Whether you’re fascinated by Ancient Rome, captivated by Medieval battles, drawn to Tudor intrigue, or moved by World War II stories, Historical Shelf helps you discover and navigate the rich world of historical fiction.
📚 What Is Historical Fiction?
Learn about the genre, how it differs from other types of fiction, and what makes great historical novels.
🎯 For Beginners
Start your historical fiction journey with our curated recommendations for newcomers to the genre.
⭐ Best of All Time
Explore the greatest historical fiction novels ever written across all time periods.
Explore by Time Period
Featured Authors
Discover the masters of historical fiction and explore their complete bibliographies and series.
Popular Series Reading Orders
Get the complete reading order for your favorite historical fiction series.
The Last Kingdom
Bernard Cornwell’s epic saxon stories saga
Sharpe Series
Napoleonic Wars adventures
Kingsbridge Series
Ken Follett’s medieval saga
Wolf Hall Trilogy
Hilary Mantel’s Tudor chronicle
Emperor Series
Conn Iggulden’s Julius Caesar saga
Outlander Series
Diana Gabaldon’s time-traveling romance
Curated Reading Lists
Latest Articles
Robert Harris: Complete Guide to Books & Series
Robert Harris is one of the most acclaimed authors of political thrillers and historical fiction of our time, known for his meticulous research, gripping narratives, and ability to make history feel urgent and contemporary. With 16 bestselling novels translated into 40 languages and nine film and television adaptations, Harris has established himself as a master…
Conn Iggulden: Complete Guide to Books & Series
Conn Iggulden is one of the most popular historical fiction authors writing today, known for his epic series about Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, and the Wars of the Roses. With over 40 books published and millions of copies sold worldwide, Iggulden brings ancient Rome, medieval England, and the Mongol Empire to vivid life through meticulous…
Hilary Mantel: Complete Guide to Books & Series
Dame Hilary Mantel (1952-2022) was one of the most celebrated historical fiction authors of her time, renowned for her brilliant Wolf Hall trilogy, which tells the story of Thomas Cromwell and Tudor England. She became the first woman to win the Booker Prize twice, cementing her place among literary greats. Mantel’s meticulous research, psychological depth,…
Ken Follett: Complete Guide to Books & Series
Ken Follett stands as one of the world’s most beloved and bestselling authors, with more than 198 million copies of his 38 books sold across over 80 countries in 40 languages. From gripping World War II thrillers to sweeping medieval epics spanning centuries, Follett has mastered the art of bringing history to life through unforgettable…
Bernard Cornwell Book Series in Order
Bernard Cornwell is one of the most prolific and beloved historical fiction authors writing today, with over 60 novels spanning more than four decades. Best known for “The Last Kingdom” series (adapted by Netflix) and the Sharpe novels (adapted by ITV), Cornwell has built a reputation for meticulously researched military historical fiction that brings the…
Best Female Lead Historical Fiction: 18 Books with Strong Women
Historical fiction has long been criticized for centering male experiences, particularly in military and political narratives where women were historically excluded from formal power. Yet throughout history, women have been warriors, rulers, spies, healers, artists, and revolutionaries. They’ve shaped events, survived impossible circumstances, and left marks on history that deserve recognition and exploration. The best…