These are novels whose primary focus is the exploration of a historical event, figure or period. A historical subplot, theme or setting is not sufficient to place a novel in this category. The historical plot, theme, character or setting must be essential and the primary focus of the plot. These novels frequently place a greater emphasis on character development than on formulaic plot.

Print Resources

• World Historical Fiction: An Annotated Guide to Novels for Adults and Young Adults
• What Historical Novel Do I Read Next?
• American Historical Fiction: An Annotated Guide to Novels for Adults and Young Adults

Web Resources

• Soon’s HisFiction.net - This comprehensive site includes an author database (which provides author's Web site URL, genre, historical period, title and character information. Some entries also include other recommended authors), user forums, Web site annotations, author and title lists and much more.