epic world historical fiction

First, do extensive research on the historical period you want to write about. Read primary and secondary sources, understand the politics, culture, and daily life of that time. Then, create complex and believable characters. They should be products of their time but also have unique personalities. For example, if you're writing about the Renaissance, your characters might be artists, nobles, or merchants with different motives and dreams.

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.

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.

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.

Some great epic reads in historical fiction include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives a detailed look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It tells the story of building a cathedral in 12th - century England, with a lot of political, social, and personal dramas. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is about Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII, presenting a complex and engaging historical narrative.

One characteristic is the large - scale setting. It often spans across different regions or countries, like in 'War and Peace' which covers a large part of Russia. Another is the presence of a large number of characters, each with their own storylines that intertwine. Also, it usually has a long time frame, depicting events over many years or even decades. For example, 'Gone with the Wind' covers the years of the Civil War and its aftermath.

First off, pick a significant historical event or era that intrigues you. Build your story around that. Also, incorporate real historical figures or draw inspiration from them. Make sure your plot has enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged.

Some notable epic world historical fictions include 'Century Trilogy' by Ken Follett. This series spans the major events of the 20th century, covering World War I, World War II, and the Cold War, showing how different families around the world are affected. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is set during the French Revolution and portrays the social unrest and the struggle between different classes in both London and Paris. 'The Alexandria Quartet' by Lawrence Durrell is also a great work that gives a rich and complex view of Alexandria in the early 20th century.

One great example is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic era in Russia, with complex characters and grand battle scenes. Another is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett, which tells the story of building a cathedral in 12th - century England. 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is also notable, taking readers into the world of the Roman Empire.