One great medieval times historical fiction book is 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly portrays life in 12th - century England, from the building of a cathedral to the political and social intrigues of the time. Another is 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott, which takes readers into the world of knights and chivalry in medieval England. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco is also highly recommended. It combines mystery and historical detail in a 14th - century Italian monastery setting.
One great medieval times fiction book is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's a mystery set in a medieval monastery filled with complex characters and religious intrigue.
A must - read in medieval times historical fiction is 'The Once and Future King'. It's a modern take on the Arthurian legend that delves deep into the ideals of leadership, justice, and the human condition in a medieval context. 'The Sunne in Splendour' is also essential for those interested in the Wars of the Roses period. It provides a detailed and sympathetic portrayal of Richard III, challenging some of the traditional views.
A good one is 'A Knight's Tale' which is also a movie but the book is great. It shows the life of a young squire who dreams of becoming a knight. It has elements of jousting, courtly love, and the hierarchical society of medieval times. Then there's 'The Mists of Avalon' by Marion Zimmer Bradley. This book gives a different perspective on the Arthurian legend, focusing on the female characters and the pagan and Christian elements in medieval Britain. And don't forget 'Katherine' by Anya Seton. It's a historical romance set in 14th - century England and follows the love story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt.
The 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon also has elements of time travel to the medieval times. While it's not strictly only about the medieval period as it spans different eras, the parts set in the past are very engaging. The story of a modern woman who finds herself in 18th - century Scotland (which has a lot of medieval - like elements still) and her adventures there are full of drama, romance, and historical details.
One great book is 'Doomsday Book' by Connie Willis. It combines time travel with the medieval period really well. The main character travels back to the Middle Ages and experiences the harsh life there, including the plague. It's a very immersive read.
Sure. 'The Sword in the Stone' by T.H. White is a great start. It's an easy - to - read and fun take on the Arthurian legend, introducing the young Arthur and his adventures. Another good one is 'Robin Hood' retellings. There are many versions out there, but they all give a taste of medieval England with its outlaws, sheriffs, and forest settings. 'The Minstrel Boy' by Gloria Skurzynski is also suitable for beginners. It tells the story of a young minstrel in medieval Ireland and has elements of music, adventure, and mystery.
Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' is a great one. It follows the building of a cathedral in a fictional medieval town, and in the process, shows the lives of the workers, the nobles, and the clergy. It's really long but very detailed about medieval life.
The contrast between modern and medieval times is a big draw. In these books, we get to see how people from our modern world react when thrust into a world of knights, castles, and feudal systems. For example, in 'Doomsday Book', the main character's modern sensibilities are constantly challenged by the harsh realities of medieval life. Also, the mystery of the past is alluring. We get to explore things like medieval medicine, which was very different from what we have today, and the social hierarchies that were so strict.