1. A novel set among actual events or a specific period of history
Historical Fiction
A novel set among actual events or a specific period of history

2. A type of Fiction
The setting is a vital detail of Historical Fiction stories
Typically, these types of stories are written by someone who did NOT live during the specific time period and therefore, only uses research to construct the story and maintain accuracy, not first-hand accounts

3. A type of Fiction con’t
Despite the required research, the setting, plot and characters MAY be fictitious
The setting, story and characters MUST be portrayed as if they could have POSSIBLY happened during the specific time period

4. Sometimes, 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

5. 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

6. However…
If the author deviates too much from the historical accuracy of the time period or event, it may not be considered Historical Fiction, but 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

7. Book Examples (+25 years)
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Beloved by Toni Morrison
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

8. Book Examples (past 25 years)
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Help by Kathryn Stockett

9. American Historical Fiction
This genre began during colonial times in America
Then, it follows the development of America through the Frontier times, the Civil War, Reconstruction, WWI and WWII, to current American events

10. Historical Fiction in other countries
Most countries have their own variations of this genre that traces the beginning of their country to present day
Time periods include Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome and The Renaissance

11. Prizes for Historical Fiction
There are no awards specifically designated to this genre, but several books from this genre have won various awards
For example, Gone with the Wind (novel) won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1937
The movie won 10 Academy Awards

12. Famous Historical Fiction Movies
Gone with the Wind
Casablanca
The Sound of Music
The Godfather
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Inglourious Basterds

13. Music
Crosby, Stills and Nash “4 Dead in Ohio” was based on the Kent State shootings in 1970
Bob Dylan’s song “Hurricane” was written in protest of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s imprisonment

14. Finally…
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

15. Summary
So, Historical Fiction is a type of story that is set among actual events or a specific period in history, although EVERY detail of the story may not be 100% true

16. Works Cited
Booklists - American Historical Fiction. The Public LIbrary of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Apr Web. 21 Aug <
Donsbach, Margaret. Over 5000 Historical Novels Listed by Time and Place. HistoricalFiction.info, Web. 16 Aug <
“Gone with the Wind.” Internet Movie Database. imdb.com, Web. 21 Aug <
Historical Fiction - Box Office History. The Numbers, Web. 21 Aug <
“Library Booklists: Historical Fiction.” Library Booklists. N.p., 18 Nov Web. 21 Aug <
Popular Historical Fiction Books. Goodreads Inc., Web. 21 Aug <