What are some famous books that are historical fiction?

One of the most famous is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It's set in 12th - century England and vividly depicts the building of a cathedral. Another is 'Gone with the Wind' which takes place during the American Civil War. Margaret Mitchell brings the South to life. Also, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is well - known. It delves into the court of Henry VIII.

The 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also very famous. Set during the French Revolution, it shows the contrasts between London and Paris, and tells a story full of love, sacrifice, and the upheaval of the times. Dickens' writing style makes the historical events come alive for the readers.

One of the most famous is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts Russian society during the Napoleonic era, with a vast array of characters and storylines that give a comprehensive view of the time. Another is 'Gone with the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell. Set during the American Civil War, it follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara and shows the impact of the war on the South. 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne is also well - known. It's set in Puritan New England and explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

Well, they often have accurate historical settings. For example, in 'War and Peace', the details of the Napoleonic Wars are well - researched. They also usually have fictional characters interacting with real historical events. In 'The Scarlet Letter', Hester Prynne is a fictional character in the real - life Puritan society. And they can bring past eras to life for readers, like 'Gone with the Wind' does for the Old South.

I would also recommend 'Peter the Great' by Alexei Tolstoy. As the title suggests, it focuses on the life and times of Peter the Great. It details his reforms, his military campaigns, and his impact on Russia. It's a long and detailed work that really delves deep into that important era of Russian history.

A very famous one is 'War and Peace'. It's famous for its huge scope in covering the Napoleonic Wars and the complex characters and relationships. 'Gone with the Wind' is also extremely famous, especially for its portrayal of the South during the American Civil War and the strong - willed Scarlett O'Hara.

'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' is quite famous. It tells the story of a young boy whose father is a Nazi commandant. Through his innocent eyes, we see the horror of the concentration camps as he befriends a boy on the other side of the fence.

Well, they often have richly detailed settings. For example, in 'Les Misérables', Hugo vividly describes the Parisian streets and the slums, giving a real sense of the time. They also tend to explore complex social and political issues. Like in 'The Three Musketeers', there are power struggles and court intrigues. Another characteristic is the development of multi - dimensional characters. In 'Madame Bovary', we see Emma Bovary's complex desires and her struggle within the constraints of society.

Another famous one is 'The Conquistador's Wife'. It stands out because it gives a different view compared to many other books. Instead of focusing solely on the Aztecs or the Spaniards, it shows how their lives intertwined. It's a story of love, war, and cultural clash that has attracted many readers.

Definitely 'The Tale of Genji'. It's a classic that has been studied for centuries. It offers a window into the refined and complex court life of the Heian period. Another very well - known one is 'Musashi'. It's about the life of a legendary samurai and is full of action, adventure, and lessons about honor and the way of the sword.