The Best Historical Fiction Writers of Our Times
Historical fiction is a genre that draws from a wide range of historical periods. Some of the most popular periods include the medieval and Tudor eras, but many authors also write about other historical events, like World War II or the Cold War.
The best historical fiction writers of our times have produced various novels. Some focus on specific events, such as the American Civil War or World War II, while others blend historical dates with fictional twists. In addition, many of these works have been adapted into movies and television series.
These top writers often draw from their countries or regions, such as the United States or Europe. They often write about well-known historical figures, such as King Arthur or Queen Elizabeth. However, some books take place in other periods, such as the era of the Trojan War or the First World War.
Most of the top historical fiction authors write series. For instance, the Wolf Hall series by Hilary Mantel is set during the Middle Ages and follows the lives of Thomas Cromwell and Anne Boleyn. Other authors specialize in re-creating the life of a famous figure, such as Kate Alcott.
Another big name in the world of historical fiction is Marguerite Yourcenar. Her work is a masterful mix of historical detail and feminist themes. You may want to read her book, The Bluest Eye, which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Colson Whitehead is an American author who grew up in Manhattan. After a stint at Harvard University, he moved to New York City. A decade later, he graduated with a degree in English literature. In 2002, he received a MacArthur Genius Grant. He is currently based in New York.
Eoin Dempsey is another Irish-born author. The Black Forest inspired his most recent novel in Germany. Previously, he wrote about the Black community in New York. Other historical fiction authors include Sandra Gulland, Ami McKay, and Eve Stachniak.
Philippa Gregory is a British historian and author. She worked for Portsmouth News for a year. Before writing her first novel, she earned a degree in English literature at the University of Sussex.
The giants of historical fiction are the likes of Marguerite Yourcenar and Henryk Sienkiewicz. The authors mentioned above have published over 50 novels each.
For more information on the top historical fiction writers, visit our 100 Best Historical Novels of All Time article. Readers can also add their own choices to the list. It’s a great resource for those looking to explore history in a new way.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a thrilling novel or learn about history, you’ll find plenty of entertaining and informative books in this list. Besides the authors listed above, you’ll also discover that many of the historical fiction works listed on the list were adapted to films and television. Using these top authors will help you dive deep into the history of our times.