historical fiction

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).