What are some popular short historical novels?

One popular historical novel is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler is full of love, struggle, and the changing social landscape.

Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is highly popular. It's set in 12th - century England and follows the building of a cathedral. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is also well - loved. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor period. These novels are popular because they combine accurate historical details with engaging characters and storylines.

One popular one is 'The Lady and the Highwayman' which often pops up in free e - book collections. It tells a story of a noble lady and her encounter with a charming yet dangerous highwayman in a historical setting. Another is 'A Knight's Love in Medieval Times' which can be found on some author blogs for free. It details the love story between a knight and a maiden during the Middle Ages.

Guy de Maupassant's 'Boule de Suif' is a well - known short story set during the Franco - Prussian War. It shows the different attitudes of people from different social classes during that time of conflict through the story of a prostitute named Boule de Suif.

One popular choice is 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer. It's a collection of stories from different pilgrims in medieval England. Another is 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury, which has elements of historical and science fiction, set in a future - looking - back - at - Mars exploration.

Another great one is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. This novel takes place in 1896 New York City. It follows a team of investigators trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. The story gives a great look into the society and culture of that time period while maintaining a suspenseful mystery.

One popular historical adventure novel is 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas. It's set in 17th - century France and follows the adventures of d'Artagnan and his musketeer friends. Another is 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which takes readers on a thrilling journey in search of pirate treasure. 'Kidnapped' by Stevenson is also great, set in the Scottish Highlands with lots of action and adventure.

There's 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë. It's a story set in the Yorkshire moors of England, with elements of the Gothic and a complex exploration of love and revenge. 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen is another great English historical novel. It contrasts the two title qualities in the two main female characters and shows the social world of the English gentry. 'Rob Roy' by Sir Walter Scott is also an important work. It's set in the 18th - century Scottish Highlands and has elements of adventure and historical detail.

There are quite a few. 'The Ravenels' series by Lisa Kleypas contains some steamy historical novels. These books are set in the Victorian era and explore the relationships and romances of the characters in that period, often with some rather passionate scenes. 'The Highlanders' series by Maya Banks is another example. The books are set in Scotland's historical past and feature strong, passionate characters with some steamy encounters. Also, 'Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake' by Sarah MacLean has a historical setting and some steamy moments in the love story.

One popular historical art novel is 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Tracy Chevalier. It delves into the world of the Dutch Golden Age and the creation of the famous painting. Another is 'The Da Vinci Code' which, while a thriller, is filled with historical art references. Also, 'The Birth of Venus' by Sarah Dunant, set in Renaissance Florence, exploring art, love, and the status of women at that time.