top medieval historical fiction books

A great one is 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White. It retells the Arthurian legend in a way that also reflects on the medieval world. It has courtly love, jousting, and the complex relationships between knights and royalty.

One of the top ones is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and involves a complex mystery with elements of theology, philosophy, and history.

One great clean historical medieval fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with rich historical details and engaging characters. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott. It takes place during the time of the Crusades and is full of knights, battles, and courtly love. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a good choice. It combines mystery and historical elements set in a medieval monastery.

One great historical fiction medieval book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, filled with complex characters and political intrigue.

They usually have a strong sense of historical accuracy in terms of events and customs. Such as the religious practices of the time. In 'The Name of the Rose', the religious debates and practices within the monastery are based on historical research. And they often feature heroic or noble characters like knights on quests, as seen in 'Ivanhoe' where the title character is a chivalrous knight.

Well, these books typically feature elements such as chivalry. Knights are often depicted as following a code of honor, being brave in battle and courteous to ladies. Another characteristic is the use of archaic language or at least language that gives the feel of the medieval era. They also tend to include historical events, like wars or the building of great cathedrals. The role of women is also an important aspect, whether they are noblewomen with limited power or peasant women struggling to survive. And the power struggles between different kingdoms or noble families are common plot elements.

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.

Some popular medieval fiction books include 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It gives a vivid picture of medieval life through the tales told by a group of pilgrims. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which is set during the time of the Crusades and features knights, tournaments, and the complex social structure of the era. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also well - known. It combines mystery, medieval monastic life, and philosophical themes.

A must - read in medieval times historical fiction is 'The Once and Future King'. It's a modern take on the Arthurian legend that delves deep into the ideals of leadership, justice, and the human condition in a medieval context. 'The Sunne in Splendour' is also essential for those interested in the Wars of the Roses period. It provides a detailed and sympathetic portrayal of Richard III, challenging some of the traditional views.