Patrick O'Brian is also a notable name. His 'Master and Commander' series is highly praised. He is great at depicting the naval life during the Napoleonic Wars, with a focus on the characters, their relationships, and of course, the naval battles.
Alistair MacLean is another famous author. His 'The Guns of Navarone' is a classic. He has a talent for creating tense and exciting military - themed stories, often set in World War II scenarios. His writing style is very vivid and action - packed.
Rosemary Sutcliff is quite well - known. Her works often involve Roman military themes, like in 'The Eagle of the Ninth'. Then there's Robert Graves with 'I, Claudius'. His writing gives a great insight into the Roman world with military undertones. Also, Simon Scarrow is famous for his books about Roman military, such as 'Centurion'.
Well, there are quite a few. For example, Georgette Heyer. She is known for her Regency - era historical romances that are also a part of historical fiction. Her novels like 'Regency Buck' are full of the charm and social nuances of that time. Then there's Daphne du Maurier. Her 'Rebecca' is set in a large country house and has elements of mystery and historical context. Also, Elizabeth Chadwick writes about the medieval period in Britain, such as in her novel 'The Greatest Knight', which is based on the life of William Marshal.
There are many great authors of historical novels. For example, Leo Tolstoy with 'War and Peace'. This novel is not only a story of love and family but also a detailed account of the Napoleonic Wars and Russian society at that time. James Michener is also renowned. His works often cover large swaths of history and different cultures, like in 'Centennial' which chronicles the history of the American West. And then there's Philippa Gregory, who has written numerous historical novels about the Tudor court, giving readers an in - depth look at that era.
Nevil Shute, who penned 'A Town Like Alice', is one. Ruth Park, author of 'The Harp in the South', is well - known. Also, Joan Lindsay, the creator of 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', is a notable figure in the realm of Australian historical novels. These authors have used their works to bring different aspects of Australian history to life, be it the war - time experiences, the working - class struggles or the mysterious events in the past.
Robert Graves is a well - known author of Roman historical novels. His 'I, Claudius' is highly regarded. Another is Rosemary Sutcliff, famous for 'The Eagle of the Ninth'. And of course, Tacitus, whose works like 'The Annals of Imperial Rome' are very important historical sources that can be related to this genre.
One of the prominent British publishers of historical fiction is Bloomsbury Publishing. They are known for bringing out some high - quality historical novels. Additionally, Macmillan Publishers in the UK is also a significant player in publishing historical fiction. They have a long history of promoting works in this genre, with many classic and contemporary historical fictions in their catalogue.
Julian Barnes is a well - known author of post - modern British novels. His works often blend different narrative styles and explore themes like memory and the passage of time in a very post - modern way. Also, Salman Rushdie. His books, such as 'Midnight's Children', are full of post - modern elements like magical realism and the deconstruction of historical and cultural identities.
Agatha Christie is a well - known 20th - century British novelist. She is famous for her detective novels like "Murder on the Embankment". Graham Greene is also significant. His works often explored moral and political themes. And Iris Murdoch, with her complex and philosophical novels, was also a prominent 20th - century British author.
Well, there's P. D. James. Her novels are known for their complex characters and intricate plots. She often delves deep into the psychological aspects of the characters involved in the crimes. Also, Ian Rankin with his Rebus series. His stories are set in Edinburgh and give a great sense of place while exploring various crimes and the detective's journey to solve them.