The Greatest "Historical fiction, Adventure, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

Fiction

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  1. 1. Kim by Rudyard Kipling

    "Kim" is a thrilling adventure set in India during the height of the British empire. The story follows the life of a young Irish orphan, Kimball O'Hara, who grows up on the streets of Lahore. Kim's life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes involved in the 'Great Game', the political conflict between Russia and Britain in Central Asia. Guided by an old Tibetan Lama on a spiritual quest, Kim is recruited by the British secret service and sent on a dangerous mission across the Himalayas. The novel explores themes of identity, imperialism, and East vs. West.

  2. 2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

    The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

  3. 3. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

    The book tells the story of two retired Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The narrative focuses on the duo's adventures and the characters they meet along the way, including a variety of outlaws, Indians, and settlers. This epic tale of the Old West explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

  4. 4. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

    "Cold Mountain" is a novel set during the American Civil War, following a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the army to make a perilous journey back home to his beloved. The narrative alternates between his arduous trek and the struggles of the woman he left behind as she tries to maintain their North Carolina homestead. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the destructive impact of war on the human spirit.

  5. 5. Shogun by James Clavell

    Set in the 17th century, this novel follows an English sailor who becomes a samurai in feudal Japan. The protagonist, shipwrecked and stranded in a foreign land, must navigate the complex political and cultural landscape of the time, filled with war, intrigue, honor, and love. The story is rich in historical detail, providing a vivid depiction of Japanese society during the Tokugawa Shogunate era.

  6. 6. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

    The novel follows a World War II nurse who accidentally time travels back to 18th century Scotland. There, she meets a handsome and brave Scottish warrior and is torn between her loyalty to her husband in her own time and her growing love for the warrior. As she becomes more entwined in the past, she must navigate the dangers of a time not her own, including political unrest and violence, while trying to find a way back home.

  7. 7. Memed, My Hawk by Yashar Kemal

    "Memed, My Hawk" is a novel set in the harsh and lawless rural Turkey of the 1920s. It follows the story of a young boy, Memed, who becomes an outlaw and a local hero after standing up to the corrupt authorities and feudal landlords who oppress his village. The novel explores themes of love, revenge, and social justice, and is a powerful indictment of the social and economic conditions of rural Turkey in the early 20th century.

  8. 8. The Far Pavilions by M. M. Kaye

    The novel is a sweeping epic about a British man, brought up as a Hindu during the British Raj. As an adult, he serves in the British army and falls in love with an Indian princess. The novel explores themes of identity, loyalty, and love against the backdrop of the political and social upheaval of late 19th century India. The man and the princess must navigate their complex feelings for each other, their conflicting loyalties to their countries, and the harsh realities of their time.

  9. 9. The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson

    "The Long Ships" is a historical fiction novel centering around the Viking era. The story follows the adventures of a young Viking named Red Orm who is kidnapped by other Vikings, becomes a slave, then a chieftain's henchman, a merchant, explorer, and a soldier. His adventures take him from his native Sweden to Spain, England, Denmark, and Ireland. The novel explores the political, religious, and cultural landscapes of the era, providing a detailed and engaging portrayal of the Viking world.

  10. 10. The Physician by Noah Gordon

    The book tells the story of a young English boy, Rob Cole, in the 11th century who becomes an apprentice to a barber-surgeon. Rob's ambition to become a physician takes him across Europe and into the heart of the Muslim world, a journey fraught with danger and discovery. He disguises himself as a Jew to study at a school that does not admit Christians. The narrative is a captivating mix of history, science, and adventure, highlighting the protagonist's perseverance and the state of medical knowledge during the Middle Ages.

  11. 11. Ballad of the Salt Sea by Hugo Pratt

    This graphic novel follows the adventures of a young sailor who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving pirates, kidnappings, and political intrigue in the South Seas. Set in the early 20th century, the story is filled with historical references and exotic locales, providing a rich backdrop for the complex narrative. The sailor's journey is not just physical but also emotional, as he navigates the treacherous waters of personal relationships and moral dilemmas.

  12. 12. Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon

    The novel is a historical romance that blends adventure, love, and time travel. It follows the story of a World War II combat nurse who is mysteriously swept back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she encounters clan rivalries, the harsh realities of life in the past, and a gallant Scottish warrior with whom she falls deeply in love. As she becomes entangled in the intrigues and dangers of a world that is not her own, she must navigate her dual existence and decide where her heart truly belongs.

  13. 13. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

  14. 14. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart

    "The Crystal Cave" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Merlin, the legendary wizard of King Arthur's court. The book follows Merlin's early life, from his birth as the illegitimate son of a Welsh princess to his discovery of his magical powers and his journey to become a wise and powerful advisor to the future King Arthur. Set against the backdrop of early medieval Britain, the novel explores themes of destiny, power, and the struggle between pagan and Christian beliefs.

  15. 15. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

  16. 16. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

  17. 17. Luka by Antun Šoljan

    "Luka" is a story about a young boy named Luka who, after being abandoned by his family, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Throughout his journey, he encounters various characters and situations that challenge his perceptions and understanding of the world. The book is a poignant exploration of the themes of abandonment, survival, and the human capacity to adapt and grow, even in the face of adversity.

  18. 18. Alamut by Vladimir Bartol

    The novel takes place in the 11th Century Middle East, where the charismatic leader of a radical Islamic sect, known as the Ismailis, manipulates and controls his followers through a combination of religious indoctrination, drugs, and the promise of paradise. The leader creates a literal paradise within the walls of his fortress, Alamut, in order to convince his followers that they are experiencing the afterlife. The story explores themes of power, manipulation, and the nature of faith.

  19. 19. Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien

    The novel is a surreal exploration of a young infantryman's experience in the Vietnam War. The protagonist and his squad are tasked with chasing down Cacciato, a fellow soldier who has gone AWOL and is attempting to walk from Vietnam to Paris. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks and hallucinations, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as the protagonist grapples with the horrors of war, the concept of courage, and the boundaries of sanity.

  20. 20. Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser

    This novel introduces readers to the notorious antihero Harry Flashman, a cowardly British soldier who, through a combination of luck and deceit, rises to prominence in the Victorian military despite his lack of heroism and moral fiber. Through a series of misadventures that span the globe, Flashman becomes entangled in various historical events, from the First Anglo-Afghan War to the Charge of the Light Brigade, always managing to escape by the skin of his teeth. The book, presented as a discovered historical memoir, combines humor, historical detail, and satirical commentary on the British Empire, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on Victorian society and military exploits.

  21. 21. Queens' Play by Dorothy Dunnett

    This novel is the second installment in a historical fiction series, set in the mid-16th century, revolving around the daring and intelligent Francis Crawford of Lymond. The protagonist is tasked with a covert mission to ensure the safety of the young Mary, Queen of Scots, who is living at the French court. Disguised and using his wits and skills in diplomacy and languages, Lymond navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue, assassination attempts, and courtly drama. The narrative is rich with historical detail, complex characters, and a meticulously plotted storyline that transports readers to the opulent yet perilous world of Renaissance Europe.

  22. 22. Pawn In Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett

    This novel is the fourth installment in a historical fiction series, set against the backdrop of the 16th-century Mediterranean. The story follows the protagonist's desperate quest across empires to find his child, who has been taken captive. Along the way, he faces a myriad of challenges, including political intrigue, battles of wits, and the complex dynamics of the Ottoman Empire. The narrative is rich with historical detail, complex characters, and a deep exploration of the human psyche, making it a compelling and immersive read. The protagonist's journey is not only a physical one but also a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the lengths to which one will go for their offspring.

  23. 23. At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen

    This novel is a deep exploration of clashes between cultures, religions and personal desires, set in the South American jungle. The story focuses on two North American adventurers who are hired to bomb a remote missionary outpost, a zealous evangelical minister trying to convert a tribe of Amazonian Indians, and the Indians themselves, who are struggling to maintain their way of life. The narrative delves into the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by each character, and the tragic consequences of misunderstanding and intolerance.

  24. 24. The Reivers by William Faulkner

    This novel is a humorous coming-of-age story set in the American South in the early 20th century. It follows a young boy who, along with two companions, steals his grandfather's car and embarks on an adventure to Memphis. Along the way, they encounter various characters and situations that challenge their morals and force them to grow up quickly. The journey serves as a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood.

  25. 25. Die Söhne Der Großen Bärin by Liselotte Welskopf-Henrich

    The book is a historical novel that follows the life of a Native American warrior from the Lenni Lenape tribe during the 18th century. It explores his struggles to defend his people's way of life against the encroachment of European settlers and the challenges posed by changing times. The protagonist's journey is marked by personal growth, cultural conflict, and the quest for justice and dignity for his tribe. Through his eyes, the reader experiences the deep spiritual connection the indigenous people have with the land and the tragic consequences of colonization.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download