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You could try an oldie:
Nobel Prize winner Eyvind Johansson's "The Days of His Grace" (I hans nådes tid) is a novel about what power does to individuals forced to subject themselves to it, in this case the power being the spreading Carolingian Empire, the superficially benevolent "His Grace" being Charlemagne, who is nevertheless remarkably prone to go "medieval" on people's ass, for the greater good of course.
There was an English translation in 1968, which a decent library should be able to get hold of. The original is a pretty amazing novel, but not really an easy read. The setting is medieval, the problems raised assumed to be general, but the real insipration for it was the experience of Nazi and Soviet totalitarianism.
Nobel Prize winner Eyvind Johansson's "The Days of His Grace" (I hans nådes tid) is a novel about what power does to individuals forced to subject themselves to it, in this case the power being the spreading Carolingian Empire, the superficially benevolent "His Grace" being Charlemagne, who is nevertheless remarkably prone to go "medieval" on people's ass, for the greater good of course.
There was an English translation in 1968, which a decent library should be able to get hold of. The original is a pretty amazing novel, but not really an easy read. The setting is medieval, the problems raised assumed to be general, but the real insipration for it was the experience of Nazi and Soviet totalitarianism.
Rochefort said:
Beautiful for literary education reasons, but not a 'great' novel by modern standards nor very entertaining
"
Any fiction at all set during the Mongol invasion of Russia? <-- seems like a long shot!"
Sadly, IO cant remember the authors name, but there is a "XY" Khan series from some russian guy that deals with russia in its Batu part. Its not very good, though, kinda darwn-out and shallow.
But, if you wait five years, my novels will be ready by then.)
The guys name is Vaszilij Grigorjevics Jan (the english romanisation may be different)
Any fiction at all set during the Mongol invasion of Russia? <-- seems like a long shot!"
Sadly, IO cant remember the authors name, but there is a "XY" Khan series from some russian guy that deals with russia in its Batu part. Its not very good, though, kinda darwn-out and shallow.
But, if you wait five years, my novels will be ready by then.)
The guys name is Vaszilij Grigorjevics Jan (the english romanisation may be different)
This guy is writing novels about Genghis Khan: http://djingiskhan.com/wordpress/?page_id=32
I've read the first two books and they are ok but not great. Since the books focus on Genghis I doubt there is much Russian action. The site doesnt mention English language versions
I've read the first two books and they are ok but not great. Since the books focus on Genghis I doubt there is much Russian action. The site doesnt mention English language versions
Oh, and if you are willing to stomach 800 pages, and some repetition, Edward Rutherfurds works are all set in (pre) medieval europe, and have a lot of historical/cultural information in them, wrapped in a bit repetitive life/love stories that more often than not mirror/copy either historical figures or mythological stories.
Strange that noone mentioned "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffree. Chausser. They are medieval novels written in medieval time by medieval writer. Quite interesting and knowledge giving reading, imho.
Upd: uh, found the post above. So I just "cosign"
Upd: uh, found the post above. So I just "cosign"
Cornwell, check.
I would also recommend The Walking Drum by cowboy writer Louis L'Amour. No, it's not a western but it's a great adventure.
stay away from Tim Severin's Viking series: he can research, he can sail, he can ride a horse, but he can't write fiction.
Zoe Oldenberg's The World is Not Enough, and its sequel, The Cornerstone is an underrated family drama set during the Second and Third Crusades. It was published in 1949, so like Costain, might be out of print.
I would also recommend The Walking Drum by cowboy writer Louis L'Amour. No, it's not a western but it's a great adventure.
stay away from Tim Severin's Viking series: he can research, he can sail, he can ride a horse, but he can't write fiction.
Zoe Oldenberg's The World is Not Enough, and its sequel, The Cornerstone is an underrated family drama set during the Second and Third Crusades. It was published in 1949, so like Costain, might be out of print.
I've read about 1-2 books a month ranging from every category since i was about 12 years old and the best book i have ever read is called "The long ships "
by swedish author Frans Gunnar Bengtsson, according to wikipedia it's been published worldwide, so i dont think it would be very hard for non-swedes to get a copy.
by swedish author Frans Gunnar Bengtsson, according to wikipedia it's been published worldwide, so i dont think it would be very hard for non-swedes to get a copy.
I'm going to second Sharon Kay Penman. I recommend 'Sunne in Splendour' and 'Here be Dragons'.
Balthasar's Odyssey (French: Le Périple de Baldassare) is a 2000 novel by Amin Maalouf set in 17th century Europe.
Originally written in French, it was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2004.
The plot concerns the journey of a Lebanese librarian named Balthasar who seeks a sacred book which seems to be the answer for soul salvation for Doomsday in the apocalyptic year of 1666. In his trip, Balthasar will travel through the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and London, while experiencing a myriad of problems due to the cursed book.
While it's of a little later period, the book is an amazing source of information for the said geography and time period.
Alamut is a novel by Vladimir Bartol, first published in 1938 in Slovene, dealing with the story of Hassan ibn Sabbah and the Hashshashin, and named after their Alamut fortress.
Originally written in French, it was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2004.
The plot concerns the journey of a Lebanese librarian named Balthasar who seeks a sacred book which seems to be the answer for soul salvation for Doomsday in the apocalyptic year of 1666. In his trip, Balthasar will travel through the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and London, while experiencing a myriad of problems due to the cursed book.
While it's of a little later period, the book is an amazing source of information for the said geography and time period.
Alamut is a novel by Vladimir Bartol, first published in 1938 in Slovene, dealing with the story of Hassan ibn Sabbah and the Hashshashin, and named after their Alamut fortress.
The Cathedral of the Sea, by Ildefonso Falcones, a novel based in Barcelona XIVth century. Great history, great characters and very good writing (I read it in spanish, I don't know the quality of the translations to over 15 languages)
You can see info here
You can see info here
My humble apologies if there is a thread on this but my searching skills produced nothing so here goes:
Can anyone recommend some worthwhile novels set in medieval Europe?
Of course I am requesting historical novels (not medieval "fantasy").
Any good fictions set during the Crusades (told from either Christian or Muslim p.o.v)?
Any fiction at all set during the Mongol invasion of Russia? <-- seems like a long shot!
I have found various titles across the web, but most look cheesy and susceptible.
Thank you in advance *bows*
You might enjoy The Minstrel and the Mercenary by David Scoles, a story set in medieval France during the Hundred Years War. I think its still up for free over on Amazon.
Lol I just noticed that. Let’s keep it going. You might also enjoy the Archer’s tale by Bernard Cornwall, anything by Sharon Kay Penham and if you would like some true medieval tales check out Barbara Tuchman and Dan Jones.
I can suggest these two series.
The first is the Crusader Series by Swedish author Jan Guillou and set in Medieval Sweden.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_11?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=jan+guillou+crusades+trilogy&sprefix=jan+guillou,aps,236&crid=1LI1OKI2L8E1K&rh=i:aps,k:jan+guillou+crusades+trilogy
Second is one which has some good reviews but which I personally haven't read, yet. "Kristin Lavransdatter I-III" which is set in Norway if I recall correctly.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=kristin+lavransdotter&rh=i:aps,k:kristin+lavransdotter
The first is the Crusader Series by Swedish author Jan Guillou and set in Medieval Sweden.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_11?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=jan+guillou+crusades+trilogy&sprefix=jan+guillou,aps,236&crid=1LI1OKI2L8E1K&rh=i:aps,k:jan+guillou+crusades+trilogy
Second is one which has some good reviews but which I personally haven't read, yet. "Kristin Lavransdatter I-III" which is set in Norway if I recall correctly.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=kristin+lavransdotter&rh=i:aps,k:kristin+lavransdotter
Ivanhoe is still a riveting tale, and will teach you more about castle construction than any other novel.
Pillars of the Earth, thirded.
Pillars of the Earth, thirded.