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Historical fiction

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Historical fiction is a sub-genre of fiction that often portrays fictional accounts or dramatization of historical figures or events. Writers of stories in this genre, while penning fiction, nominally attempt to capture the spirit, manners, and social conditions of the persons or time(s) presented in the story, with due attention paid to period detail and fidelity.[1] Historical fiction is found in books, magazines,[2] art, television, movies, games, theater, and other media.

Definition

Historical fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period. Historical fiction often presents actual events from the point of view of people living in that time period.

In some historical fiction, famous events appear from points of view not recorded in history, showing historical figures dealing with actual events while depicting them in a way that is not recorded in history. Other times, the historical event complements a story's narrative, occurring in the background while characters deal with events (personal or otherwise) wholly unrelated to recorded history. Sometimes, the names of people and places have been in some way altered. As this is fiction, artistic license is permitted in regard to presentation and subject matter, so long as it does not deviate in significant ways from established history. If events should deviate significantly, the story may then fall into the genre of alternate history, which is known for speculating on what could have happened if a significant historical event had gone differently. On a similar note, events occurring in historical fiction must adhere to the laws of physics. Stories that extend into the magical or fantastic are often considered a historical fantasy.

Literature

Further information: historical novel

Historical literature includes the works of authors that epitomize a specific period in history. Historical literature has been written since at least the 11th century BC.

Authors

Jessica James: Author of Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia - Historical fiction set during the Civil War.ornwell]]: Sharpe series set in 19th century Europe and India, and other works set elsewhere.

Media and culture

Works of historical fiction are not reserved exclusively to literature. Many films have been created which attempt to use a historic event or setting as a backdrop and actors portray fictional or historic figures set in these events. Below are a few notable examples.

Film and television

See also

References

  1. ^ Search Results for historical fiction - Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia
  2. ^ See, e.g., Paradox Magazine, which publishes short stories in the historical fiction sub-genre.
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