What are some of the best epic historical fiction books?

I think 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves is among the top. It gives a fascinating look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also excellent. Set in a medieval monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical detail. And 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a great choice too. It delves into the court of Henry VIII, with its power struggles and political machinations.

Some excellent epic historical fiction novels include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives an insider's view of the Roman Empire, filled with political intrigue and family drama. 'The Thorn Birds' by Colleen McCullough is another good one. It spans generations in Australia, exploring themes of love, family, and the harsh Australian outback. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M. M. Kaye is a great read. It's set in India during the British Raj and has adventure, romance, and a lot of historical detail.

One of the best is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a classic that takes readers on an epic journey through Middle - earth, filled with battles, magic, and a diverse cast of characters. Another great one is 'The Odyssey' by Homer. It follows Odysseus' long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War. And 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin is also excellent, with its complex political intrigue and vast world - building.

Well, they typically have a sweeping narrative. They can span generations and different locations within a historical period. Take 'The Pillars of the Earth' for instance. It follows the lives of multiple characters over many years in 12th - century England. They also often include real historical events and figures, sometimes even making them central to the story. And they usually create a vivid sense of time and place, making the reader feel like they are actually in that historical era.

Sure. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is an excellent one. It's set in 12th - century England and tells a vivid story about the building of a cathedral. Another great choice is 'Gone with the Wind' which takes place during the American Civil War, depicting the life of Scarlett O'Hara. Also, 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is worth reading. It focuses on the life of Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England.

'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a remarkable epic historical novel. Set in a 14th - century Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical events. The main character, William of Baskerville, investigates a series of murders in the monastery, all while exploring the complex religious and intellectual climate of the time.

Some great epic reads in historical fiction include 'I, Claudius' by Robert Graves. It gives a detailed look into the Roman Empire from the perspective of Claudius. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is also excellent. It tells the story of building a cathedral in 12th - century England, with a lot of political, social, and personal dramas. 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is about Thomas Cromwell in the court of Henry VIII, presenting a complex and engaging historical narrative.

Yes. 'I, Claudius' is a notable large epic historical fiction. It gives a fictionalized account of the life of the Roman Emperor Claudius. It's full of political intrigue, family drama and historical details. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also a good choice. It's set in an Italian monastery in the 14th century and combines mystery, theology and historical elements. And 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is set during the French Revolution and shows the contrast between London and Paris at that time.

One of the best is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. It vividly depicts the Napoleonic Wars and the impact on Russian society. The characters are complex and the battle scenes are detailed.

Well, 'The Mirror & the Light' by Hilary Mantel is also a 2020 historical fiction. It's the final part of her Cromwell trilogy, giving a detailed look at the life of Thomas Cromwell in Tudor England. And 'A Long Petal of the Sea' by Isabel Allende is set during the Spanish Civil War and the aftermath, following the journey of refugees.