best authors of historical fiction

One of the best authors of historical fiction is Hilary Mantel. Her 'Wolf Hall' trilogy is a masterpiece, vividly recreating the Tudor court. Another great one is Ken Follett. His books like 'The Pillars of the Earth' bring medieval England to life with rich detail. And then there's James Michener who wrote sweeping historical epics that cover different periods and regions.

Bernard Cornwell is a highly regarded author for historical fiction. His 'Sharpe' series, set during the Napoleonic Wars, is very popular. The books are full of action and give a great sense of what life was like for soldiers at that time. Additionally, Philippa Gregory is well - known for her Tudor - era novels like 'The Other Boleyn Girl', which offer a fictionalized but well - researched look at the lives of historical figures.

Some of the best historical fiction authors include Hilary Mantel, Ken Follett, and Diana Gabaldon. Their works are highly regarded for their rich detail and engaging storytelling.

George R.R. Martin is a top name. His 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, known for 'Game of Thrones', is filled with political drama and magic set in a medieval - like world. Susanna Clarke is also great. Her 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' is a masterful blend of historical England and magic. And Naomi Novik with 'Uprooted' creates a magical world inspired by old - European tales.

Ta - Nehisi Coates is another possible author. His work 'The Water Dancer' delved deep into the history of slavery in America. He has a unique style of writing that combines historical facts with elements of fantasy to create a very engaging story.

Jane Doe could be popular. Her stories in historical fiction are known for their strong female characters. She might be setting her stories in various historical periods and exploring different aspects of women's lives during those times.

Alice Walker is also a prominent author. 'The Color Purple' is her masterpiece. She writes about the experiences of African - American women in a historical context, bringing to light the hardships they faced. Toni Morrison is another important figure. Although her works are not strictly 'historical fiction' in a traditional sense, but works like 'Beloved' which has historical elements, explores the African - American female experience in a post - slavery era, showing the long - lasting impact of slavery on women.

A great historical fiction author has a unique voice. Bernard Cornwell's writing style in his 'Sharpe' series is very distinct. It's fast - paced and gives a gritty view of war. They also need to have a sense of the big picture. Margaret George, when writing about Cleopatra, doesn't just focus on the character but also on the political and cultural context of the time. This gives a more complete and immersive reading experience.

One of the best is Charles Dickens. His works like 'A Tale of Two Cities' are set against the backdrop of historical events, in this case, the French Revolution. Dickens' vivid descriptions of the social conditions and the people of that time make it a great piece of historical fiction.

I would recommend Herman Wouk. He wrote 'The Winds of War' and other great works related to historical wars. Michael Shaara is excellent too. His 'The Killer Angels' is very well - written. Ernest Hemingway should not be forgotten. His 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is a great piece of historical war fiction.