Great reads for history buffs!

[jazzielady]

Anything by Edward Rutherford.

I am about half way through his history of NYC. He writes his books as works of fiction, incorporating fictional families who live through the major events of the region.

The book I'm on, New York, started with the Dutch settlement of NY, and so far I'm up to the draft riots during the civil war. Can't wait to find out what happens to these families up to present time.

I also have London, and Sarum (history of England) and am waiting delivery of The Forest. Wow, what a fabulous writer, incorporating history in a way that envelopes you in the lives of the families he creates.

**Warning: these are not small books. Each one so far is at least 1000 pages with small print. Definitely time to wear my glasses.

He also has books out about Russia and Ireland, which I will get once I get through the 3 (almost 4) I already have.

 

[ckay87]

I love historical fiction....heavy on the historical. I tried to read his Ireland though and he lost me. I was finding the story part cheesy. But I will pick up New York. I think it sounds really interesting.

 

[NY Disney fan]

**Warning: these are not small books. Each one so far is at least 1000 pages with small print. Definitely time to wear my glasses.

Jiminy Cricket! If I was retired with grown kids, I would definitely look into those books as they sound interesting. But I would have NO time to read them. I'm a huge history buff so I would like to read those. Last summer I read a 900 page book on Nazi Germany and it took me 5 weeks to read. Reading history is very different from reading fiction. There are a lot of concepts, terms and events that take time to digest. Footnotes too!

 

[PaulaSB12]

If you like medievel history try the time travellers guide to medievel history by Ian Mortimer and for young readers the horrible histories.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

I've had London sitting on my shelf for the longest time. I like to read several small books for every large one! Guess I should get to it soon...except I'm reading John Adams by David McCullough right now.

 

[SaraJayne]

John Jakes is another great historical fiction writer. He's the author of the North and South trilogy, but also has written many other books.

 

[bekkiz]

How funny, I just finishe Russka over the weekend. I loved his Princes of Ireland series, and Russka was fine, but not as good. I was thinking of tackling London next.

 

[Crankyshank]

I tried The Forest and Sarum, but just couldn't get into them. Maybe I'll try again with New York. I enjoy Michener, so I figured I would also like Rutherford.

Other good historical fiction authors are: Bernard Cornwell, Sharon Kay Penman, and Leon Uris.

 

[jazzielady]

John Jakes is another great historical fiction writer. He's the author of the North and South trilogy, but also has written many other books.

Oh my gosh, I read his series - I think the first one was The Rebel - back in high school. And that was over 25 years ago!

Is he still writing?

 

[Kies99]

I've got (and read) most of Rutherford's books.

Another great author is Margaret George (http://www.margaretgeorge.com/).

And for NY Disney Fan, if you like WWII books, definitely pick up any books by William Shirer or Cornelius Ryan. I've got over 250 books on WWII (can you tell I was a History major???) and while they weren't the most prolific of writers, their style is so easy to read.

 

[SaraJayne]

Oh my gosh, I read his series - I think the first one was The Rebel - back in high school. And that was over 25 years ago!

Is he still writing?

Most of his books are part of a series. I think his most recent book came out in 2002.

If you go to http://www.johnjakes.com you'll see all his books. As someone who is detail-oriented, I can really appreciate the details he puts in his stories.

 

[tukogirl]

I am about half way through Princes of Ireland on cd. While I don't love the book, I will finish it for sure. The timespan may be just a little too big to really give the stories justice. The New York book sounds great and because the time span is more limited, may result in a more fleshed out book. Thanks for bringing New York to my attention!

I second the person who said Margaret George is fantastic! Cleopatra and Troy were both fabulous. I am currently Mary called Magdalene. Only about 1/6 of the way through but I can't wait to read more!