What are the differences between 'historic fiction' and 'historical fiction'?

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional characters and events with historical settings. It often takes place in a specific time period in the past, like the Victorian era or World War II. Writers use real historical events as a backdrop and then create fictional stories and characters within that framework. For example, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is set during World War II and has a fictional story of a girl in Nazi Germany, but it also incorporates real historical elements like the bombing of Munich.

Historical fiction is a type of fiction that is set in a particular time in the past. Fiction, on the other hand, can be set in any time or place, real or imagined. For example, a historical fiction novel might be set during the American Civil War, while a regular fiction novel could be set in a made - up fantasy world.

Fantastic fiction can take readers to completely made - up realms, like the wizarding world of Harry Potter. It focuses on creativity and the exploration of the unknown. Historical fiction aims to recreate a specific time in history. It uses research to accurately portray the setting, culture, and events of that era. So, the main difference lies in their settings and the types of elements they contain.

Period fiction often focuses on a particular era, like the Victorian period, and may emphasize the social mores and lifestyles of that time more than strict historical accuracy. Historical fiction, on the other hand, is more concerned with depicting real historical events and figures accurately within a fictional narrative. For example, a period fiction might focus on the fashion and courtship rituals of the 18th century without necessarily tying it to a major historical event. While historical fiction could be about a battle or a political movement and would strive to be as accurate as possible about the facts related to it.

Historical fiction is set in the past and often incorporates real events and people. Realistic fiction, on the other hand, is set in the present or recent times and focuses on common, contemporary experiences.

Realistic fiction deals with current and relatable scenarios. It might be about school, friendships, or family in today's world. Historical fiction, though, transports us to a specific past era, like medieval times or the 19th century. It requires research to get the historical details right and make the story feel authentic.

A historical novel is a type of historical fiction. In general, a historical novel often focuses more on the story of individual characters within a historical setting. It may be more plot - driven, with characters' personal dramas and growth at the center. For example, 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It's a historical novel that tells the story of several families during the Napoleonic Wars. While historical fiction is a broader term that encompasses various forms of fictional works set in the past. It can include not only novels but also short stories, etc.

The distinction between historical fiction and historical novel is rather blurry. Historically, a historical novel was seen as a major work of prose fiction that was set in the past. It often aimed to recreate a historical period in great detail, with a focus on historical accuracy in terms of events, settings, and social norms. On the other hand, historical fiction can be more fluid. It can include works that play more loosely with historical facts, perhaps using a historical backdrop to tell a more fantastical or personal story. For example, a historical novel about the Roman Empire might be very detailed about the politics, battles, and daily life of that time. But a piece of historical fiction could take a minor event in Roman history and build a fictional love story around it, not being as strict about the overall historical representation.

A historical timeline is an objective record of historical events, arranged in chronological order. It's the backbone of historical knowledge. In contrast, historical fiction is a creative genre. It uses the historical timeline as a foundation but then adds fictional layers. For example, a historical timeline will tell us that the French Revolution took place from 1789 - 1799. A historical fiction set during this time might focus on a fictional family caught up in the revolution, with their own personal struggles and relationships, while still referring to the real - life events of the revolution like the storming of the Bastille.

History is based on facts, real events, and evidence from the past. It's about what actually happened. Historical fiction, on the other hand, is a fictional story set in a historical period. It may use real historical events as a backdrop but also includes fictional characters and fictionalized elements of the story.