10 Best Historical Novels of All Time (According to The Guardian)

If you’re anything like me, historical fiction is one of those genres you keep coming back to no matter how many other books you read in between. There’s just something about it. The best historical novels don’t just tell a story, they transport you. One minute you’re sitting at home, and the next you’re walking through 19th-century Russia, Renaissance Italy, or wartime Europe.

It’s immersive in a way that few other genres can match.

That’s exactly why lists like this are always worth paying attention to. They don’t just give you recommendations—they introduce you to books you might never have picked up otherwise.

In this case, we’re looking at The Guardian’s list of the ten best historical novels of all time. While the list itself was originally published years ago, it still holds up surprisingly well today. Great historical fiction doesn’t really expire. If anything, it becomes more meaningful over time.

Now, before getting into the list, it’s worth acknowledging something.

The Guardian has long been considered one of the most respected publications in the world, especially when it comes to literature and cultural criticism. While opinions about media outlets change over time, their book coverage, particularly their curated lists, still tends to carry weight among readers and critics.

This particular list leans more literary than mainstream. So if you’re expecting only widely popular, commonly assigned classics, you might be surprised. That’s part of what makes it interesting.

Here’s the full list.

The Guardian’s Ten Best Historical Novels of All Time

1. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy 
2. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel 
3. Romola by George Eliot 
4. The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa 
5. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín 
6. Pure by Andrew Miller 
7. The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald 
8. I, Claudius by Robert Graves 
9. Property by Valerie Martin 
10. The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker 

At first glance, it’s a mix of familiar heavyweights and lesser known titles. And that’s really the defining feature of this list, it doesn’t just stick to the obvious picks.

Let’s break it down a bit.

The Anchors: Timeless Classics That Define the Genre

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

If you’re making a list of the greatest historical novels of all time, War and Peace almost has to be included.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Tolstoy’s novel blends personal stories with large scale historical events in a way that feels both intimate and epic. It’s massive in scope, but at its core, it’s about people; their choices, relationships, and how they navigate a world shaped by forces beyond their control.

It’s also one of those books that carries a reputation. Some readers are intimidated by its length, but those who commit to it often find it far more engaging than expected.

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel

Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall is a more modern entry, but it’s already considered a classic.

The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell and his rise to power in the court of Henry VIII. What sets it apart is its perspective. Instead of telling a familiar story from a traditional angle, Mantel reframes it through Cromwell’s eyes, turning a historical figure often portrayed as a villain into something far more complex.

The writing is sharp, immersive, and incredibly detailed. It’s the kind of book that rewards careful reading.

The Deep Cuts: Critically Acclaimed but Less Mainstream

This is where The Guardian’s list really stands out.

Romola by George Eliot

Set in Renaissance Florence, Romola is one of George Eliot’s lesser discussed works. It explores politics, religion, and personal morality during a time of major upheaval.

It’s dense and richly detailed, which might explain why it doesn’t get as much attention as Middlemarch. Still, for readers who enjoy deeply layered historical fiction, it’s a rewarding experience.

The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

This novel offers a look at the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy during the unification of Italy. It’s reflective, melancholic, and beautifully written.

What makes The Leopard stand out is its tone. It’s less about action and more about atmosphere, capturing a world that’s slowly fading away.

The Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald

This is a quieter novel compared to others on the list.

It focuses on the early life of German Romantic poet Novalis and leans heavily into themes of love, philosophy, and intellectual curiosity. It’s subtle, understated, and very different from traditional historical fiction.

Modern Perspectives on History

Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

While not always the first book people think of when they hear “historical fiction,” Brooklyn absolutely fits the category.

Set in the 1950s, it tells the story of an Irish immigrant navigating life in America. What makes it compelling is how personal it feels. The historical context is there, but it never overshadows the emotional core of the story.

It’s a reminder that history isn’t just wars and politics, it’s also everyday life.

Pure by Andrew Miller

Set in pre-revolutionary Paris, Pure follows a young engineer tasked with clearing out a cemetery that has become a public health hazard.

It’s an unusual premise, but it works. The novel explores themes of mortality, change, and societal transformation, all while building a vivid picture of the time period.

Character-Driven Historical Fiction

I, Claudius by Robert Graves

This one might be more familiar to readers.

Written as an autobiographical account of the Roman Emperor Claudius, the novel blends history with storytelling in a way that feels incredibly personal. It’s political, dramatic, and surprisingly accessible given its subject matter.

If you enjoy stories centered on power, intrigue, and survival, this is a strong pick.

Property by Valerie Martin

This is one of the more challenging books on the list.

Set in the American South during slavery, Property examines the relationship between a slave owner’s wife and the enslaved people on her plantation. It’s uncomfortable at times, but intentionally so.

The novel forces readers to confront difficult realities rather than offering easy narratives.

War and Its Aftermath

The Regeneration Trilogy by Pat Barker

This trilogy explores the psychological impact of World War I, focusing on soldiers dealing with trauma.

What sets it apart is its focus on mental health, something that wasn’t widely discussed at the time. It’s powerful, emotional, and deeply human.

A List That Prioritizes Depth Over Popularity

One thing becomes clear pretty quickly when looking at this list: it’s not designed for mass appeal.

And that’s not a bad thing.

In fact, it’s what makes it valuable.

Instead of repeating the same titles you see everywhere, The Guardian leans into critically acclaimed works that might not be as widely read. It’s the kind of list that introduces you to books rather than simply reminding you of ones you already know.

That said, it can feel a bit unfamiliar.

Outside of War and Peace and Wolf Hall, many of these titles don’t typically show up on mainstream “best of” lists. If you’re used to seeing books like The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, this list might feel a little more niche.

But that’s part of the appeal.

There’s a good chance that some of these books are what people mean when they say, “your favorite author’s favorite author.” They’re respected, studied, and admired, even if they aren’t always widely read.

Why Historical Fiction Still Matters

Lists like this also highlight something bigger: the enduring appeal of historical fiction.

The genre continues to thrive because it offers something unique. It allows readers to engage with the past in a way that feels immediate and personal. You’re not just learning about history, you’re experiencing it through characters and stories.

And while trends in publishing come and go, historical fiction remains one of the most consistent genres in terms of quality and impact.

Conclusion

The Guardian’s list of the ten best historical novels of all time isn’t necessarily what you’d expect and that’s exactly why it’s worth exploring.

It mixes well-known classics with lesser-known literary works, creating a list that feels curated rather than predictable. Some of these books might already be on your radar, while others could be completely new.

Either way, that’s the point.

So what do you think of the list? How many of these have you read and which ones are you adding to your reading list next? Until next time, happy reading!

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