Historical fiction: a list of the most famous works. The best books in the genre “Historical novels” Fiction related to history

Historical fiction as a separate genre appeared a long time ago and gained great popularity. Many cult writers created works in this direction. Such works often became world masterpieces. It is these books that are described with full descriptions in the article. Every reading lover will find something for themselves here.

Deep subtext

Victor Hugo can be considered a master of historical fiction, although he created many poetic works during his life. His epic novel “Les Miserables” is a revelation for the author, because he wrote it over the course of ten years. The events take place in 1815, and in the center of the story is a former convict. He spent nineteen years in prison for stealing bread.

The hero was released as a man embittered by the world, but everything changed when he met Miriel Dinski. This kind Catholic priest treated Jean with respect. When a former convict stole silver candlesticks, he forgave him and gave them to him. Impressed by how Miriel treated him, the main character decides to completely change his life. He manages to do this, but the problems do not end there. Hugo reveals many problems in his work, including love and hatred between people, the confrontation between rich and poor, and the like.

Civil war in Ukraine

Russian historical fiction is diverse in the ways it describes current events. The recognized master of the pen Mikhail Bulgakov proved this with his novel “The White Guard”. In his brilliant book, he showed the events of the Civil War in Ukraine at the end of 1918 and the beginning of 1919. The plot centers on the Turbin family, each member of which is involved in one way or another in the events taking place. During the Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty, Kyiv was not transferred by the Germans to the control of the Bolsheviks, and therefore many people from the central parts of the former empire fled here.

Alexey and Nikolka became volunteers in the army of the defenders of Kyiv. Simon Petliura with Colonel Konovalets and a large army are preparing to take the city by storm. Their superior forces crush the weak defenses, although the main characters do not want to retreat until the very end. At the same time, some commanders have already realized the futility of all defense and are disbanding volunteer detachments. They recommend that officers hide in houses, and also destroy all traces of belonging to the former imperial army. Historical events in fiction are not always demonstrated with great accuracy, but in Mikhail Bulgakov it is completely present. The author replaced the names of real historical figures, but this did not prevent the excellent development of the characters against the backdrop of social change.

Struggle of principles

When mentioning historical fiction about Russia, the brilliant novel “Quiet Don” by Mikhail Sholokhov involuntarily comes to mind. It was for this work that the author received the Nobel Prize. The plot immerses the reader in the life of the Melekhov Cossack family during the most difficult period in the state. The events of the book cover approximately ten years, starting in 1912. Gregory, thanks to his innate leadership abilities, quickly became an officer in the imperial army, and later even a general. It was at this time that revolutionary events began in Russia. An entire rebel division falls under command, but he is tormented by doubts. A man cannot decide who is right. His soul rushes between the white and red troops.

The same situation befell Gregory in his personal life. In historical fiction, it is always common to show a fictional aspect. Here this is the love for Gregory’s two women. He never loved his wife Natalya, but after the birth of two children, feelings seemed to appear with them. At the same time, he never forgot his first love Aksinya. The author perfectly shows the tragic fate of a man not devoid of talents who was unable to make a single important choice.

A story of strong friendship

Not much historical fiction for children has been published, if we talk about masterpieces, but some books are written so accessible that even teenagers can immerse themselves in reading. This primarily concerns the novel “The Three Musketeers” by Alexandre Dumas. At the center of the story is a proud and energetic hero named d’Artagnan, who travels to Paris with a letter of recommendation. He wants to become a musketeer - a military man from the king's special guard. Already on the way, he gets into trouble and loses an important paper. Monsieur de Treville, who commands the musketeers, tells the main character that he cannot take him without military merit. He sends the character to serve in the Guards regiment of des Essarts.

On the same day, d'Artagnan hurried to his future commander, but on the way he managed to enter into a confrontation with three musketeers - Athos, Porthos and Aramis. They all challenged him to a duel, which was supposed to take place behind the abbey, but historical fiction is characterized by plot twists. Before the start of the first duel, victory over them added one more to the company of three musketeer friends - an energetic Gascon. In the book, love lines, political games and military battles are so tightly intertwined that you can’t help but feel delighted when reading.

The story of the substitution

The list of the best historical fiction includes Mark Twain's brilliant novel The Prince and the Pauper. The events take place in London in the mid-sixteenth century and revolve around the boy Tom Canty. He grew up in a poor family, often suffered beatings from his father, and never felt love or happiness. One day a guy ends up in the royal palace, where he meets Prince Edward VI. The boys turned out to be incredibly similar to each other. During the conversation, they decide to change clothes. Thus, Edward gets the opportunity to experience the life from which he was strictly protected in the palace.

He sees what is happening on the streets of London: constant robberies, executions of women, and he himself is sent to prison. In response to the announcement that he is the future king, the imprisoned robbers hold a mock coronation. Edward VI is saved by Miles Gendon, a poor nobleman who has just returned from the war. For this, the prince generously rewards him, and he himself vows to observe justice in ruling the country. The book is included in the list of historical fiction that deserves attention for demonstrating the flaws in the system of government in 16th century England. Meanwhile, the second storyline will show Tom's attempts to settle into the palace.

Age of Knights

In fiction, historical novels are considered far from the easiest direction. Authors must weave fictional events into the global surroundings of what is happening, while complying with all the canons of the chosen era. Walter Scott easily coped with such a difficult task, and the novel “Ivanhoe” is considered one of the best in its category.

The central theme of the work was the struggle between the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans. The latter were finally victorious after the Battle of Hastings. The events of the novel take place in 1194, almost a century and a half after the turning point battle. The Third Crusade is completed, and Richard the Lionheart is captured by Duke Leopold of Austria. At this time, England is ruled by John, who only sows confusion among the population. The plot begins with the fact that two servants of Mr. Cedric meet a wandering Templar with a prelate. Due to bad weather, they hide in the owner's fortress, where two unknown people have been invited.

Cedric began to ask the templar Briand de Boisguillebert about the knightly tournament in Acre. He says that he was defeated by Wilfred Ivanhoe, who is far from a stranger to the owner of the castle. This is where an exciting story begins, which even affects the fate of King Richard the Lionheart.

One of the most ancient works

Fiction as a historical source is not always used. It regularly contains a large part of fiction, which is organically woven into the plot. The same can be said about Homer’s Iliad, although it is his work that is considered the most comprehensive source about the events of the Trojan War.

Work begins from the moment when the Achaean troops already began to besiege the city. The priest of Apollo, Chryses, comes to the Greeks with the desire to return his captive daughter Chryseis. Agamemnon refuses to give up his slave, and therefore the father prays to Apollo to punish the cruel people. God sends a pestilence to the Greek army, and the soldiers begin to demand that Chryseis be given back. Agamemnon is forced to agree, but in order to compensate for the loss, he takes his beloved woman Briseis from Achilles.

The resentment of the most famous war hero was beyond belief. He asks his mother Thetis to turn to Zeus with a request to send defeats to the Greeks until Agememnon asks for forgiveness from Achilles. Only the cunning Odysseus was able to save the situation, who came up with a plan to capture the city.

This work of fiction also serves as a historical source because it fully describes the forces of the two opposing sides. Homer even mentions the names of generals, which is also interesting.

Famous rebellion

The list of historical fiction books includes thousands of works, but only a few can keep you in suspense until the very end. The work of Raffaello Giovagnoli “Spartacus” is just such a masterpiece. The plot tells readers about the gladiator of the same name, who led the most powerful slave uprising in the entire Roman Empire. Events begin with the majestic games that the dictator Sulla organized for the holiday. Everyone was delighted with the performance of the rudiary, and the emperor, guided by the request of Valeria Messala, grants freedom to Spartacus.

He begins organizing an uprising, although he is tormented by doubts because of his love for the aforementioned matron. The woman reciprocates, but the hero puts his ideological beliefs higher. One of the gladiator meetings was overheard by the drunken actor Metrobius. He tells Caesar and the local authorities in Capua about this. The future Emperor Julius tells Spartacus to join him, but he refuses. At that time, all gladiator schools in the city had already been taken under control. Thanks to improvisation, the hero, along with a handful of companions, escapes to Vesuvius. An uprising begins on one of the mountain sites, which will frighten the Romans for many years.

Indian life

Fiction in historical research can serve as a foundation for further research, but for readers it is primarily an adventure and an interesting story. One of these is the second book in the whole series of stories about Leatherstocking, entitled “The Last of the Mohicans.” Fenimore Cooper introduces the life of Indian tribes, their culture and activities on the frontier in North America.

The year is 1757, in full swing. Readers are transported to New York, which was then a British colony. The main character continues to be the hunter Natty Bumppo, who must save the two daughters of the British commander. He enlists the support of Chingachgook and his son Uncas, with whom he has been friends for a long time. The last members of the Mohican tribe agree to help with the difficult mission, although they understand the risks.

Readers will get acquainted with the life of ancient tribes, learn their culture, mythology and life principles. Along with this, the pages of the novel show the long siege of Fort William Henry, with which most of the storyline is connected. The work does not let the reader go until the very end, and the ending will amaze even the most experienced connoisseur of historical works.

American Civil War

Historical fiction is rich in its themes. Authors in different countries touch on those points that will be close to readers in a particular state. Only a few novels are considered world bestsellers; they are respected by all readers, despite the historical events taking place there. One of these brilliant works is the novel “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell. The author managed to cover the period from 1861 to 1873 in his work. The book perfectly shows the reasons for the outbreak of the American Civil War.

The northern states were actively developing in an industrial direction, and therefore they needed free workers. Such people are motivated and are more willing to work. The southern regions of the state were completely dependent on agriculture, and therefore free labor was simply necessary for them. Against the backdrop of historical events, the love story of the main character Scarlett O'Hara unfolds, who is confident in her ability to seduce men. She sincerely wants to be with Ashley Wilkes, but he is already engaged to Melanie. When the girl confesses her feelings to her lover, he refuses to break his promise, although he himself also loves Scarlett. From this moment a twisted story begins with an incredible amount of emotions of all kinds.

Final list of works

"Les Miserables"
"White Guard".
"Quiet Don"
"Three Musketeers".
"Prince and the Pauper".
"Ivanhoe."
"Iliad".
"Spartacus".
"The Last of the Mohicans"
"Gone With the Wind".

The history of Russia is no less exciting, important and interesting than the world. Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin

Why do we study Russian history? Who among us did not ask this question as a child? Not finding an answer, we continued to study history. Some taught it with pleasure, some taught it under pressure, some did not teach it at all. But there are dates and events that everyone should know about. For example: the October Revolution of 1917 or the Patriotic War of 1812...

Knowing the history of the country in which you were born or live is vital. And it is precisely this subject (history), along with the native language and literature, that should be given as many hours as possible in school education.

Sad fact - our children today decide and choose for themselves what books to read, and often their choice falls on well-promoted brands - literature based on the fruits of Western fantasy - fictional hobbits, Harry Potter and others...

The harsh truth — books and textbooks about the history of Russia are not so promoted, and the circulation is not so huge. Their covers are modest and their advertising budgets are usually non-existent. Publishers have taken the path of maximizing benefits from those who still read something. So it turns out from year to year that we read what is inspired by fashion. Reading is fashionable today. This is not a necessity, but a tribute to fashion. The trend of reading with the aim of learning something new is a forgotten phenomenon.

There is an alternative in this matter - if you don’t like the school curriculum and history textbooks, read fiction and historical novels. Today there are not many truly cool, rich and interesting historical novels, largely based on facts and reliable sources. But they exist.

I will highlight 10, in my opinion, the most interesting historical novels about Russia. It would be interesting to hear your lists of historical books - leave comments. So:

1. Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin

It’s difficult to call it a novel, but I simply couldn’t not include it in this list. Many people think that it will be very difficult for a “newbie” to read Karamzin, but still...

“History of the Russian State” is a multi-volume work by N. M. Karamzin, describing Russian history from ancient times to the reign of Ivan the Terrible and the Time of Troubles. The work of N. M. Karamzin was not the first description of the history of Russia, but it was this work, thanks to the high literary merits and scientific scrupulousness of the author, that opened the history of Russia to a wide educated public and contributed most to the formation of national self-awareness.

Karamzin wrote his “History” until the end of his life, but did not have time to finish it. The text of the manuscript of volume 12 ends at the chapter “Interregnum 1611-1612,” although the author intended to bring the exposition to the beginning of the reign of the Romanov dynasty.

Karamzin in 1804 retired from society to the Ostafyevo estate, where he devoted himself entirely to writing a work that was supposed to open up national history for Russian society...

His initiative was supported by Emperor Alexander I himself, who, by decree of October 31, 1803, granted him the official title of Russian historiographer.

2. Alexey Nikolaevich Tolstoy

"Peter I"

“Peter I” is an unfinished historical novel by A. N. Tolstoy, on which he worked from 1929 until his death. The first two books were published in 1934. Shortly before his death, in 1943, the author began work on the third book, but managed to bring the novel only to the events of 1704.

This book contains such a powerful impulse of pride for the country, such strength of character, such a desire to move forward, not giving in to difficulties, not giving up in the face of seemingly insurmountable forces, that you inevitably become imbued with its spirit, join its spirit so that it is impossible to tear yourself away.

In Soviet times, Peter I was positioned as the standard of the historical novel.

In my opinion, Tolstoy did not lay claim to the laurels of a chronicler-historian. The novel is magnificent; whether it corresponds to historical reality is not a primary issue. Atmospheric, incredibly interesting and addictive. What else do you need for a good book?

3. Valentin Savvich Pikul

"Favorite"

“The Favorite” is a historical novel by Valentin Pikul. It sets out a chronicle of the times of Catherine II. The novel consists of two volumes: the first volume is “His Empress”, the second is “His Tauris”.

The novel reflects the most important events of Russian history in the second half of the 18th century. In the center of the story is the image of the favorite of Empress Catherine II Alekseevna, commander Grigory Potemkin. Many pages of the novel are also devoted to other major historical figures of that time.

Work on the first volume of the novel began in August 1976, the first volume was completed in November 1979. The second volume was written in just one month - in January 1982.

Palace intrigues, the decline of morals at the Russian court, great military victories over Turkey and Sweden, diplomatic victories over almost all of Europe... the uprising led by Emelyan Pugachev, the founding of new cities in the south (in particular Sevastopol and Odessa) - an exciting and rich plot of this historical novel. Highly recommend.

4. Alexandre Dumas

Fencing teacher Gresier gives Alexandre Dumas his notes made during a trip to Russia. They tell how he went to St. Petersburg and began teaching fencing lessons. All his students are future Decembrists. One of them is Count Annenkov, the husband of Gresier’s old friend, Louise. Soon a rebellion breaks out, but is immediately stopped by Nicholas I. All the Decembrists are exiled to Siberia, among them Count Annenkov. Desperate Louise decides to follow her husband and share the hardships of hard labor with him. Gresier agrees to help her.

In Russia, the publication of the novel was prohibited by Nicholas I due to its description of the Decembrist uprising.

In his memoirs, Dumas recalled what Princess Trubetskoy, a friend of the Empress, told him:

Nicholas entered the room while I was reading a book to the Empress. I quickly hid the book. The Emperor approached and asked the Empress:
- Did you read?
- Yes, sir.
- Do you want me to tell you what you read?
The Empress was silent.
- You have read Dumas’s novel “The Fencing Teacher”.
- How do you know this, sir?
- Here you go! This is not difficult to guess. This is the last novel I banned.

Tsarist censorship especially closely monitored Dumas's novels and prohibited their publication in Russia, but despite this, the novel was widespread in Russia. The novel was first published in Russia in Russian in 1925.

Imperial Petersburg through the eyes of foreigners... is a very worthy historical work, especially from such a master storyteller as Dumas. I really liked the novel, it's easy to read - I recommend it.

5. Semenov Vladimir

This book was written by a man of unique destiny. Captain of the second rank Vladimir Ivanovich Semenov was the only officer of the Russian Imperial Navy who, during the Russo-Japanese War, had the opportunity to serve on both the First and Second Pacific squadrons and participate in both major naval battles - in the Yellow Sea and at Tsushima.

In the tragic Battle of Tsushima, while on the flagship of the Russian squadron, Semyonov received five wounds and, after returning from Japanese captivity, lived only a short time, but managed to supplement his diaries, which he kept during the hostilities, and publish them in three books: “Reckoning”, “Combat” at Tsushima", "The Price of Blood".

During the author’s lifetime, these books were translated into nine languages; they were quoted by the triumphant Tsushima himself, Admiral Togo. And in his homeland, Semenov’s memoirs caused a loud scandal - Vladimir Ivanovich was the first to dare to write that the battleship Petropavlovsk, on which Admiral Makarov died, was blown up not by a Japanese mine, but by a Russian one, and, contrary to public opinion, he very highly assessed the activities of Admiral Rozhestvensky.

After the early death of V.I. Semenov (he died at the age of 43), his books were undeservedly forgotten and are now known only to specialists. This novel is one of the best memoirs about the Russo-Japanese War.

6. Vasily Grigorievich Yan

"Genghis Khan"

“To become strong, you must surround yourself with mystery... boldly follow the path of great daring... not make mistakes... and mercilessly destroy your enemies!” - this is what Batu said and this is what he, the great leader of the Mongolian steppes, did.

His warriors knew no mercy, and the world was choked with blood. But the iron order that the Mongols brought was stronger than the horror. For many centuries he shackled the life of the conquered countries. Until Rus' gathered its strength...

Vasily Yan’s novel “Batu” not only gives a broad idea of the historical events of the distant past, but also captivates with a fascinating narrative about the destinies of different people, including princes, khans, simple nomads, and Russian warriors.

The cycle “Invasion of the Mongols” by Vasily Yan is for me the standard of a historical epic. Well, “Genghis Khan” is a brilliant start to the trilogy.

The personality of Genghis Khan is incredibly attractive for a historical novelist. One of the many Mongol princes, who was a slave in his youth, created a powerful empire - from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea... But can a man who destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives be considered great? It should be noted right away that the author is of little interest in the formation of Mongolian statehood. And Genghis Khan himself appears in the novel somewhere after the 100th page. And for Ian, he is, of course, a person, and not the Dark Lord from fantasy. Kulan-Khatun loves his young wife in his own way. Like most people, he is afraid of senile infirmity and death. If he can be called a great man, then he is, of course, a genius of evil and a destroyer.

But by and large, Vasily Yan wrote a novel not about a great tyrant, but about time, about people who happened to live in an era of great upheaval. This book contains many colorful characters, grandiose battle scenes, and an amazing atmosphere of the East, reminiscent of the fairy tales of “1001 Nights.” There are plenty of bloody and even naturalistic episodes, but there is also hope, age-old wisdom that allows you to believe in the best. Empires are built on blood, but sooner or later they fall apart. And even those who consider themselves the ruler of the world cannot escape from death...

7. Ivan Ivanovich Lazhechnikov

"Ice House"

I.I. Lazhechnikov (1792–1869) is one of our best historical novelists. A.S. Pushkin said this about the novel “The Ice House”: “... poetry will always remain poetry, and many pages of your novel will live until the Russian language is forgotten.”

“The Ice House” by I. I. Lazhechnikov is rightfully considered one of the best Russian historical novels. The novel was published in 1835 and was an extraordinary success. V. G. Belinsky called its author “the first Russian novelist.”

Turning to the era of Anna Ioannovna’s reign—more precisely, to the events of the last year of her reign—Lazhechnikov was the first of the novelists to tell his contemporaries about this time. In a fascinating narrative in the spirit of Walter Scott...

8. Yuri German

"Young Russia"

“Young Russia” is a novel by Yu. German, which tells about the beginning of changes in the era of Peter the Great. The time described in the book is dedicated to the struggle of the young power for access to the Baltic Sea. The novel was published in its first edition in 1952.

The novel takes place in Arkhangelsk, Belozerye, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and Moscow. The author describes historical events through the lives of the main characters - Ivan Ryabov and Sylvester Ievlev, reveals the relationship between the state and the church, shows the character of the era through detailed descriptions of the life and way of life of the Russian North and the capital.

A very historical and very relevant novel for all Russian patriots.

9. Sergei Petrovich Borodin

"Dmitry Donskoy"

One of the best novels by Sergei Borodin.

“Dmitry Donskoy” is the first work in a series of historical novels on the history of medieval Moscow about the struggle of the Russian principalities under the leadership of Moscow Prince Dmitry Ivanovich against the yoke of the Tatar Golden Horde, the end of which was marked by the decisive battle on the Kulikovo Field in 1380.

One of those historical books that I read as a child, anticipating game battles on relevant topics. It is clear that now it is unlikely that it will be possible to find out how it really was there; history is not an exact science, but, nevertheless, the aesthetic and artistic value of the book in question cannot be taken away. One of the distinctive features of this work, stylized as Old Russian, is the language of the narrative and, in particular, the language of the characters’ dialogues. This simple technique helps the author create the effect of a more complete and deeper immersion of the reader into the historical context of what is happening.

10. Konstantin Mikhailovich Simonov

"The Living and the Dead"

K.M. Simonov’s novel “The Living and the Dead” is one of the most famous works about the Great Patriotic War.

The work is written in the genre of an epic novel, the storyline covers the time interval from June 1941 to July 1944. One of the main characters is General Fyodor Fedorovich Serpilin (according to the novel, he lived in Moscow at 16 Pirogovskaya Street, apt. 4).

I enjoyed reading this masterpiece. The book is easy to read and makes a lasting impression. This is undoubtedly a brilliant work that teaches you to be honest, believe in yourself, and love your Motherland...

My list of historical fiction is not that long. However, I chose some of the most striking and memorable works that I personally liked. History will always be the most interesting genre of fiction, and historical novels will always be the most interesting bookshelf in my library. I look forward to your lists in the comments. Love the history of your country, read the books you need.

Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Walter Scott, etc. - popular writers all over the world who successfully wrote historical novels. It is unlikely that it will be possible to compile a complete list of books devoted to this topic. Works of this genre, according to researchers, arose in the 19th century. Before this, authors who tried to create such novels could not achieve the required level of historical generalization. Walter Scott managed to do this. It was his works that gave impetus to the emergence of what is today called "best historical novels".

Critics note that one of the distinctive features that clearly characterize books in the genre of historical novels is their accessibility. They are read with pleasure by both young people and representatives of the older generation. Touching, fascinating, entertaining historical books, the list of which is endless, do not get old and do not lose their relevance. They will always help to diversify a regular evening at home. One effective way to overcome boredom is to open historical novels. The list of books can be continued endlessly, so readers will always have a choice.

Statistics indicate a paradox: in our virtual 21st century, historical novels are becoming increasingly popular. The list of books of this genre read by a person testifies to the latter’s comprehensive education.

Interest in the past lives in everyone. Even the ancients noticed that people are conservative. They are not given the opportunity to either return to the past or get rid of it, but they are destined to feel a connection with it every day, to honor continuity and traditions.

The first author of historical novels is considered to be the British Walter Scott, who created the composition of the work, where fictional artistic characters acted against the backdrop of “deeds of bygone days.”

The many faces of historical novels

Thousands of books in this direction are available to readers today on the Internet. If you search Wikipedia for the category “authors of historical novels,” the answer will be a list of about 600 names. Three lives are not enough for a lover of such literature to read their works. It is important to help a beginning reader navigate the sea of books, and, fortunately, experts in the “book trade” are able to recommend what will interest them.

The reader may be disappointed by opportunistic, “one-day” historical novels. A list of books recognized by connoisseurs of artistic culture is what an adept needs. Otherwise, after reading several mediocre works of this genre, a person will put down the books and do something else.

The reader can be sure: humanity has already read and systematized the books that he picks up. The path of spiritual growth of an adept does not seem like a labyrinth, at the end of which the exhausted traveler will be devoured by the Minotaur of disappointment.

We classify novels

Initially, we will focus on selecting only famous, renowned works, so that we can then include them in the lists. We will also take into account the availability of these books, that is, we are interested in publishing in large print runs. Thus, the sample will include good classic historical novels.

The list of books is compiled according to the specific interests of literature connoisseurs. After all, the readership varies by gender, age, interests, and education. You can select works for each category of representatives. First, we invite bookworms to decide which novels about the past will interest them:

classic Russian;
classic foreign ones;
philosophical;
love;
documentary;
easy reading.

In the future, we will present in detail novels in each of these areas.

Classic Russian

It is a shame for an educated person not to know the history of his native country. Such keen interest gives rise to love for the Motherland. Therefore, the historiographer Nikolai Mikhailovich Karamzin unequivocally hinted to his descendants: “The history of the Russian state is no less interesting than the history of the rest of the world.”

The reader can get acquainted with the past of the country of Lomonosov and Pushkin thanks to fiction. Russian and Soviet writers wrote cult historical novels for him. The list of books by these authors testifies to the richness of the country’s culture:

"The White Guard" by Mikhail Bulgakov.
“The Living and the Dead” by Konstantin Simonov.
"Pit" by Andrey Platonov.
“Moscow and Muscovites” by Vladimir Gilyarovsky.
“Peter I” by A. Tolstoy.
“The Tragedy of Tsushima” by Vladimir Semenov.
“Quiet Don” by M. Sholokhov.
“Gloomy River” by Vyacheslav Shishkov.
“Favorite”, “Bayazet”, “Moozund” by Valentin Pikul.
"Genghis Khan" by Vladimir Yan.

The mentioned Russian historical novels are also known abroad. The list of books includes different works in composition and content. Among them is an inspiring work telling about the first emperor and a dramatic one about the Cossack lot; a searing revelation of a lost generation and a tale of a terrible war.

Classic foreign

Let's pay attention to the book rating of the oldest British information company, containing historical novels. The list of books (whether they are foreign or domestic works is not so important) will be correct if it is justified by the BBC. Walter Scott's countrymen know a lot about literature.

Russians are familiar with the names of foreign classics from film productions. Classical literature is a universal value. This is evidenced by the only monument to a secular person in the Vatican, dedicated to Henryk Sienkiewicz, the author of the novel about the Apostle of Rome.

"Ivanhoe", "Quentin Durward" by Walter Scott.
"The Young Years of Henry IV" by Heinrich Mann.
“Kamo Gryadeshi” by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
"Red and Black" by Stendhal.
"Mary Stuart" by Stefan Zweig.
“Les Miserables”, “Notre Dame de Paris” by Victor Hugo.
"Damned Kings" by Maurice Druon.
"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Marquez.
“Gone with the Wind” by M. Mitchell.

Note: most of these books were written by Old World writers.

Love

Works of this kind are more suitable for our lovely ladies.

After all, women are often interested in sensual historical novels. The list of books about love is compiled on the basis of works of recognized world classics, which, in addition to knowledge, also educate a person aesthetically:

"The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje.
"The Great Gatsby" by Francis Scott Fitzgerald.
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.
"Wuthering Heights" by Bronte Emily.
"Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë.
"Doctor Zhivago" by B. Pasternak.
"Consuelo" George Sand.
"Lady Rose" by Sandra Worth.
Lady Chatterley's Lover by David Lawrence.
"Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier.
"Therese Raquin" by Stefan Zweig.
“Arc de Triomphe”, “Life on Borrow” by E. M. Remarque.

These historical romance novels have long become favorites for readers. The list of books contains works that cannot be read indifferently. The authors managed to find the heartstrings of readers and touch them

Philosophical

Novels about the past with a philosophical idea are a special topic. To paraphrase the phrase of the “godfather”, this dish will appeal to “gourmet” readers. By this epithet we mean literature lovers who are able to reread the plot several times in order to find the hidden meaning and nuance each time.

“Gourmets” receive satisfaction by comprehending the “second, third and even fourth bottom” of the work. Such intellectual things, in their opinion, are the best historical novels. The list of these books contains works respected by the reading community:

"1984" by George Orwell.
"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy.
"The Prince" by Niccolo Machiaveli.
“The Name of the Rose”, “Baudolino” “Foucault’s Pendulum” by Umberto Eco.
“Camo Coming” by Henryk Sienkiewicz.
“Cancer Ward” by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.
“Rehearsals” by Vladimir Sharov.
"Schindler's List" by Thomas Keneally.
"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez.

Fans of these works believe (and not without reason) that these are the best historical novels.

The books “Schindler’s List” and “The Name of the Rose” became the basis for the creation of famous films. The novel "War and Peace" is recognized as the standard of historical classics. The work “1984” served as a kind of epiphany for humanity, an impetus for understanding the hidden essence of dictatorship. The complex stories of Professor Umberto Eco serve as a universally recognized mental trainer for book lovers.

Easy to read

Let’s make a reservation: we are not going to belittle the books presented in this list by calling them “easy.”

The list received this name for subjective reasons, since his works are pleasant and easy to perceive, like Mozart’s music for the ear. The plot in them is exciting, there is a struggle between good and evil. For many people, these essays have become favorites:

“Agnia, daughter of Agnia” by Vasily Livanov.
“Azazel”, “State Councilor” by Boris Akunin.
"The Count of Monte Cristo", "The Three Musketeers" by Alexandre Dumas.
"Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes.
"The Odyssey of Captain Blood" by Raffaello Sabatini.
The Last of the Mohicans, The Pathfinder by Fenimore Cooper.
"The Adventures of Schweik" by Jaroslav Hasek.
"Spartak" by Raffaello Giovagnoli.
“Thais of Athens” by Ivan Efremov.
"Black Arrow" by Robert Stevenson.
“I have the honor”, “With a pen and a sword” by Valentin Savvich Pikul.

The action of these novels can captivate any category of readers. This is evidenced by the all-Union success of the film “The Three Musketeers,” where d’Artagnan was played by the young and charismatic Mikhail Boyarsky.

Documentary

Serious, stern men prefer documentary novels about the past. Works of this kind pretend to thoroughly disclose a topic that is often impartial and not advertised.

Their heroes are people who have gone through terrible trials, heroically preserving human dignity “in the first circle of hell” (earthly). This literature found a reader relatively recently, during the era of glasnost:

“The Gulag Archipelago”, “In the First Circle” by Alexander Solzhenitsyn.
“Aquarium”, “Icebreaker”, “The Last Republic” by Viktor Suvorov.
“White Clothes” by Vladimir Dudintsev.
“Vishera” by Varlam Shalamov.
“Memories of War” by Nikolai Nikulin.
“Children of Arbat” by Anatoly Rybakov.
“Men and Women”, “Outcast” by Boris Mozhaev.
“A deadly fire awaits us!” Vladimir Pershanin.
“Cursed and Killed” by Viktor Astafiev.
“Faculty of unnecessary things” by Yuri Dombrovsky.

It is not easy psychologically to read these works, which talk about blatant injustice. However, these novels also carry a positive charge, because they instill in people a sense of humanity, justice, immunity to violence, and intransigence to tyranny.

Conclusion

Historical novels are fascinating and exciting. The list of books in this genre is selected by each reader according to his interests. The options for such lists presented in the article are not dogma.

The reader can, guided by taste, add or subtract works from it. The list of such novels is a compass in the sea of books, in which the book lover charts his own route.