Can you recommend the best medieval period fiction books?

Sure. 'Ivanhoe' is a good start. It has a straightforward plot about knights and maidens during the Crusades. The language is not overly difficult compared to some other medieval works. Another one is 'The Canterbury Tales'. Although it's written in Middle English, there are many modern translations available. It gives a great overview of different types of people in medieval society through their stories.

Sure. 'The Song of Roland' is a great one. It's an epic poem that tells the story of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. 'Beowulf' is also a classic in medieval literature. It's about a hero who battles monsters. And 'The Decameron' by Giovanni Boccaccio is a collection of stories set during the Black Death in Florence, which gives a unique perspective on medieval life.

Sure. 'Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth' is excellent. It tells the story of the building of a cathedral in a fictional English town during the Middle Ages. It shows the lives of the people involved, from the nobles to the peasants, and how they all interact in the context of this grand construction project.

I would recommend 'The Princess Bride' which has a medieval - like setting with its knights, princesses, and sword - fighting. It's a fun and engaging read. 'The Talisman' by Stephen King and Peter Straub also has elements of medieval fantasy. And 'The Dark Is Rising' series by Susan Cooper has some aspects related to medieval lore, such as Arthurian elements and the battle between good and evil.

I'd recommend 'The Witcher' series by Andrzej Sapkowski. It has a medieval - ish setting with monsters, magic, and a morally grey protagonist. The world - building is excellent and it gives a feel of a gritty, medieval - like Europe. 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas also counts. It's set in 17th - century France which still has a lot of medieval remnants in its society and culture. It's full of adventure, sword - fighting, and court intrigue.

Well, there is 'Gormenghast' by Mervyn Peake. It's set in a vast, decaying castle in a fictional medieval - like world. The world - building in this book is extraordinary. Then there's 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White, which is a classic retelling of the King Arthur story. Also, 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas has elements of medieval - like swashbuckling adventure and court intrigue.

One of the best is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's a complex mystery set in a medieval monastery, filled with in - depth historical details, philosophical debates, and a captivating plot. Another great one is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which gives a vivid picture of medieval England with knights, jousts, and the clash of Saxons and Normans. Also, 'Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is excellent. It follows the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages and includes a wide range of characters from different social strata, showing the political, religious, and social dynamics of the time.

Sure. 'The Lord of the Rings' is a must - read. It's a grand adventure in Middle - earth, filled with hobbits, elves, and wizards. Another is 'A Game of Thrones' from 'A Song of Ice and Fire'. It's famous for its brutal and complex political battles. 'The Once and Future King' by T.H. White is also great. It retells the Arthurian legend in a very engaging way.

Sure. 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer can be a good start. Although it's written in Middle English, there are many modern translations available. It gives a great insight into the different types of people in medieval society through their tales.

Look for books that are set in a particular medieval region, like medieval France or England. For example, if you search for 'medieval France fiction', you might find books about the Hundred Years' War or the court of Louis XIV. You can also explore books by authors who are known for writing historical fiction, such as Philippa Gregory. Her books often have elements of the medieval period, especially those set in the Tudor era which has strong medieval roots.