best medieval inquisition historical fiction

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.

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.

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.

One of the great ones is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts life in 12th - century England, from the building of a cathedral to the power struggles among the nobility and the common folk. Another is 'I, Claudius' which gives a fascinating look into the Roman Empire during a time that was still very much influenced by medieval - like power structures and values. And 'A Knight's Tale' is also a wonderful read, full of adventure and a great portrayal of knightly life in the Middle Ages.

Well, Mary Stewart is a great author in this genre. Her Arthurian novels, like 'The Crystal Cave', are really good. She has a way of making the Arthurian legend feel very real and grounded in the medieval setting. Then there's Sharon Kay Penman. Her books, such as 'Here Be Dragons', are known for their accurate historical research. She delves deep into the politics and family relationships in medieval Wales. Also, George R. R. Martin has elements of medieval historical fiction in his 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. His world - building with feudal kingdoms and power struggles is very reminiscent of medieval times.

One way is to do in - depth research on the period. Look into historical records, chronicles, and accounts of the time. For example, if writing about medieval warfare, study the types of weapons used, battle formations, and military strategies. Another is to study the social structure. Know about the different classes, their roles, and how they interacted. For instance, how the nobility, clergy, and commoners related to each other.

Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. Set in 12th - century England, it tells the story of a Saxon knight. It shows the complex relationships between the Normans and the Saxons at that time, along with elements of chivalry, tournaments, and forbidden love.