best epic historical fiction

I think 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is among the top. It gives a fascinating look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also excellent. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical detail. And 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great choice too. It delves into the court of Henry VIII, with its power struggles and political machinations.

Some excellent epic historical fiction novels include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives an insider's view of the Roman Empire, filled with political intrigue and family drama. 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is another good one. It spans generations in Australia, exploring themes of love, family, and the harsh Australian outback. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M. M. Kaye is a great read. It's set in India during the British Raj and has adventure, romance, and a lot of historical detail.

Well, 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is excellent epic historical fiction. It gives a fictionalized account of the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. It's full of political intrigue, family drama, and historical details. Then there's 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. This novel is set in a 14th - century Italian monastery and combines mystery, philosophy, and historical context. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also a top pick. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in 16th - century England, providing a detailed look at the Tudor court and the religious and political upheavals of the time.

One can identify the best epic historical fiction by considering the author's research. If the author has clearly done extensive research on the historical period, it shows in the details of the story. For instance, in a novel about the Middle Ages, the descriptions of feudalism, knightly codes, and religious practices should be accurate. Additionally, the ability of the book to transport you to that time period is a sign of a great epic historical fiction. You should feel like you are living in that era as you read. The way the historical events are used to drive the story forward is also important. If the events seem forced or just a backdrop, it's probably not a great example.

One way is to ask for recommendations from friends or family who are into historical fiction. They might have some hidden gems to suggest. Another option is to check out book review websites like Goodreads. There, you can see what other readers thought of different novels in this genre. Also, visiting your local library and asking the librarian for suggestions can be very helpful as they are often well - read and know the collection well.

One of the best is 'Outlander' by Diana Gabaldon. It combines time - travel with historical events in Scotland, and the passionate love story between Claire and Jamie is truly captivating.

'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a remarkable epic historical novel. Set in a 14th - century Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical events. The main character, William of Baskerville, investigates a series of murders in the monastery, all while exploring the complex religious and intellectual climate of the time.

Well, an epic historical fiction book typically has a complex plot. Take 'I, Claudius'. It weaves together the political intrigues, family dramas, and historical events of the Roman Empire in a very intricate way. It also often features memorable characters. In 'The Name of the Rose', the detective - like figure of William of Baskerville is very engaging. And the depth of historical research is important. 'Wolf Hall' is filled with details about Henry VIII's court that make it feel very authentic and thus epic.

Well, they typically have a sweeping narrative. They can span generations and different locations within a historical period. Take 'The Pillars of the Earth' for instance. It follows the lives of multiple characters over many years in 12th - century England. They also often include real historical events and figures, sometimes even making them central to the story. And they usually create a vivid sense of time and place, making the reader feel like they are actually in that historical era.

You can start by asking for recommendations from librarians. They are well - versed in books and can point you to some epic historical fiction reads. Another way is to look at best - seller lists of historical fiction. Often, the most popular ones are epic in scope.