best selling medieval historical fiction

Another popular title is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor period, which is a significant part of medieval history. The detailed research and engaging storytelling make it a best - seller.

Ken Follett is quite well - known. His works, like 'The Pillars of the Earth', are very popular. He has a great ability to create complex characters and detailed settings that draw readers into the medieval world.

Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose' is a well - known best - selling medieval fiction. It combines mystery, historical elements, and intellectual depth, taking place in a medieval monastery where a series of mysterious deaths occur.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and is filled with mystery, religious intrigue, and complex characters. The detailed descriptions of the monastery's daily life and the intellectual debates are fascinating.

Well, 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley is a great medieval historical fiction book. It retells the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women involved, such as Morgaine. It's a different take on the well - known tales. 'Katherine' by Anya Seton is another one. It's set in the 14th century and tells the story of Katherine Swynford and her relationship with John of Gaunt. And then there's 'The Saxon Tales' series by Bernard Cornwell. It focuses on the Viking invasions of England in the medieval period, full of battles, political intrigue, and the clash of cultures.

One great medieval times historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly portrays life in 12th - century England, from the building of a cathedral to the political and social intrigues of the time. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which takes readers into the world of knights and chivalry in medieval England. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also highly recommended. It combines mystery and historical detail in a 14th - century Italian monastery setting.

Connie Willis's 'Doomsday Book' is also a great work of medieval fiction. It tells the story of a time - traveling historian who goes back to the Middle Ages. It's a mix of science fiction and medieval history, exploring the lives of people during the Black Death.

A great medieval historical fiction book often has well - researched historical details. For example, accurate descriptions of clothing, architecture, and social hierarchies. 'The Pillars of the Earth' does this really well. It also has engaging characters. In 'I, Claudius', the complex characters like Claudius himself draw you into the story. And a good plot that ties into the historical context, like in 'The Name of the Rose' where the mystery unfolds against the backdrop of a medieval monastery.

I would recommend 'Ivanhoe' by Walter Scott. It gives a good sense of the chivalric code and the political and cultural aspects of medieval England, like the relationship between the Saxons and Normans.

A really well - known best - selling medieval romance is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. While it also has elements of time - travel, the medieval Scottish setting and the passionate romance between the main characters have made it extremely popular. The detailed descriptions of the era, from the clans to the battles, add to its charm.