There are several very influential English historical novels. 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot is a masterwork that delves deep into the social and political fabric of a provincial town in the 19th century. It shows the complex relationships between different characters and how society shapes them. 'Robinson Crusoe' by Daniel Defoe was highly influential as it was one of the early novels in English literature and told an adventure story set in a colonial context. 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray is also important as it satirizes the upper - class society in early 19th - century England.
One of the most influential is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It gives a great view of the social life in early 19th - century England. Another is '1984' by George Orwell which, while set in a fictional future, has a lot to say about power and society. 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens also shows the social classes and the hopes and dreams of people in Victorian England.
You can start by looking for well - known and highly recommended titles. For example, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great one. Check out local libraries or online bookstores. You can also join a book club focused on historical novels to get more insights and reading suggestions from others.
Another great one is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It offers an extensive look at Russian society during the Napoleonic era and is a long and immersive read. The characters and their experiences are richly detailed and draw you in for a long journey through history.
Definitely 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It has influenced generations of young people with its exploration of teenage angst, alienation, and the search for identity. Holden Caulfield's voice is so unique and relatable. Another important one is 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot. It's a complex novel that weaves together the lives of many characters in a provincial town, exploring themes like marriage, politics, and the pursuit of ideals.
Among 20th century English novels, 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is highly influential. It uses animals on a farm to represent different classes in society and shows how power can corrupt. 'A Passage to India' by E. M. Forster is also a great one. It deals with the relationship between the British and the Indians during the colonial period, exploring themes of race, culture and misunderstanding.
There's 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë. It's a story set in the Yorkshire moors of England, with elements of the Gothic and a complex exploration of love and revenge. 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen is another great English historical novel. It contrasts the two title qualities in the two main female characters and shows the social world of the English gentry. 'Rob Roy' by Sir Walter Scott is also an important work. It's set in the 18th - century Scottish Highlands and has elements of adventure and historical detail.
One of the well - known English historical novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It gives a view of the English society in the early 19th century, with its class distinctions, marriage customs and social manners. Another is 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray which presents a panorama of English society during the Napoleonic Wars. 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë also has elements of historical context in terms of the rural Yorkshire setting and the social hierarchies of the time.
Hilary Mantel is extremely popular. Her detailed research and vivid portrayal of Tudor England in the 'Wolf Hall' series have made her works best - sellers. Philippa Gregory is also very popular. Her books often center around strong female characters in historical settings and are widely read. Ken Follett's large - scale historical novels with complex plots and a great deal of historical detail, like 'The Pillars of the Earth', have a huge fan base.
Historical English novels often have detailed descriptions of the time period. For example, they might describe the fashion, like the elaborate dresses in Austen's novels. They also show social hierarchies, such as the class differences in Dickens' works. Another characteristic is the use of period - appropriate language, which can sometimes be a bit archaic.
One great long English novel is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a masterpiece that delves deep into Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with a large cast of characters and complex themes. Another is 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot. It offers a detailed portrait of provincial English life in the 19th century. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also a notable one, with its exploration of obsession and the sea.
English historical romance novels usually have a strong sense of time and place. They transport readers to a different historical period. The characters are often shaped by the values and norms of that time. In 'Jane Eyre', Jane's moral values are influenced by the Victorian era. The love stories are often slow - burning and full of tension. There's a build - up of emotions as the characters get to know each other, like in 'Outlander' where Claire and Jamie's relationship develops gradually over time.