Historical FictionAn Overview
Beginnings of a Genre Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley Publish in 1814 about 1745
Jacobite rebellion against British Crown.
Scott attempted to accurately portray the background and qualities of ordinary people involved (the Scots).
Subtitle “Tis Sixty Years Since” created original cutoff date for genre
Other Early Titles Shakespeare's Hamlet Goethe's Faust Homer's Odyssey
These works are fictionalized retellings of events that occurred long before the author's time.
Today's novelists continue to revisit the same characters and themes, proving that the legacy of these ancient tales has endured.
Definition
Historical fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period.
Historical fiction often presents actual events from the point of view of people living in that time period.
Characteristics of Genre
Set in time remote enough from present to be considered history (30-60 years)
Author has not lived in time period – is at least one generation removed.
Historical facts blend with imaginary characters and plot
Characteristics ContinuedFacts are
Actually historical events Authentic period settings Includes real historical figures
Common Forms Main characters = fictional. Secondary =
real Past has social traditions, customs, and
values of period. May not mention actual events or people.
Classics
The Last of the Mohicans James Fennimore Cooper
Red Badge of Courage Stephan Crane
Tale of Two Cities Charles Dickens
Classics ContinuedAll is Quiet on the
Western Front Erich Maria
Remarque
The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee
Other Popular Reads
Flyboysby James Bradley
Flags of our Fathersby James Bradley
Popular Historical Fiction
Memoirs of a Geisha Arthur Golden
Mississippi Trial 1955 Chris Crowe
Devil’s Arithmetic Jane Yolen
More RecommendationsWWII Upstairs Room by
Johanna Reiss
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
If I Should Die Before I Wake by Han Nolan
How can I find a HF novel? Go to the library and ask the
librarian for recommendations. Think about a particular event in
history you like and search the internet for novels.
Search the websites Mr. Andrus gives you.
Visit a bookstore and go to their Historical Fiction section (you are not required to purchase your book).