual nonsence and hokus-pokus surrounding the Templars. Here the Templars are shown for what they were: ordinary men - monks - accused of absurd crimes and tortured into testifying against themselves. But the novel is far more than a historical description. It is also an extremely moving love story and a deeper look into the nature of faith and religion., - Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 09:33:31 (GMT)

Flashman at the Charge
Michael Hargreave Mawson <OC@46thFoot.com>
Possibly the most enjoyable, and the most historically-accurate, book in the world., - Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 09:33:30 (GMT)

The last of the Mohicans
Bob <noway@com.com>
Cali, MA USA - Friday, December 28, 2001 at 06:27:38 (GMT)

Flashman
Henry <nakitora@hotmail.com>
I learnt everything I know about history(and a few other things about women besides) from the Flashman books. I nominate them all!, - Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 22:59:12 (GMT)

The Flashman Papers
Joshua Trueheart <jtrueheart@microbia.com>
A hilarious and meticuously researched 'eyewitness' account of the British debacle in the First Afghan War., - Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 17:24:18 (GMT)

Flashman
Rick Joltes <djoltes@attglobal.net>
The adventures of a fictitious Victorian soldier who becomes an accidental hero and celebrity despite his extreme cowardice and self-centred nature. This book is the first in a series; all are extremely readable and historically quite accurate, with numerous footnotes and appearances by famous historical figures., - Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 14:54:51 (GMT)

Flashman at the Charge
Trevor Cook <trev@barearts.co.uk>
- Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 13:15:40 (GMT)

Flashman
Marcus Pailing <pailing@knowledge-power.com>
- Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 11:23:08 (GMT)

This is by the historical writer Bernward Cornwell. It is about the Battle of Antietam(Sept. 17,1862). It has probably the most descriptive, gripping, combat sequences I've ever read. I read all four of Mr. Cornwell's Starbuck Chronicles and eight of the eighteen Sharpe books and this definitely ranks among the best. P.S.: B.C., you're the MAN!
will jolly
the bloody ground, - Friday, December 21, 2001 at 00:20:20 (GMT)

Owen Glendower
Jacqueline Peltier <J.Peltier@gmx.net>
"Owen Glendower" is a magnificent epic novel, about the Welsh uprising at the beginning of the 15th century. Powys's descriptions plunge the reader into the sights and sounds of Wales at that time, as well as into the general intellectual atmosphere of religious intolerance from the English establishment. Through the destinies of a few unforgettable characters, we follow, fascinated, the implacable episodes which will lead to the mysterious disappearance of the magnificent Owen Glendower. As John Cowper writes in a 1939 letter "This Historical Novel...is an attempt really and truly to reincarnate the life here in Wales from 1400 to 1414.", - Monday, December 10, 2001 at 10:17:18 (GMT)

The Mists of Avalon
Nichole Braucksieker <braucksi@usc.edu>
A look at Arthurian legend from the female perspective. This novel is fantastic. You won't be able to put it down. It is long, but so well-written you won't even notice. It is my favorite book of all time, historical fiction or not. You'll find the characters well-developed, the plot fantastic, and just an overall masterpiece. Enjoy!, - Saturday, December 08, 2001 at 19:54:15 (GMT)

Creation
Brian Siano <bsiano@bellatlantic.net>
Gore Vidal's lecture on comparative religion: on man manages to meet Confucius and the Buddha on his travels. , - Sunday, November 04, 2001 at 22:08:55 (GMT)

Memoirs of Christina Morris, by Stella Sole
Valia <valiavalia@eresmas.com>
A woman, Christina Morris, who is in a British jail accused of treason to her country, Great Britain, during the Second World War. She is going to be executed at dawn but she faints and doctors discover that she is pregnant and her son has the right to be born. From this moment on, during the nine months of pregnancy, Christina Morris is going to explain her life through her memoirs. Little by little you can discover how she has arrived where she is now, how she has been manipulated, how she has sacrificed herself for love… and how she finds sense to her life and she get used with her Fate through the care, the love and the words of Stella Sole, who is with her until the end. , - Monday, October 22, 2001 at 11:33:39 (BST)

Until the Sun Falls
Kathryn Berck <ksrberck@usa.net>
With both a glorious sweep of authentic, unvarnished history and a tight grasp on the realities and complexities of men, Holland's opus is the yardstick by which to measure the both authenticity and the humanity of all historical fiction., - Friday, October 19, 2001 at 21:18:38 (BST)

Invisible Man
Joe Hemerly <theansweris3@hotmail.com>
'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison might be the most provocative piece of American literature ever written. , - Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 14:45:09 (BST)

Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian
Paul Bryan <pablo895@hotmail.com>
A rip-roaring introduction to the Aubrey / Maturin naval novels. The whole collection will grip you for months., - Monday, October 08, 2001 at 18:34:23 (BST)

A Place of Greater Safety, by Hilary Mantel
Mary Seeley <maryseeley@supanet.com>
Hilary Mantel's 'A Place of Greater Safety' tells the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of the men, and women, who made it. Her principal characters are Maximilian Robespierre, Georges Danton and Camille Desmoulins, and she blends fact and inspired fiction to trace the careers fron contrasting childhoods, to their careers as lawyers and immersion in revolutionary politics, how idealism is corrupted and even friendship cannot eventually survive the politcal rivalries that eventually destroy all three. The novel is a vivid, moving recollection of a violent, indecendiary time; yet her characters, no matter what horrors they authorise or endure, never cease to fascinate. This is the revolution through the eyes of the revolutionary - and the novel is both epic and intimate, horrendous and at times blacky comic. The end is inevitable, and you weep., - Sunday, October 07, 2001 at 18:51:45 (BST)

Pope Joan
Anne Green <tsomtlm@icqmail.com>
- Friday, October 05, 2001 at 17:49:30 (BST)

The Secret Garden
Ricelyn <ricelyne@yahoo.com>
It is abuot a girl who named Mary have discovered a secret garden., - Friday, October 05, 2001 at 11:08:16 (BST)

The Secret Garden
Ricelyn <ricelyne@yahoo.com>
It is abuot a girl who named Mary have discovered a secret garden., - Friday, October 05, 2001 at 11:07:22 (BST)

The Secret Garden
Ricelyn <ricelyne@yahoo.com>
It is abuot a girl who named Mary have discovered a secret garden., - Friday, October 05, 2001 at 11:07:18 (BST)

moger
scott <smoger1@aol.com>
pillars of the earth, - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 15:39:58 (BST)

a star called henry
Venier Ingrid <ingridvenier@yahoo.fr>
henry Smart fights for Ireland, - Wednesday, September 19, 2001 at 07:27:22 (BST)

Still Water Runs Deep
Nick Beatty <Nick@LiteraryNetwork.com>
Set against the backdrop of rural Iowa in the 1920’s, Still Water Runs Deep tells the memorable story of a young woman at the threshold of her teaching career. With her attention to detail and rich character portrayals, Marianne Gutteridge vividly captures the feelings, warmth and traditions of this bygone era. , - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 16:51:21 (BST)

Queen Without A Country
Nicholas Beatty <nicholas@Literarynetwork.com>
In Queen Without A Country, readers journey through Spain, France, the Holy Land and England to trace the life of Berengaria, the Basque princess who married Richard the Lionheart of England. Yet, fate never permitted Berengaria to set foot in the land of which she was queen. Almost ignored by history, she steps out of the darkness and into a light of new understanding in this evocative novel. Highly recomended!, - Tuesday, September 18, 2001 at 16:49:26 (BST)

The Quincunx
Dorothy <dogirljune@hotmail.com>
Couldn't put it down. About 900 pages and as Dickensian from page one to the last. Charles Palliser portrayed some seedy and desperate characters who never failed to entertain. An excellent commentary of English society then and now., - Monday, September 17, 2001 at 22:39:55 (BST)

Name of the Rose - author Umberto Eco
Steven W.S. Johnson <steven_johnson@bigpond.com>
The historical, detective, alchemical, aesthetic, religous, philosophical, physical, and labyrinthine masterpiece that has it all, not least that it is translated from Italian and still shines., - Thursday, September 06, 2001 at 22:58:59 (BST)

Song of Troy
Xavier Francis <martykennedy@hotmail.com>
- Monday, September 03, 2001 at 07:39:24 (BST)

Outlander Series
Ted <cbritanicus@yahoo.com>
I discovered this series by complete accident. In a mood to jump on any boing 747 at random, but not able to afford the cost of the ticket, I found myself in Walmart at 2:30 AM. My eye caught a book. "Outlander", by Diana Gabaldon took me where no 747 could. A Journey so full of adventure and detail! It is THE escape read!, - Saturday, September 01, 2001 at 09:47:30 (BST)

The Eye of Horus by Carol Thurston
Christina
An excellent mystery set in Egypt during the 18th dynasty and in the US during contemporary times. A medical illustrator is assigned to study a mummy of a young Egyptian woman with a crushed left hand and a man's skull between her legs. The young woman's story is told through the voice of an ancient Egyptian doctor and surprising secrets are revealed using modern technology. A fascinating look at life and medical practice in Ancient Egypt., - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 05:03:08 (BST)

The Eye of Horus by Carol Thurston
Christina
An excellent mystery set in Egypt during the 18th century and in the US during contemporary times. A medical illustrator is assigned to study a mummy of a young Egyptian woman with a crushed left hand and a man's skull between her legs. The young woman's story is told through the voice of an ancient Egyptian doctor and surprising secrets are revealed using modern technology. A fascinating look at life and medical practice in Ancient Egypt., - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 05:02:30 (BST)

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Roy Brown <carolandroy@oranah2.freeserve.co.uk>
A history in novel form of the building of a medieval cathedral seen through the eyes of the participants with a cunningly woven plot surrounding a conspiracy concerning the sinking of the White Ship and the death of William, son of Henry I - leading to the civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda. A very human story which includes a pilgimage to Santiago de Compostella and en enduring love story. The book simply has everything., - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 17:28:55 (BST)

The Wild Hunt is Elizabeth Chadwick's first novel and my favourite. Guyon and Judith's love story is set against a backdrop of politics and adventure in Henry I's England, spanning Court intrigue and Welsh border life to give a brilliant read.
Sarah <meadowfield@aol.com>
- Monday, August 06, 2001 at 20:48:38 (BST)

Already described by many, a look at how historical facts can be twisted to serve political needs. Very well researched and eminently readable. Also I recommend any books by Sharon Kay Penman, Dorothy Dunnett and Dianna Gabaldon.
Mikal <the_shooks@telus.net>
- Sunday, August 05, 2001 at 20:12:23 (BST)

Pillar of Iron - This is a novel by Taylor Caldwell. It brilliantly tells the story of Cicero and the politics of 1st century BC Rome.
Mark <MarkAuthor@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 00:40:35 (BST)

This is a novel by Taylor Caldwell. It brilliantly tells the story of Cicero and the politics of 1st century BC Rome.
Mark <MarkAuthor@yahoo.com>
- Friday, August 03, 2001 at 00:39:11 (BST)

THis is an awesome tale of swashbuckling adventure and intrigue. The entire series of five books, beginning with The Three Muskateers and ending with The man in the Iron Mask, are a must read for anyone who loves tales of high adventure!
Eric Tyler <richardetyler@hotmail.com>
Hurley , Mississippi USA - Friday, July 27, 2001 at 05:56:05 (BST)

This is a great time-travel book, actually a series of 4 books about a love and adventure story between 20th century Claire and 17th century Scotish clansman Jaimie Fraser. Mrs. Gabaldon describes her characters so wonderfully, I wouldn't be surprised if some female readers fell in love with Jamie as much as Claire did. Great books!!
Daniela <MzDaniela@lvcm.com>
Las Vegas, Nv. USA - Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 04:47:50 (BST)

This is an amazing book that has haunted me since I read it, I can still feel, smell and see it all in my minds eye.
Sue
- Monday, June 25, 2001 at 10:01:03 (BST)

Everyone keeps mentioning Sunne in Splendour and I loved this book too, but I thought When Christ and His Saints Slept was just as good. Penman is definately the best historical novelist I have ever read. She has a real gift for bringing the period to life and including a lot of detail without allowing her story to become bogged down and dull.
Colleen <cailinmb@aol.com>
Austin, TX USA - Monday, June 18, 2001 at 21:29:39 (BST)

One of the best researched and most enjoyable historical novels I have ever read. The action never stops. An 800 page book that I read in 5 days. Simply could not put it down.
Sharon Cowne <shar418@msn.com>
Carrollton, TX USA - Sunday, June 17, 2001 at 17:03:52 (BST)

The Source
Barbra Nightingale <bnighting@aol.com>
I read this when I was 17, and it has had a major impact on my entire life, even now, over 30 years later!, -

House of Niccolo
Karen Tusack <karen@lss.wisc.edu>
Dorothy Dunnett's epic is the most masterful piece of historical fiction I've ever read., -

North and South Trilogy (John Jakes)
Kerry <kerry_kat@yahoo.com>
Trilogy that chronicles the civil war through the experiences and viewpoints of two families, one in the north, the other in the south. very interesting, exciting, and definately a cliffhanger. it's one of those books that is really hard to put down!, -

The Sunne in Splendour
Harriett Gamer <goingplacesgal@aol.com>
The Plantagenet dynasty in the time of Henry II and John and the creation of the struggle to rule a diverse society. The formation of the courts of law where the king is not above the law. The personal triumphs and public defeats of Henry. Excellently written in style and historical detail as is all of Sharon Kay Penman's historical novels., -

There be Dragons
Jennifer Lewandowski <jennifer.lewandowski@bellsouth.com>
none, -

I, Claudius
simonetta <simro@libero.it>
That's from where my love for historical novels came to me when I was 15 ... and it still remains the best I have ever read both for plot and historical accuracy!, -

Fire From Heaven/Persian Boy/Funeral Games
S F Jones <mouse@clara.co.uk>
Any of these in Mary Renault's "Alexander Trilogy". The full story of Alexander the Great, and the conflicts between his generals after his death. Utterly compelling, and simply the best historical novels I have ever read. , -

Morgan's Run
Rosalie Leaver <rosaliel@dcsi.net.au>
This book is a thoroughly researched historical saga rich in romance, adventure and unforgettable characters, a modern classic. It follows the life of a convicted criminal, Richard Morgan, and his brutal journey across the seas to the hostile Australian continent, of the 'First Fleet' and the experiences of the men, both convict and guards. A beautiful book, true to history and entertaining., -

"River God" by Wilbur Smith
Mark Alessio <malessio@optonline.net>
A very imaginative, detailed novel about ancient Egypt. It's all here: battle scenes, desert adventures, sea journeys, romance, descriptions of religious ceremonies, theatre, hunting, ancient technology, etc. The characters and settings are well-drawn, the story is captivating, and the whole is entertaining and suspenseful. There's something fascinating on EVERY page, and the writing style will hold your interest throughout., -

All Quiet on the Western Front
dom <123@abc.com>
good war novel, deep, -

The First Man in Rome
Chris <chrisdale84@hotmail.com>
Great book, takes you back for a vivid account of the last stages of the Roman Republic, -

Sword at Sunset
Libby Sturrock <libby@doncaster.hotkey.net.au>
Written some time ago this retelling of the Arthurian legend is a prime example of Rosemary Sutcliffe's evocative writing. Famous for her children's novels this adult title manages to recreate a believable Roman - Celtic world, engaging characters and tender, beautifully descriptive writing. This is a wonderful book - the kind that transports you to another era, without the sensation of having the author's historical expertise (outstanding though it is) shoved down one's throat., -

Story of O
Caleb Boyd <mellophone@splak.com>
It features O, a woman who would do anything for the man she loves, including joining a house of pain and torture where she is whipped daily and put in submissive positions. -happiness in slavery Even though this is an erotic novel, I think it is ignored as a great piece of literature., -

The Exorcist
Shane C. Werley Sr. <shanewerley@msn.com>
Gripping terror in its purest form!, -

Treasure Island, R.L. Stevenson
Karl Moeller <mkarl2@uswest.net>
Needs no review from me., -

The man on a donkey / H.F.M. Prescott
Kate Bunting <K.M.Bunting@derby.ac.uk>
A moving human story of the Pilgrimage of Grace and also a fascinating chronicle of Tudor life, told as a series of dated incidents through which five very different characters are introduced to the reader one by one., -

The Ramsay Scallop by F. Temple
M. Garrett <Tigtigtoo@aol.com>
"It is 1299 {when this novel begins}, and 14-year-old Elenor waits--reluctantly--for her betrothed, Lord Thomas, to return from his crusade to the Holy Land. Though it's their duty to marry, neither of the young people has warmed to the prospect. Elenor is frightened of marriage; Thomas has come back broken from the crusades. Besides, they don't like each other much. Father Gregory, the village priest, sends them on a chaste pilgrimage through France to a shrine in Spain to expiate the sins of the village, and through that long wandering, packed with new faces and fresh ideas, Elenor and Thomas slowly come to know themselves and each other. I know this book my be to young for some but I enjoyed the detiles. , -

Gone With the Wind
Amy Berto <cowgirl_amy@hotmail.com>
Magnificent book - I had to read it for a US History class, I wasn't able to put it down. It's a must read for everyone!, -

Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon
Karen Jenkins <karenjenkins66@hotmail.com>
A love story which lasts over 200 years. Absolutely the best novel of it's type although Lady of Hay by Barbara Erskine is a close second., -

the country of the pointed firs
antok <antok@bosantok.com>
please show the date making of this novel by sarah orne jewett soon via my email , -

Peter Abelard
Patricia C. Dahl <trixdahl@hotmail.com>
This book is scholar Helen Wadell's version of "one of the great love stories of all time." The relationship between the brilliant medieval theologian and teacher, Abelard, and his equally brilliant, but much younger student, Heloise, is rendered with sensitivity and insight. Even more amazing is Waddell's ability to propel a reader imaginatively and intellectually into the very foreign world of twelfth-century France. Long out-of-print, this classic deserves renewed attention as one of the greatest of historical novels. , -

through a glass darkly/a place of greater safety
melanie bannerman-jones <bannerman.mel@btinternet.com>
I couldn't choose between these two books as I love them both so much !!! I am just shocked that no one else seems to have voted for Through a Glass Darkly, which is an amazingly moving romance set in the early years of the eighteenth century. A place of greater safety is a work of genius -- how I wish I had written it, but at least I get the pleasure of constantly rereading it... Special mentions should go to Green Darkness by Anya Seton and the Wideacre trilogy by Philippa Gregory !! And yes, Georgette Heyer SHOULD be in the final 100 somewhere -- Fridays Child was by far the best one !! , -

gates of fire
mark till <mt@starsupply.co.uk>
evocative and utterly compelling , -

I Claudius
john semlak <jsnz@online.ru>
I haven't read as many novels as many readers but I thouroughly enjoyed this book and like it as a historical novel for several reasons. It was based heavily on primary sources, one of which the author, R. Graves, translated himself and which which he was intimately familiar (that work was Suetonius's 'Lives of the Caesars). But Graves does more than retell the history, he fleshes out the story by adding plausible details and weaving together an intriguing, thought-provoking masterpiece. As runner's up I would nominate The Name of the Rose and Killer Angels (the Civil War novel)., -

Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell
Robert Pritchard <robert@pritchard-pulham.co.uk>
Another brilliant book by Cornwell. His ingenuity is infinate. Harlequin, for all those that haven't read it (you strange people) is set before and during the Hundred years war. Thomas (the main character) is very well described, as all the others. It starts when Hookton is destroyed by French raiders, and they steal what is thought to be St. Georges lance, and Thomas' father, the priest, who says while he is dying, to retrieve the relic. Thomas goes to France with other English to fight during the war, and he makes ne friends. If I say more, it will ruin the plot. It is quite gory also, not to be read by the young or squemish. It is another brilliant historical novel, and quite historically accurate too. Other good reads are: Stonehenge, the 'Sharpe' series, the 'Warlord' chronicles, and the 'Starbuck' chronicles. Compliments to Bernard Cornwell., -

Silver Pigs--Lyndsey Davis
Jennifer Smith <juandolla@yahoo.com>
This was a wonderful detective novel set in ancient Rome. It tells about a detective in his late twenties, Marcus Didius Falco, who has been hired by a Senator to investigate the murder of his sixteen-year-old neice. He finds that the girls murder is linked to a conspiracy that puts the national Treasury in danger. It seems that the silver mines of Britain have been cheating the government by substituting silver ingots (pigs) for lead. Falco is then asked by the Emperor (Vespasion) to travel to Brittania to investigate this embezzlement from the inside. At the same time Falco is hired by the Senator to fetch his recently divorced daughter, the noble Helena Justina, home from her aunt's house in Bath. Falco takes an immediate disliking to this stubborn and outspoken young woman, and gladly leaves for the mines of Cornwall. He disguises himself as a runaway slave, and is helped to gain entrance into the silver mine by one of the natives who is a bounty hunter. Falco spends three long and horror-filled months as a slave, and is constantly tormented by the perverted overseer, Cornix. At the end of the three months, Falco is so traumatized by his experience that he nearly forgets his purpose, and is reminded of it when the bounty hunter returns to set up his escape. Unfortunately, luck is not on our man's side, and he falls into a deep gulley and breaks his leg. One of the overseers finds him the next morning, and he is brought back to the mines. Just as Cornix is about to kill him, Helena Justina comes to the rescue by claiming that he is her father's slave. She takes him back to her uncle's house in Bath, where he is given time to recover before the long journey back to Rome. On the trip to Rome, Falco finds himself falling in love with Helena, who remains disagreeable as ever. It is on his thirtieth birthday that Helena actually begins to reciprocate his feelings, although she is too proud and stubborn to admit it. When they arrive in Rome, Helena is assaulted and nearly killed by the same men who murdered her cousin, and Falco saves her life in the nick of time. This book is an exciting read,with characters who touch the heart with their realism, and an outcome that is a total surprise. I highly recommend this book to all readers in general, for it has all the right stuff to appeal to just about anyone. , -

Sailor of Austria
Nicholas Faller <nfaller@portup.com>
The story of Austrian Naval Officer ,who served the late Empire . This novel shows a world that disappeared in 1918., -

L'Oeuvre au Noir (M. Yourcenar)
Mariadele <mb318@cam.ac.uk>
Exquisite prose, engrossing story, and a period (Flanders between at the dawn of the Renaissance) all make for a rewarding read - and then try the Memoirs d'Hadrien!, -

CITY OF LIGHT BY LAUREN BELFER
DAN STEINHAUSER <DSTEINHAUSER@RILEYGEAR.COM>
THE STORY TAKES PLACE IN 1901 BUFFALO, NEW YORK WHILE THE HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWERPLANT IS BEING DEVELOPED IN NIAGARA FALLS, & THE CITY IS PREPARING FOR THE PAN-AM EXPOSITION., -

Sarum
Johanne <jproulx@mtl.stikeman.com>
One of the best I have read! Accuracy and historical detail quite impressive. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of England, from the Iceage to date., -

The Feast of All Saints and Cry to Heaven
Theresa Spillane <ALuminumXF@aol.com>
Yes, two books on one vote. Both are by Anne RIce, who is famous for paranormal fiction, by these are two gorgeously written straight historical novels about groups that rarely get much attention. The first is about the Free People of Color, the descendents of plantation owners and their slaves in antebellum Louisiana, and the unique niche they made for themselves in that world. IT follows the lives of four young people as they decided which of the limited opportunities open to them to take, and its really beautifully written and brings the time and place and people to life. THe second book is about the castrati opera singers of seventeenth century Italy and is one of the best books I ever read. Anyone who can bring to life the idea of singng on an opera stage in Rome for someone who can't sing at all gets my vote! Both books have impressive historical detail and accuracy, but the author balances that with the story perfectly., -

The Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet
Theresa Spillane <ALuminumXF@aol.com>
I had to second the nomination for this book. Its a must read for anyone interested in medieval England (which I was) or architecture (which I wasn't until this book.) Its the story of a whole range of characters, commoners, nobles and clergy, against the backdrop of the wars between King Stephen and Empress Maud,and the building of a cathedral, with lots of intrigue, romance, mystery, etc thrown in., -

Caesar: a novel
Dave <knewton@rowton00.freeserve.co.uk>
The age of the old Roman Republic and its many characters are bought vividly back to life in this stunning book. , -

Venus Throw
Arthur Paul Patterson <ppatters@home.com>
Venus Throw the book by Steven Saylor, like the meaning of its title, has something for every taste. The Mystery buff, the Roman history buff and everyone inbetween will be enthralled to move back through the courtrooms and the barrooms of Rome with Gordonius and a host or authentic Roman characters including: Cicero, Catallus, Clodia and Clodius. , -

The Tenth Measure (Brenda Segal)
Hallie Mellon <halliejm@aol.com>
The story of Masada told from the view of a strong young woman. Could not put it down. , -

Aztec By Gary Jennings
Rigoberto Ibarra <ribarra@nummi.com>
This book tales you to the heart of the Aztec World prior to the Spanish invasion. I read one page and could not put it down. It explores every inch of pre-european mexico. Fascinating!, -

Ho Quy Ly
tra dieu <tradieu@yahoo.com>
Written by Nguyen Xuan Khanh, Ho Quy Ly is the best of Vietnamese historical novels in the past teen years. This is a transparent picture of Vietnam in the transition period from Tran's dynasty to Ho's dynasty in XIV century, with all dramatic figures in the political scene., -

Ho Quy Ly
tra dieu <tradieu>
Written by Nguyen Xuan Khanh, Ho Quy Ly is the best of Vietnamese historical novels in the past teen years. This is a transparent picture of Vietnam in the transition period from Tran's dynasty to Ho's dynasty in XIV century, with all dramatic figures in the political scene. , -

The Sunne in splendour
kath wakeling <kath@hillside51.fsnet.co.uk>
This has to be the best historical book written, and opens up for the reader a new world. Once read one can only go on to read her other excellent books. , -

The first man in Rome
Dave <Knewton@rowton00.freeserve.co.uk>
This book's excitng, with characters that feel real. It brilliantly recreates ancient Rome., -

The Candlemass Road
Ms Brenda M. Cook <Nd.Bmc@btinternet.com>
George MacDonald Fraser is quite rightly well renowned for his brilliantly written and researched history of the Scottish Borders - The Steel Bonnets. In this short novel, he produces a terrifying distillation of the world of that history, seen through the eyes of an outsider, a fugitive Poruguese Catholic priest. All the glamour of the border ballads is here and all its hideous ruthlessness, and the devastating ending is no easier to accept even when one can see its logical inevitability., -

Calico Palace
Sheri Pavelich <sheripavelich@hotmail.com>
I found this book in the mid-70's and re-read it every 3-5 years or so - I love the characters and the rich historical content - I just found out it was made into a movie but I have never seen it or ever heard of it - has anyone? I also love Katherine also - EXCELLENT read , -

Katherine - By Anya Seton
Jacqueline Valletutti <dragonfly_137@flashmail.com>
I do not know how well known this book is, but I sstumbled upon it years ago. I have read it four or five times. It is the story of Katherine Swynford, the mistress of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. An absolute MUST READ!, -

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter
Athena Bryant <yoink_haha@hotmail.com>
oh my goodness, this is such a beautiful book about the relationship between two friends. it's just so moving. everyone should read this one!, -

Lord of the Rings Trilology
Athena <yoink_haha@hotmail.com>
mystery adn adventure and fantasy. Very well written, imaginative and addicting!, -

Red Shift
Gregory Spawton <greg.spawton@nfdc.gov.uk>
This book consists of three linked stories with contemporary, 17th century and 2nd century settings.The quality of writing is awe-inspiring., -

The Frontiersman
Reed <reed_durbin@yahoo.com>
A great tale of two key figures on the Old Nothwestern frontier: Simon Kenton and Tecumseh. The author, Allen Eckert, uses copious notes but spins a lively, action packed story that is more dramatic for its historical accuracy., -

The Far Pavillions by M.M. Kaye
Sandy W <darsan3@charter.net>
This is far and away my favorite book of all time. It has it all - adventure, intrique, romance and tells a fabulous story. It's the story of Ashton, an English child raised as an Indian due to political circumstances in 1800s India. One of those books I wish I hadn't read yet so I could read it again for the first time!, -

Mythology, By Edith Hamilton
Audrey Miller <Uptowngl3@aol.com>
This book was wonderful, it was full of twists and turns that inspired even me to read more. It's mostly old Greek mythology turned around so you can understand the story behind it, it's fiction, of course. But it's still a wonderful book that I would give 4 stars! , -

Daughter of Time, by Josephine Tey
Al Magary <al@magary.com>
Ostensibly a detective mystery, Daughter of Time is both a historical mystery--who killed the Princes in the Tower?--and an introduction to the historian's methods. It has a "Ricardian" point of view--i.e., it is pro-Richard III--but even those who can't abandon Shakespeare's view of the Wars of the Roses and the advent of the Tudors will be enchanted with this book, and read it again and again., -

Adrian Memories
António Alcaide <alalcaide@netc.pt>
This Marguerite Yourcenar book it's about Adrian, the roman emperor of the second century (a.c.)who bilt the wall that split England from Scotland by that time. The politician, the man and the lover are fully covered by Yourcenar with her inquestionable talent. , -

the bastard by john jakes
tim murphy <funkyceli47@aol.com>
john jakes' north south tilogy often is more renowned and considered his best work. however, i think the kent family chronicles is better. i fell in love with the characters, particularly philip. i love how jakes combines the events of history with very likable characters. every book from the series is good, but i like the bastard the most because of philip. the only problem i have with the series is that i wish there were more., -

The Raj Quartet
Thomas Marshall <thomm1@ix.netcom.com>
Paul Scott has delivered in these four novels the "War and Peace" of our time, using the collapse of the British Raj in India at the conclusion of WW2 as his setting. A series of works that offers new insight on empire and freedom, life and death, nations and individuals each time it's reread. A reading experience for a lifetime!, -

The Sunne in Splendour
banu dincer <banudin@yahoo.com>
It is simply the best historical fiction I have ever read. The story and the characters are very well set., -

Little Big Man
Jay S. Berger <oke49@aol.com>
The best,funniest, most tragic book written about the American West., -

Savannah by Euginia Price
Jennifer Clem <JClem@neo.rr.com>
This is one in a series of books by Price. They are all wonderful. She takes real people and adds some invented ones to make a very realistic picture of pre-civil war Georgia. , -

Queen's Play Dorothy Dunnett
Pamela Cleaver <pamelatc7_@hotmail.com>
All DD's Lymond books are wonderful but this is my favourite. I also love Cross Stitch and its sequels by Diana Gabaldon. Both writers books make you feel you are part of a rich life in the past., -

Gates of Fire
Connor McMahon <mcmahon16m@hotmail.com>
Gates of Fire is a very well written, detailed epic of the battle of Thermopylae. It is easily the best book I have ever read; the philosophy, combat, politics, culture, religion, etc... are extremely impressive, as is the story., -

The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara
susan ramsey <rams2830>
More than simply writing a lucid account of a complex battle, Shaara uses a non-West Point officer to examine the nature of man and of the United States., -

Shaara's THE KILLER ANGELS would have to be on a list of the best 100 novels, certainly?
susan ramsey <rams2830>
Kalamazoo, Mi -

Kristin Lavransdatter
Maureen Barckley <maureen@ori.org>
This is a trilogy but should be regarded as one book. It follows the life of a 14th c. Norwegian noble woman, her troubled marriage and finally the Black Death. Author Sigrid Undset won Nobel Prize in the 1920s., -

The name of the rose
Kristin Lissens <kristin.lissens@tvd.be>
Umberto Ecco not only places a thrilling dedective story against a not frequently used period of Italian history, but gives a sight on the monastary phylosophy of the time. A fantastic book !!!, -

Rose by Martin Cruz Smith
Maggie Holmes <magholm@aol.com>
With the coal mines of Cornwall as the backdrop and the women who worked the mines as the hook, Smith reveals a hidden world to us with mystery, romance and all the wondrous details of the time period., -

Aztec
David Dannar <daviddannar@juno.com>
Aztec contains a milieu of historical trivia about this powerful ancient culture, as well as, a storyline that keeps your heart pounding to the high adventure, and mind-twisting rituals of a very foreign culture while making you empathize with the hero so well that you might be jerked into spasms of tears. A very different reading experience!, -

Katherine
Connie Jagodzinski <connejago@aol.com>
Anya Seton is impossible to beat. I read "Katherine" at age 14 and have held every other book to her standard since, including my own. Her books are a complete experience of other eras., -

Any and all by F. Van Wyck Mason
Christine Jeffords <sevenstars39@hotmail.com>
Ranging from Ancient Rome to the American Civil War, Mason never fails to tell a good story and to integrate factual information in a seamless fashion. It's a pity he's been allowed to go OP!, -

Jubilee Trail and Calico Palace
Kelli <folkymom@hotmail.com>
In these two books (not a series), Gwen Bristow presents a vivid look at California's pioneers. Fascinating and fun!, -

The Sunne in Splendour
Jill Shearer <Jazz32@gte.net>
I'll second the nomination of this book. I don't think I've ever read another book so rich in historical details. A true work of art., -

Worse than Slavery
Lauren Macri <laurenx17x@aol.com>
good, -

The Sunne in Splendour
Pat Maynard <pkmaynard@juno.com>
Sharon K. Penmans' brilliant historical fiction novel about the tragic life of Richard III, one of history's most maligned monarchs. Through this author's excellent research emerges a far different picture of the man ... a courageous, fair minded man whose motto was "loyaulty me lie" (loyalty binds me) and who endeavored to live his life according to it., -

King Hereafter
Ann Granille <Anniefach@aol.com>
Dorothy Dunnett's thought-provoking reworking of Macbeth/Thorfinn in a fictional form. A deeply engrossing read - although the outcome is known in advance, there is a fitting sense of completion in the down-beat ending. Along the way, some great set-pieces. A book to persevere with, it repays a careful, thoughtful reading., -

Checkmate
Stefania Dorudottir <dstefania@compuserve.com>
Final book in Dorothy Dunnett's six part Lymond Chronicles. Blows your mind away., -

The Game of Kings
Bernie Hawkes <bernie.hawkes@mciver-consulting.com>
Scotsman Francis Crawford of Lymond seeks to prove his innocence on a charge of treason amid the confusion of 16th century border warfare, -

The Game of Kings
Mickey Thies <aromi@sprynet.com>
Dorothy Dunnett is a master story teller. Francis Crawford is her brilliant creation. Set in 16th century Scotland, it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish. It is the first book, of six, in the Lymond Chronicles. A masterpiece which her fans read over and over again. You can never get enough of her novels., -

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett (1961)
Elizabeth Holden <azurite@sympatico.ca>
Set in mid-sixteenth-century Scotland, this book combines a meticulous veracity of detail with a compelling, twisting plot, vivid characters, and a brilliant use of language to evoke a period and fast-paced, gripping action., -

waterloo-shape's final adventure
tim murphy <funkyceli47@aol.com>
every book in the sharpe series could easily be on the list, but waterloo is probably the best historically, although it is very biased and one sided-cornwell gives too mych credit to the british for winning the battle and almost none to the prussians. however, cornwell does such a wonderful job describing the battle scenes it's almost as if you were there., -

The Source
Helen Philippou <elena80@spidernet.com.cy>
The history of Palestine and the Jewish people , -

The Praise Singer
Alvaro J. Rodríguez <alvaro.rodriguez@posseherreraruiz.com>
This novel is set in the final stages of the tyranny of Pisistratus in the Athens of the Golden Age (Vth Century B.C) and vividly depicts the life of Simonides, a travelling minstrel. The characters and plot are wonderful and the reconstruction of the customs of the period are excellent., -

Aubrey/Maturin Series
Diane Jervis
of the Napolionic Era, detailing the friendship between a Naval Officer (Jack Aubrey) and his physician/surgeon (Stephen Maturin) and their adventures aboard ship and on land., IA USA -

war and peace
j.p. <latinmystiq@aol.com>
it's brings the reality of war and society. tolstoy gives us philospical and anthology ideas. hyprocisy of people, poiltics, society, religion and life at it's every best. read it. long but sweet. , -

The Walled Orchard by Tom Holt
D Fisher <fisherd@btinternet.com>
An incredible piece of writing in which Tom Holt brings to life Athenian Greece with wit, pathos and realism. It centres on the ups and downs of a comic playwright, including his stormy marriage and his military service. The real life Greek writer Aristophanes is guest villain., -

King Hereafter
Sandra Hall <sandra.hall1@ntlworld.com>
This is a fascinating retelling of the story of Macbeth and his wife Groa, based on several years of original research. The Macbeth of Shakespeare is left far behind and what is revealed is a powerful story of a visionary king, who fought to give birth to that vision, with his wife by his side. Although the focus is Scotland, its scope is far wider, looking at the birth of modern Europe in the emergent nations of the 11th century., -

Katherine
Joyce Bonner <Joyce.Bonner@ukgateway.net>
anna Seyton's classic reworking of the story of John O gaunt and his mistress. A love story with an extremely well researched historical background., -

Spring of the Ram
Zeba Clarke <pzclarke@hinge.mistral.co.uk>
I am nominating the second in a series of eight novels by Dorothy Dunnett, the House of Niccolo. I have chosen Spring of the Ram because I enjoyed the history in it particularly, focussing as it does on the collapse of the Byzantine Empire following the fall of Constantinople. Into an impeccably researched milieu, Dunnett inserts her hero, Nicholas van der Poele, recently an apprentice in a dyeyard in Bruges, now entangled in the complex politics of the High Renaissance. The book is full of breathtaking climaxes and intricate plotting seamlessly weaving together fact and the lives of her fictional characters. Her prose is dense, intense and gripping. She has written 15 extraordinary historical novels, and each one is worthy of being on the list of 100 Novels, but this one is my personal favourite. , -

Man On A Donkey by H F M Prescott
Claire King <maceking@hotmail.com>
This was the first historical novel I read and have not read it since the 1960s. However I remember it as being a highly readable well-written fascinating account of how the events surrounding the dissolution of the monasteries and the Pilgrimmage of Grace could have affected the lives of certain groups of people., -

Game of Kings (from The Lymond Chronicles)
Jane Idiens <idiens@email.msn.com>
Brilliant & compelling novel, based in sixteenth century Scotland, extending to Europe & beyond. Dorothy Dunnett's research is formidable, yet beautifully assimilated. , -

Cross Stitch
Gill Tyson <gilli.tyson@tinyonline.co.uk>
Claire passes through standing stones in Scotland just after the second world war only to find herself in 17th Century Scotland. Brilliant story adventure, romance, time travel. Absolutely my favourite book., -

Cross Stitch
Gill Tyson <gilli.tyson@tinyonline.co.uk>
Claire passes through standing stones in Scotland just after the second world war. She ends up in back in the highlands around the tiem of culloden, -

the Walking Drum by Louis L'amour
......Gabe A Jones....... <Gaje42@aol.com>
The Best historical fiction book... all though I usually enjoy fantasy novels such as a Game of Thrones, this book grabbed me and carried me along its full adventure of one amazing persons search for his father...Kerbouchard... a name with Zeal i agree with the other people who have entered this book a fantastic adventure [&^)], -

Game of Kings
Patricia Turner <zefirebird@ezysurf.co.nz>
Dorothy Dunnett is an historians' author, readers who become intrigued enough to do background reading of the 16th century are not disapointed (except that the hero Lymond is of course fictitous damn it!). This is the 1st of 6 in the 'Lymond Chronicles'. Dunnett has just completed another series 'House of Niccolo', but as I may pick but one 'Game of Kings' is a great start!, -

Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett
Denise Gannon <Denise.Gannon@btinternet.com>
The first book of the Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett, which begins in sixteenth century Scotland and follows the career of Francis Crawford of Lymond and Sevigny. A wonderful book which I first read in the early 1970s and have returned to again and again., -

Game of Kings
jen Black <jen.black@gateshead.ac.uk>
The first of a 6 volume series set in the 15th century Europe. Vol 1 is centred in Scotland, home of Francis Crawford of Lymond, betrayed and outlawed Borderer, who pursues three men, one of whom could clear his name at a time when the English army was ravaging the Scots and setting brother against brother. It is a story of extraordinary power and magnificently told. The dialogue is delightful, the action intense, the writing of high quality; the people are vivid and articulate creations who live on in the mind long after you have closed the book. , -

King Arthur - The True Story
Mick Hurn <Mick.Hurn@t-online.de>
The truth (!?) behind the romance and legends of Excalibur, the Holy Grail and the site of the real Avalon. An Historical search for the truth behind the legends. Based on newly found written evidence (1993). This book binds fact and fiction in a way that makes the name Arthur more of a historical figure than one of fable., -

An Infamous Army
Joan Curtin <jcurtin_29@yahoo.com>
An Infamous Army is perhaps the best fictional representation of life in Brussells immediately preceeding the Battle of Waterloo. Author Georgette Heyer seamlessly blends historical figures such as the Duke of Wellington with her fictional hero and heroine. Her account of the Battle of Waterloo has been praised by military historians as one of the finest ever written., -

Far Pavillions
SW <sanda23@attglobal.net>
Takes place in India during the 1800s. Gives a great deal of information regarding the lifestyle of the time, the English occupation of India and is a fabulous love story besides!, -

Kingmaking - Helen Hollick
Kathy <springwillow@btinternet.com>
the first of the Arthurian Pendragon's Banner series - the BEST books about Arthur. The novels have no myth or magic but are written as a "what might have really happened" scenario. At last, a believable Arthur and Gwenhwyfar., -

Here Be Dragons
Helen Hollick <helen.hollick@btinternet.com>
a compelling story of England at the time of King John - but from the WELSH viewpoint, -

The Pillars of the Earth
Kelley Sullivan <Kelleykat_02@yahoo.com >
This book follows a man and his family as they travel across England to build catherals. This is a truely magnificent book by Ken Follet. , -

The World is Not Enough
Christine Lee <christine.lee@compaq.com>
This book is about Ansiau, the Baron of Linnieres, and his family. It portrays the life of a medieval noble family very realistically; it is very well written., -

Ancient Evenings,A place of greater safety, Perfum
Catherine <catherine.a@ic24.net>
both the above are brilliant reads, the latter already referred to below. not only is it brilliantly accurate but very stylishly written, and far superior to Ramses or the Mary QS referred to below. Ancient Evenings by Norman Mailer is set in the days of Ramses II and is about his friend who is repeatedly reincarnated. it is gripping and different, and written with mailer's usual odd quirkiness. there is a good deal of graphic sex in it, so beware. and if weird is your taste then Perfume by Patric Susskind is a must, another brilliant piece set in the French revolution, about a man with no smell and an incredible sense of smell. He takes to killing young maidens...it is an extraordinary book., -

clan of the cave bear
laurie shultz <laslvs25@aol.com>
totaly engrossing page turner. you dont want it to end, -

Panther In The Sky
Susan Orsolini <waitin@gte.net>
A brilliant work that forever changed the way I would think of the North American Indian. They were not heathens, as I was taught, but an honorable highly intellegent, religious people. James Alexander Thom does an exceptional job with this as well as all of his works., -

The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
Ann Murtagh <amurtagh@tinet.ie>
I re-read this book recently and couldn't put it down. Great story which also captures the essence of the repressed Victorian period and the huge changes taking place in society, eg. Darwin's theory. , -

The Aubrey/Maturin Series, Patrick O'Brian
Mark W Fowler <vladnarus@earthlink.net>
In what can be described a novel in twenty volumes, O'Brian effectively raised the Historical Naval Adventure genre to a level not previously seen nor likely to be seen again. Beginning with 'Master and Commander,' the reader follows the careers and friendship of Jack Aubrey RN and his particular friend Stephen Maturin, physician, natural philosopher and intelligence agent as they take part in Britain's naval war against Buonaparte; though the latest few novels of the series do not quite meet the standards of the rest, the whole series is sound in its history, scrupulous in its details of dialogue and atmosphere, and especially fine in its creation of convincing characters and their relationships; top-drawer. , -

Post Captain by Patrick O'Brian
Dustin Quinn Campbell <camdus17@juno.com>
The second novel in the Aubrey/Maturin canon and the finest of the 20 great works. Post Captain is a rousing, intelligent spree! a chronical of an unlikely friendship betwixt amazingly well-developed characters. , -

Master and Commander
Susan Wenger <susanwenger@mail.com>
This book is the opening salvo in Patrick O'Brian's tour de force about the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. His epic twenty novels follow the adventures of Jack Aubrey, Captain, EN and his particular friend, physician-espionage agent Stephen Maturin as they romp through the science, history, psychology, mores, music, natural history, and adventures of the war against Bonaparte. , -

Aubrey/Maturin series, Patrick O'Brian
Marian Van Til <rxbach@aol.com>
Vol. 1 is Master & Commander. Set during the Napoleonic wars, the 20 books in the series feature a Royal Navy captain and his ship's surgeon/friend. Exceptional and accurate period detail: socially, geographically, nautically, gastronomically, musically, re: "natural philosophy," and none of it ever sounds like it was written in the 20th century. Sailing and battles, yes, but satisfying character development as well, particularly the unusual Aubrey-Maturin friendship. Understated and nuanced style; O'Brian consistently lets the reader fill in many small blanks. (The last few books don't meet the very high standard of the almost all of the others.) , -

The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett
Pam Thomas <wntercombe@aol.com>
I first read it when I was 13, and was bowled over by the glorious writing, utterly charismatic hero, and gripping story. 35 years later, I'm still hooked on this book and the next 5 in the 'Lymond Chronicles'. The best ever for me., -

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Roy Brown <carolandroy@oranah.freeserve.co.uk>
Follows the construction of a great medieval cathedral through the eyes of the monks - much of the narrative being in the Anarchy period of King Stephen and his wars with the Empress Maud, and ends with a delightful twist involving the sinking of the White Ship some years before. , -

Warrior In Bronze by George Shipway
Roger Moorhouse <rmoorhouse@hotmail.com>
The early life and rise to kingship of Agamemnon - before the Trojan War. Realpolitik in the ancient world. , -

Don Quixote de la Mancha
Matthew D. Riherd <mmdustone@hotmail.com>
I laughed out loud, I never laugh out loud. This 400 year old book made me laugh out loud., -

Poinsietta or Palmetto
Jane Hite <LDYJNE@aol.com>
Actuall, I'm searching for this book: A historical novel tracing the first sailors to lay eyes on the coastline of Fl to settlement of St Augustine. Follows family from ST Aug to Palm beach to Miami Beach in 50's., -

the year of the horsetails
m j clarkson <carpepecunian@freeserve.co.uk>
The story of the successful resistance of a slav tribal group aided by a Saka against a Mongol/Turkic invasion. Set in the late antique/early medieval period, this novel is superbly written [by the late RF Tapsell]. The historical expertise of the author combines with literary skill to make the set pieces thrilling and totally convincing. The characterisation and technical detail are hard edged. The defects which flaw so many, perhaps most historical novels - naivete, sentimentality and ignorance are entirely absent. , -

Gone With The Wind
Angela Cunningham <bay_sky@yahoo.com>
The hardships of a well to do southernbell during the "civil war"., -

The Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brian
Mike Mooney
Simply the best Napoleonic naval fiction ever produced. Forget Forester, Kent, Reeman, etc., this is the real deal. Jane Austen with violence... , -

Daughter of Time, The
Willi Waltrip <goodoldgal@aol.com>
Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard, recuperaing from a broken leg, becomes fasinated with a contemporary portrait of Richard III that bears no resemblenace to the Wicked Uncle of history. Grant determines to find out once and for all, what kind of man Richard plantagenet really was and who killed the Little Princes in the Tower. By Josephine Tey, -

Calling Crow
Paul Clayton <Callingcro@aol.com>
Spanish soldiers and colonists, engorged with pride over their conquests in Granada and the islands of the West Indies, clash with the Muskogee Indian people of the Southeast. Calling Crow, a young chief, must learn the ways of these strange, powerful people, and guide his people to freedom., -

The walking Drum
Jason <bartelsjason@hotmail.com>
Damn good book by La'mour! I am not an active reader, but I would like to find more books of the such. When I try to find older books of rome or spain the plot doesn't grab me like the walking drum did., -

The Flight of the Sparrow
Sandra <sgn@cybergal.com>
The story of King Edwin of Deira and Northumbria. 7th century Anglo-Saxon England. Simply a stunner. Written in the first person, right up until his death. The author, Fay Sampson is one of the best UK HF authors around., -

Lady of Hay
Elaine <parsleysauce.supanet.com>
Great book by Barbara Erskine which weaves the present with the past. Story of Matilda de Braose, set in time of King Jonn. Very cleverly written - could not put it down - now read all her other books!, -

Outlander
Suzanne Thomas <sthomas@iop.om>
Outlander takes us from the 20th century into the dramatic, violent, and romantic lives of characters who enrich our own., -

killer angels
duncan park <pdk5@hotmail.com>
fascinating, -

Raptor, Gary Jennings
Niki Larkin <lavinia@antisocial.com>
Possibly the est book I've ever read. Jennings depicts the life of an ostrogoth named Thorn. This book serves as his 'memoir' of sorts, chronicalling his life and journeys from a monestary, to a nunnery, to nomadic travels, and finally as a marshal to the Ostrogoth king Theodoric the great. A fantastic piece of art., -

The Mists of Avalon
Edwina Homewood <edwina@cwcom.net>
If you only read one book about the Arthurian Legend, make it this one. , -

Niccolo Rising by Dorothy Dunnett
kate duggan <kateduggan@home.com>
First in a series about a charismatic man named Niccolo who rises in the 15th century from a dye yard apprentice to a man who can alter the dynamics of whole countries. Very complex story,fascinating detail and a mystery rolled into one. The first of six., -

Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles
Rhonda Richards <Rhonda.Richards@dfait-maeci.gc.ca>
Very thrilling yet tragic novel about the life of Mary Queen of Scots. The descriptions of Scotland and of life at that particular period are very detailed. The book is very well written and has turned me into an historical novel addict! , -

Accursed Kings
Paule
The Accursed Kings is the best historical fiction series I’ve ever read for accuracy and spell-binding writing. Originally written in French (Les rois maudits), its English translation is out of print in the United States – but may be found at a library. The series deals with the 14th Century France and the succession crisis that led to the 100 years war with England and the extinction of the Valois-Orleans dynastic line. The series begins with the execution of the Grand Master of the Knights Templar and his curse, uttered when he is being burned at the stake, to Philip the Fair and his descendants. Druon proceeds to describe the slow degeneration of the dynasty. The time period provides a rich backdrop – Venician bankers that affect the balance of power, medieval public executions, the great schism of the papacy with the election of Clement VII who ruled from Avignon, etc. A must read., -

The Egyptian
Chema Gutierrez <chema.gutierrez@gepex.ge.com>
Mika Waltari's masterpiece. It creates a vivid atmosphere of ancient egypt and draws universal characters. Somewhat you feel that no matter the epoch frame you are living in, there are values, feelings, behaviours that never change. Waltari's feather transports us to a past that is also present. , -

The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
Craig Auster <CAuster8@aol.com>
This book was the best novel I have ever read. This book started me on historical novels. This story was so moving, so touching, that you just cannot put it down. Everyone should read this book!, -

THE GOLDEN WARRIOR by Hope Muntz
Stuart W. Mirsky <swmirsky@aol.com>
Little known, out-of-print saga of the 11th century epic tug of war between Harold and William which ended in the bloody battle of Hastings in 1066. Muntz' prose is superb and her characterizations breath-taking. An English Iliad., -

The Sunne in Splendor
Hilary Hudson <hilary.hudson@ey.com>
I believe this was Sharon Kay Penman's first book, and for a new or experienced author, this is simply excellent. I am a bit of a history buff, and I feel her portrayal of Richard III is accurate., -

Sword At Sunset
Sarah Cuthbertson <ICuthberts@aol.com>
By stripping the Arthur story of its later accretions, Rosemary Sutcliff allows it to emerge in the clean lines of classical tragedy with its noble but flawed hero - brave, loyal, honourable - who contains within himself the seed of his own destruction. Sutcliff gives us a very human Arthur, but it's his dream that drives him - and captures us. The dream - of light holding out against the dark - is universal and the story's meaning profound: Though the dream may fail, it's still worth fighting for. In Sword at Sunset we have a powerful, elemental story and in Artos the Bear a man of his own time and a hero for all time. Truly, if Arthur existed, this is how he must have been., -

Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth
Graham Brown <ggb3@earthlink.net>
A masterpiece. This is a shattering,cathartic look at the British slave trade. This is a novel that actually deserved the Booker Prize it won., -

Clan of the Cave Bear
Jerry Stephan <jerry_stephan@hotmail.com>
Hard to follow in the beginning with all the caveman names that are little better than grunts but becomes a real page turner if you are patient. A character driven novel, where you cannot help but fall in love with Ayla. I found the landscape and medical text tedious and was racing ahead to the great personal drama that unfolded. Doesn't sound like a great review but I highly recommend it!, -

The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Matthew Pendergast <theoab@hotmail.com>
This book was about a serial killer before the actual term was coined. it was very interesting., -

THE WALKING DRUM
RANDY BARRETT <jrbarrett101@yahoo.com>
Louis L'Amour's breakout novel set in the later half of the 12th century. It follows young Kerbouchard on his adventures all over europe and southeast asia. Kerbouchard is a smart guy to begin with and he educates himself as he goes along. It's also filled with romance, chases, court intrigue, politics, books, and lots of fights. This book turned me onto historical fiction., -

Mary, Queen of scots and the isles
Sharon <shabba51@hotmail.com>
The truth is fact is so much more interesting than fiction & this book cleverly mixes both! One of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of turning the pages to. A sypathetic account of a truly amazing woman!, -

The Source by James Michener
Rogerio Dias <rdias@pobox.com>
Spanning 10,000 yrs. of history in the same spot in Palestine, dramatically yet with humor covers the development of Civilization, Religion and in particular, Judaism. , -

Goodnight Mister Tom
Matt Roberts <matt@blytonweb.co.uk>
A fantastically warm and moving story about a young boy who is evacuated to the country in WW2, to a crusty old widower., -

A Place of Greater Safety (by Hilary Mantel)
Susanne Alleyn <susanne-alleyn@excite.com>
Simply the best novel ever written in English (maybe in any language) about the French Revolution. Impeccable research, a spot-on depiction of ALL the leading and supporting players of the Revolution, and a delicious, darkly witty style. The novel every French Rev fan wishes s/he'd written!, -

The Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis
Nuria <nuriatides@mixmail.com>
This novel takes place in Ancient Rome and is the first novel of Marcus Didius Falco. It has wit,humour,beauty,historical situation and is a very good private-eye story., -

A Clockwork Orange
Kevin Lilley <Homer372@aol.com>
I just really liked this book about teens in the future., -

Clockwork Orange
John Cuffari <CUFF99@aol.com>
An ironic tale of young trouble makers that cause havoc, and are reformed, but not entirely., -

Josephus (German: Der Judische Krieg)
Jim Bloom <Jimmyjb@concentric.net>
Leon Feuchtwanger, a German-Jewish refugee from Hitler's regime, has recreated the atmosphere and the arcane politics of the Jewish-Roman war of 66-73 CE while portraying his protagonist in a more sympathetic, yet critical, light than the customary "traitor" image. Josephus was the famous...or infamous...Jewish historian and participant in the Great Jewish Revolt against Rome who later turned his coat and became the official historian of the War while under the patronage of the Flavian emperors in Rome. F shows him to be a very complex character, torn between his loyalty to the Jewish people and his desire to have them accepted as citizens of the world able to hold their heads high among the Jew-hating Hellenists of the Empire. The personality of Josephus his struggle is set against a very vivid background of cosmopolitan Rome and strife-torn Judaea. , -

Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett
catherine aitken <catherine.a@ic24.net>
One of the best written historical novels ever, featuring the enigmatic Lymond, who adventures his way round 16thC Scotland. One you can't put down., -

The Journeyer (by Gary Jennings)
Ann Senechal <ASenechal@aol.com>
Sweeping yet detailed fictional account of Marco Polo, focusing on his journey to China and his life there. Sadly, it's now out of print, but it remains my favorite book. Absolutely enthralling!, -

Cold Mountain
Hillary Theyer <htheyer@pacbell.net>
A novel that shows the poetry in the countryside destroyed by war, and the overall human emotions that unite a country divided., -

Northwest Passage
Phil Hearne <polack101@hotmail.com>
Kenneth Roberts' superb narration of the expedition and adventures of Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War)in America., -

Northwest Passage
Phil Hearne <polack101@hotmail.com>
Kenneth Roberts' superb narration of the expedition and adventures of Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War (Seven Years War)in , -

The Grand Sophy
Kathleen Sullivan <ksulliva@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us>
It is hard to choose among Georgette Heyer's work which book typifies her humorous and elegant style. This book has it all- authentic Regency detail, humor, and romance. At least one Heyer book should be on the list !, -

The Grapes of Wrath
Kaysha <going_mavrick@yahoo.com>
Anyone that could survive that era and live to tell about it has my vote!, -

Freedom by William Safire
Patrick Padgett <padgett@kyma.org>
This book is set during the first few years of the civil war and gives a fascinating account of the political and military events of the time. The depiction of Lincoln's cabinet meeting in which it was decided to free the slaves is especially interesting. , -

The Confessions of Nat Turner
John May <ekidz@aol.com>
Told in the first person from the perspective of Nat Turner, a slave living in Virginia in the early nineteenth century, The Confessions of Nat Turner by William Styron provides compelling historical insights. The novel also makes one realize that the historical record can be distorted, biased, and unfair, and that gaps in the record often prevent the historian from setting the record straight. This is the most noble function of historical fiction: just as the free press keeps politicians honest, so does the historical novelist keeps the historian fair., -

Eagle and the Raven
Fran <hornellian@yahoo.com>
Very excellent book about actual historic figures and events. I read a lot and this was one of the BEST. Would recommend it highly., -

The Sunne in Splendour
Jean Kelliher <Ndlworker2@aol.com>
The Sunne in Splendour is a novel about the life of Richard III.It is written by Sharon Kay Penman.She shows Richard with all his flaws as very human.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants an interesting read. I feel her research into this time period is very accurate. , -

Deception
Sue emerson <emerson@dawson.cc.mt.us>
This is a beautifully written book about ancient China. The authors, Eleanor Cooney and Daniel Altieri are scholars and the book is historically accurate and wonderfully exciting to read., -

the grapes of wrath
Bart Mitchell <cabanabo@uswest.net>
how could you not like anything by steibeck, -

Gone With the Wind
Emily Leonard <onniehom@mindspring.com>
Despite the cliches and the stereotyping, Mitchell created one of the most vivid characters in the English language, amidst dozens of equally vivid characters in a setting that gave life to THE seminal event in American History. Her point of view was certainly biased, but it served to remind us that every war is a revolution. , NY USA -

The First man in Rome
Luallan Cardona <Luallan@hotmail.com>
Collen McCullough wrote this book along with anoither number of sequels, depicting the life and deeds of Julius Caesar. It starts much before the Caesaer pehenomenon was born. It is all about the Roman style of gevernement and management. , -

I, Claudius
Christopher Kozar <chris.kozar@iwaynet.net>
Robert Graves at his best. He brought the flavor of Rome, in all it's grand and depressing glory, into a vastly readable and engrossing story. The first person perspective by a "handicapped" member of the Claudian family is genius and is only equaled by his subsequent novel, 'Claudius the God'. With thousands of books on my reading list, I've gone back to these books twice and each time found new meaning and wondrous passages., -

Hanta Yo
Susan Hicks <Susan.Hicks1@btinternet.com>
HantaYo by Ruth Beebee Hill is a story of the Lakotah Sioux on the eve of the coming of the white man. It is a profound, spiritual, moving novel that despite its poignance is nevertheless uplifting. The author translated the novel into the Lakotah language then back into English to gain a feel for the Native American patterns of speech. Hanta Yo means 'In a spiritual way I come', -

The Game of Kings, by Dorothy Dunnett
Shirley Skinner <shirley@nantes.fsnet.co.uk>
The first book in the Lymond Chronicles. Gives the reader a tremendous portrait of 16th Century Scotland as our hero tries to clear his name. Dunnett's writing style can be tricky, but get through the first 150 pages, and I can guarantee you'll be hooked., -

The Persian Boy
Martina Cucchiara <Carpathos@worldnet.att.net>
Vividly narrates the story of Alexander the Great from the perspective of his devoted servant and lover, the slave boy Bagoas. Mary Renault at her best! , -

The white company
harry bakst <harwilbak@aol.com>
It is an old one by Conan Doyle. It takes place in England and France about 10 years after the battle of Poitiers. A lovely read. for the 30th time., -

I, Claudius
Roland Samieske <roland.samieske@cuny.edu>
Probably one of the classics of historical fiction. Brilliant description of power struggles in the leading families of the Roman Empire., -

Flashman in the Great Game
Tom Beck <tomfodw@aol.com>
by George MacDonald Fraser A lively, energetic, entertaining novel about the Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, as seen by "Harry Flashman," Fraser's imaginative take on the bully from Tom Brown's Schooldays. Flashman is a greedy, bullying, lusty coward, but also a sharp observer, intelligent, with a wicked sense of humor. Fraser uses his character to make fun of noted historical characters; he has done his homework, relying on actual sources to make his tales as accurate as possible. Plus, he's a brilliant prose stylist. Flashman has featured in a series of novels; this is just about the best., -

The Wind From Hastings
Erin Dreyfuss <erd@dana.ucc.nau.edu>
Morgan Llewellyn has really outdone herself in this one. We see life in Anglo-Saxon England through the eyes of Edyth, a most remarkable woman. You won't be able to put this one down!, -

The Memoirs of Cleopatra
Stacy Mantle <wolf110@prodigy.net>
This is an incredibly moving novel filled with life. The characters are three-dimensional and a person can come to care about even the most self-serving... If ever a historical novel would be selected for teaching a person on how to write, this would be the one to choose., -

Pillars of the Earth
Rodney Powell <fairmont66@yahoo.com>
Ken follett has literally transported this reader to 12th century England and a building of a cathedral and characters both real and fictional who come life in a epic saga of intrigue,action, sex, violence, revenge and religious fervor.Few novels I've read have kept me enthralled to not stop reading but silently curses myself because I know the book will eventual end., -

The Flight of the Heron
Belinda Copson <xvc85@dial.pipex.com>
The first of a trilogy by D K Broster first published in the 1920s, this is an exciting and soundly-researched historical adventure set in the Scotland of 1745. More than a fight-and-flight story, this novel is primarily a study of character, and one of the best of "Scottish school" historical adventures., -

Sunne in Splendour
Mary Goose <rob.goose@cwcom.net>
This has to be THE definitive novel about Richard III - such lively dialogue between characters througout the book brings them very much to life., -

De Leeuw van Vlaanderen
Chris Teigeler <chris.teigeler@pandora.be>
De leeuw van vlaanderen(the lion of flanders)is a work of fiction based on the uprising of the flemish peasants against the king of france in the beginning of the 14th century resulting in "the battle of the golden spurs" on the 11th of july 1302 before the walls of the city of kortrijk.The flemish peasantry slaughtered the french knights and collected their spurs.Untill this day the 11th of july is the official celebration day of the flemish community in belgium. The book has been written by hendrick conscience in the 19th century and is work of fiction based on these facts.It had a very great impact and earned conscience the title of:"the man who teached his people to read"., -

The Birthday Boys
Deane Rink <jett@amnh.org>
Beryl Bainbridge attempts a novel about the last days of Sir Robert Falcon Scott and the four members of his team who attained the South Pole in 1912, although they were beat out by Roald Amundsen and his Norwegian team by over a month. The book is a fictional diary by each of the five explorers on Scott's party, and tries to get at their psychological motivation for putting themselves through such rigors, not merely a recitation of the rigors themselves., -

Mara, Daughter of the Nile
Kristen <kegenesis @ mindspring.com>
Mara, Daughter of the Nile is an exceptional book! Set in Ancient Egypt during the reign of Hatshepsut. I strongly recommend this book to ANYONE., TN USA -

Kent Family Chronicles, Vol. 1-8
Marc Goldberg <marcgoldbergesq@hotmail.com>
This entire series by John Jakes really turned me on to the social history which hides behind the facts of historical events. The way the family characters were woven into the historical events and interacted with historical characters was very believable., -