The 222 Greatest Works of Historical Fiction

In building our first historical fiction list, we've been surprised how much literature falls into this genre. Many titles already appearing on The Greatest Literature of All Time list meet the criteria to be considered historical fiction. Many other works long enjoyed as part of the literary mainstream are fit into this genre.

Equally impressive has been the amount of fiction published and acclaimed as historical in recent years. The field is evergreen.

The definition of historical fiction can be somewhat elastic. But the one point everyone agrees on is that it takes place in the past. How far in the past, however, is debatable. At least sixty years before the time of writing, say some. Thirty years, say others. Sometimes the limit is set at the birth of the author: an "historical" story can't take place in an era the writer lived through.

Other requirements have been proclaimed or disputed. The work must be historically accurate, it's been argued. Or it must accurate in general outline. Or not at all, letting alternative histories into the mix. Supernatural elements may or may not be allowed. A dozen other criteria have been proposed.

For our purposes in creating this list of the greatest-ever historical fiction, we have followed the consensus of readers, writers and critics as well as it could be determined.

We anticipate revisions for eons to come as new titles are discovered and old titles are reassessed. Check back to get updates.

Latest update: March 18, 2024

See also:

Greatest Literature of All Time

Greatest Novels of All Time

Greatest Stories of All Time

Greatest Science Fiction

Greatest Fantasy Fiction

On Twitter: