Authors
The Other Boleyn Girl, a novel about Mary Boleyn's time in the Tudor court is written by this author.
Philippa Gregory
A book turned musical about revolutionary France that featured Hugh Jackman.
Les Misérables
The Book Thief, a novel about 1939 Germany takes place during this war.
World War II
The Bridgeton series by Julia Quinn is a part of this historical subgenre.
Historical Romance
This subgenre is considered the most popular among historical fiction readers.
Historical Romance
Lonesome Dove, a novel about cattle ranchers in the Old West was written by this author.
Larry McMurtry
This medieval tv series is based on Ken Follett's novel about the building of a European Cathedral.
The Pillars of the Earth
Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series that features a 19th century British Officer takes place during this war.
Napoleonic War
Man in the High Castle, a novel about Nazis led 1960s America is a part of this historical subgenre.
Alternative History
This period of conflict is the most popular setting for historical fiction.
World War II era (1939- 1945)
The Kite Runner, a novel about a young man's childhood in mid 20th century Afghanistan was written by this author.
Khaled Hosseini
A 2026 Oscar nominated film about Shakespeare's family tragedy.
Hamnet
Kate Quinn's The Briar Club set in 1950s Washington D.C. covers this political anti-communist era.
McCarthy Era/ Red Scare
Rhys Bowen's Her Royal Spyness series revolves around a British Noblewoman who loves intrigue and is a part of this historical subgenre.
Historical Mystery
This book about the 1980s NASA Space Shuttle program by Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of 2025s most popular historical fiction novel.
Atmosphere
The Old Lion, a biographical historical fiction about Theodore Roosevelt was written by this author.
Jeff Shaara
A 2022 film based on Delia Owen's novel about a girl's struggles with being a murder suspect in a small town.
Where the Crawdads Sing
The Terror, a novel about the 1845 Franklin expedition takes place during this time period.
Victorian Era/Period
I, Claudius, a novel about Roman Emperor Claudius's ascent to power is a part of this historical subgenre.
Biographical Historical Fiction
This 2023 novel by Shana Abe focuses on Arabella Huntington, the richest self-made woman in America during the Gilded Age.
An American Beauty
The Women, a novel about a young nurse's experiences with the Vietnam war was written by this author.
Kristin Hannah
A 2003 film based on Tracy Chevalier's novel about a servant and her relationship with 17th century painter Johannes Vermeer.
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Shogun, a novel about feudal Japan (1568 to 1600 ) is set in this time period.
Azuchi-Momoyama Period
The Song of Achilles, a Madeline Miller novel about the Trojan War through the eyes of Greek soldier Patroclus is a part of this historical subgenre.
Historical Fantasy
This 2003 novel by Richard Harris focuses on a Roman engineer during the time of a volcanic disaster.
Pompeii