What are some classic historical gay fiction works?

Then there's 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It's set in ancient Rome and is told from the perspective of Claudius, a Roman emperor. It gives an insider's view of the political intrigue, power struggles, and family drama in the Roman imperial court.

One classic is 'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian. It's a great example with its detailed descriptions of naval life and battles during the Napoleonic Wars.

One classic is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's set in an old English manor and has a very eerie atmosphere. The ghosts in it are ambiguous, leaving readers to wonder about their true nature.

There are quite a few. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is a very interesting one. It's set in a medieval Italian monastery and is full of mystery and historical details. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is another. It tells the story of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. And don't forget 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which is set against the backdrop of India's independence.

Some classic works in historical adventure fiction include 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas. This novel is set against the backdrop of post - Napoleonic France and features a story of revenge and adventure. Then there's 'Kidnapped' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which is set in Scotland and tells the story of a young man's abduction and his adventures in a turbulent time. Also, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' by Baroness Emmuska Orczy, set during the French Revolution, with a hero who rescues aristocrats from the guillotine.

The 'On Stranger Tides' by Tim Powers is also a notable one. It combines elements of historical pirate lore with elements of the supernatural. It follows the adventures of Jack Shandy, a pirate, as he gets involved in a quest for the Fountain of Youth. The book has a very unique and engaging plot that blends real - world pirate history with magical elements.

One classic is 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores gender and sexuality in a science - fictional context. The world in the story has a unique approach to gender where people are not strictly male or female most of the time.

One classic is 'Gone with the Wind'. It vividly portrays the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The characters like Scarlett O'Hara are well - known. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird', which shows racial issues in the southern context through the eyes of Scout Finch. And 'The Color Purple' also has elements of southern historical fiction, exploring the lives of African - American women in the South.

I think 'Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry' is an important work. It's set in the racially segregated South during the Great Depression. It shows the hardships and strength of a young African - American family through the eyes of a young girl. These books not only tell great stories but also give insights into different historical periods from a young adult's perspective.

A notable work is 'Orlando' by Virginia Woolf. It's a unique story where the main character changes gender over time and has elements of same - sex attraction. Then there's 'Stone Butch Blues' which delves into the experiences of a butch lesbian in the past. It gives a very real and often difficult look at the lives of lesbians in a historical context.