Early English historical fiction frequently incorporates elements of the culture of the time. This includes language styles that were used then. For instance, in 'The Canterbury Tales', Chaucer uses Middle English, which gives a very authentic feel. Also, they tend to show the social hierarchies, like the relationship between the nobility and the commoners. In many of these works, we can see how the different classes interacted, such as in 'Le Morte d'Arthur' where the knights' code of conduct was different from that of the peasants.
Well, a significant theme was the impact of industrialization. With factories and new technologies on the rise, it was a major part of life and thus found its way into historical fiction. War and conflict were also themes, as the early 1900s saw various wars. And there was also the theme of the search for identity, as individuals were trying to find their place in a changing world.
One key feature is the detailed historical setting. It often recreates the social, political, and cultural environment of the early modern period accurately. For example, it might show the class hierarchies and the power struggles of that time. Another feature is the complex characters. They are usually influenced by the values and beliefs of the era. Also, the plot may be centered around real historical events or figures, but with fictional elements added to make it more engaging.
It helps us understand the cultural and social environment in which Christianity emerged. By depicting the interactions between early Christians and non - Christians in fictional stories, we can see the tensions, conversions, and coexistence. Fiction can also explore the spread of Christian ideas in different regions and among different social classes. For instance, it can show how the message of love and salvation in Christianity might have been received by slaves or the wealthy in those early days. This gives us a more comprehensive view of the growth and development of early Christianity than just relying on dry historical facts.
One popular work is 'The Robe' by Lloyd C. Douglas. It tells a fictional story set in the time of Jesus' crucifixion and its aftermath, exploring the impact on those who were involved in the events surrounding it.
One great early 1900 historical fiction is 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London. It's set during the Klondike Gold Rush and tells the story of a dog named Buck. Another is 'A Room with a View' by E.M. Forster which gives a view of the social classes in England in the early 1900s.
Another notable work is 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. Set in the early Roman Empire which was part of the broader early medieval period in a sense. It offers a fictionalized account of the life of Claudius, filled with court drama, power struggles, and historical details that bring the era to life.
Religious conversion is also a big theme. Early medieval Ireland had a shift from pagan beliefs to Christianity, and this is often explored in these fictions. For example, how the new religion influenced the society, its art, and its way of life. There are often stories of saints and missionaries in these books as well.
One great early reader historical fiction book is 'The Little House on the Prairie' series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It gives a vivid picture of pioneer life in America. Another is 'Johnny Tremain' which is set during the American Revolution. And 'I Survived' series also has some historical fiction titles suitable for early readers, like the ones about the Titanic or the Great Chicago Fire.
I would recommend 'A Place of Greater Safety' by Hilary Mantel. It's about the French Revolution which is an important part of the early modern period. 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield is set in ancient Greece but also has elements relevant to the early modern ideas of heroism and warfare. Also, 'The Red Tent' by Anita Diamant, which gives a different perspective on the biblical story, which is also part of the early modern historical and cultural context.