What is the difference between historical works and historical novels?

The difference between historical works and historical novels was that they were written for different purposes and audiences. Historical works usually tried to objectively and accurately record and explain historical events, characters, cultures, etc., and then infer and discuss them on this basis. The main audiences of historical works were historians, researchers, and other people interested in history. Historical novels were a type of fictional literature that used historical events as a blueprint to present historical backgrounds through fictional stories and characters. The purpose was to show the readers the humanity, emotions, and complexity behind historical events. The main audience for historical novels were readers who liked to read fictional and historical novels, as well as those who were interested in historical events and characters. Therefore, there are significant differences between historical works and historical novels in terms of writing purpose, audience, and literary form.