Does anyone else here like historical fiction? I like ancient and midievil historical fiction. One thing I find interesting about it is that I like to compare medievil historical fiction to fantasy. Fantasy authors tend to gloss over alot of things in their book. Part because most don't do alot of research and I think in part because fantasy readers really don't want a real medievil world.
For example, people rarely bathed and were filthy. They typically had teeth rotting out of their head by 25. Most people did not have enough to eat and were malnurished. Virtually all fantasy worlds have people who are far too wealthy (ie even having enough food to eat) than they are and everyone seems to have their teeth.
I don't really mind. It is entertainment and I don't think their audience is interested. Anyway here are some really good historical novels and authors:
The Pillars of the Earth (Ridley Scott filmed this for a mini-series. out this year) and World without End by Ken Follett. These are brilliant historical novels that take place in the middle ages. Many people who read Pillars say it is the best book they ever read. It is the kind of history book fantasy authors should read. World without End is not as good, but still great.
Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome: This 7 book series is about the late republic's crash into empire. Yes, Caesar is in it. However, it starts before he is born. There is a Julius Caesar in the first book and it is his grand father. It ends with Octavian defeating Mark Anthony and taking over the empire. There is an INCREDIBLE amount of research in this book.
WARNING: Takes a long time to get into the flow. There are vast numbers of characters and Romans are not too creative with names (romans tend to use the same names over and over again) and she uses latin terms alot, so you have to go to the glossary. So give it a good 300 pages in The First Man in Rome. It is worth it...
Steven Saylor: He writes mystery novels that take place in the same period as McCullough. You see alot of the same events but from a different angle. His best book is Roma. He is the only author I know of to write about early rome. He has a series of Vignettes that go from the founding of Rome up to Mark Antony. Alot of the early history is sort of "this is how it might have happened" since the early history is more legend than real history. There is not alot of data on early rome. The city was burned by Gauls in its early history and most history before that was destroyed. This includes the history of the kings.
Lyndsey Davis: She also writes Roman mystery novels. Her novels take place in the late 1st Century AD and after the empire was created. She does not focus as much on actual historical events. You see more of the seedy side of Rome. Alot of women will like this because they have a very strong female character (love interest of the Roman detective). She is fairly anachronistic and if you know Roman history, not really believable... but very entertaining.
She also has a new book about the English Civil War (1600s) that I wan to read.
Mary Kay Penman: Writes about the middle ages in england. Some may not find her as entertaining. Her research is incredibly accurate. She does, however, use speech patterns common to the age and it does take time to get used to it. If you like George RR Martin, read "The Sunne in Splendour". As many people known Ice and Fire is basically England during the War of the Roses. This book takes place during the war of the roses.
Cersei is the french queen
Plus its easy to pick out the Starks (Yorks) and the Lannisters(Lancasters). Really cool to read. I wonder if GRRM read this when researching his book?
If you want ONE historical book to read, READ THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH. It is remarkable. I mean stunning.