Subject
Middle Ages -- Fiction Books
Best books
Arthur Conan Doyle
The White Company
"The White Company" by Arthur Conan Doyle is a historical adventure novel published in 1891. Set during the Hundred Years' War in 1366-1367, it follows young Alleyne as he leaves his sheltered abbey life to discover the world. Joining a band of English archers called the White Company, he becomes squire to the valiant Sir Nigel Loring and falls in love with his daughter Maude. Their journey takes them through England, France, and Spain in a campaign to restore a king, leading to battles, captures, and tests of courage.
Charles Reade
The Cloister and the Hearth
"The Cloister and the Hearth" by Charles Reade is a historical novel published in 1861. Set in 15th-century Europe, it follows Gerard Eliassoen, a young scribe whose journey takes him far from his beloved Margaret. When false news of her death reaches him, Gerard's path leads him toward the Church, setting up a profound conflict between earthly love and religious duty. Based on fragmentary details about Erasmus's parents, this richly detailed tale explores the collision between family devotion and clerical obligation across a vividly rendered medieval landscape.
Howard Pyle
Otto of the Silver Hand
"Otto of the Silver Hand" by Howard Pyle is a children's historical novel written and illustrated in 1888. Set in 13th-century Germany, it follows young Otto, son of a feared robber baron, who is raised peacefully by monks until reclaimed by his violent father. When rival barons seek revenge for past wrongs, Otto becomes caught in a brutal cycle of warfare and retribution that costs him dearly. This pioneering American historical novel for children explores themes of violence versus peace, redemption, and the possibility of breaking free from inherited conflict.
James Branch Cabell
Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice
"Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel published in 1919. This humorous romp follows the clever hero Jurgen through a medieval cosmos as he searches for a parodied courtly love. His journey takes him through fantastic realms including Heaven and Hell, where he encounters eccentric knights, legendary women like Helen of Troy and Queen Guinevere, and even the Devil's wife. This acerbic satire of contemporary America became a landmark in comic fantasy, later influencing writers like Terry Pratchett.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
Red Eve
"Red Eve" by H. Rider Haggard is a historical novel published in the early 20th century, around the 1910s. Set against the backdrop of medieval England, the story revolves around two main characters—Cousin Eve Clavering, a strong-willed young woman caught in complex familial and romantic rivalries, and Hugh de Cressi, a humble merchant's son with noble lineage. The novel explores themes of love, honor, and the clash of social statuses within the setting of impending conflict. The opening of "Red Eve" presents a rich tapestry of narrative that alternates between a grim procession in an Eastern land, led by a mysterious figure referred to as Murgh, and a poignant meeting between Eve and Hugh amidst the frozen marshes of Suffolk in February 1346. As the two young lovers navigate the treacherous social landscape shaped by their families' historic feud, they confront not only their feelings for each other but also the looming threat posed by Eve's newly betrothed, a French lord. The intricacies of their societal roles, the burdens of family legacy, and the tensions of an approaching war set the stage for an epic tale that blends passion with danger.
Robert Barr
The Strong Arm
"The Strong Arm" by Robert Barr is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative centers around Count Herbert von Schonburg, a young knight returning from the Crusades, who finds himself entangled in conflicts between Christian and Muslim forces and the feudal power struggles within his own land. The book begins with Herbert's confrontation with the Emir Soldan, revealing themes of bravery, honor, and the complexities of warfare, as Herbert navigates his captured status with wit and determination. The opening of the novel introduces us to the aged Emir Soldan, who faces rebellion among the young commanders in his camp during the Crusades. Despite the young Saracens' eagerness to confront the Germans led by Count Herbert, they are quickly humbled by Herbert's combat skills. The narrative then shifts to Herbert's eventual capture and his interactions with the Emir, setting up a backdrop of tension that leads Herbert to reconsider his original quest for glory. As he is taken to Gudenfels Castle, he meets Beatrix, the Countess, who becomes a pivotal figure in his emotional journey. Their complex relationship hints at deeper themes of loyalty, love, and the burdens of lineage that will unfold as the story progresses. In this rich historical setting, Barr crafts a tale of heroism and humanity amidst the backdrop of medieval strife.
Charles Reade
The Cloister and the Hearth: A Tale of the Middle Ages
"The Cloister and the Hearth: A Tale of the Middle Ages" by Charles Reade is a historical novel published in 1861. Set in 15th-century Europe, it follows Gerard Eliassoen, a young scribe and illuminator, as he travels across multiple countries. The story explores the conflict between family obligations and religious devotion through Gerard's separation from his beloved Margaret and the cruel deception that tears them apart. Rich in historical detail, the novel reveals a surprising connection to one of history's greatest scholars.
Mark Twain
The Mysterious Stranger: A Romance
"The Mysterious Stranger: A Romance" by Mark Twain is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against a historical backdrop in Austria during the late Middle Ages and follows the lives of children growing up in a quaint village, where they encounter philosophical themes surrounding good and evil, existence, and human nature through their interactions with a mysterious and seemingly supernatural stranger. The opening of the tale presents a serene village nestled in a largely forgotten part of Austria, where young characters like Theodor Fischer and his friends enjoy carefree days amidst the picturesque landscape. Their idyllic life is interrupted by the arrival of a captivating stranger who possesses extraordinary powers, intriguing the boys and prompting them to question their understanding of the world. As they explore these new dynamics, key figures like Father Peter and Marget also emerge, indicating deeper narrative threads about authority, superstition, and the human condition. Through this beguiling stranger, the boys begin to confront challenging concepts about morality and the nature of existence, setting the stage for an exploration of profound themes woven throughout the story.
James Branch Cabell
Something about Eve: A comedy of fig-leaves
"Something about Eve: A comedy of fig-leaves" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Gerald Musgrave, a student of magic and a young man entangled in a complicated amorous affair while grappling with a spectral figure known as the Sylan, who complicates his life with supernatural offers and whimsical banter. The narrative sets out to explore themes of desire, magic, and the absurdity of societal conventions, specifically through the interactions of these characters in a richly imagined world. The beginning of the story introduces us to Gerald Musgrave, who is struggling with his writing while a ghostly figure, the Sylan, observes his creative process. As the Sylan proposes an intriguing arrangement that would allow him to inhabit Gerald's body and take on the associated complications of his romantic life, we see Gerald lament the difficulties posed by a married lover, Evelyn Townsend. Their conversations reveal Gerald's frustrations and humorous reflections on love, relationships, and artistic aspirations. This opening portion establishes a comedic tone as it sets the stage for the ensuing adventures and complications, hinting at a blend of wit, romance, and the magical elements that will likely characterize the unfolding narrative.
James Branch Cabell
The Silver Stallion: A Comedy of Redemption
"The Silver Stallion: A Comedy of Redemption" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is a satirical fantasy that unfolds in the mythical land of Poictesme, telling the tale of its notable figures, particularly Dom Manuel, a complex character who is simultaneously celebrated as a hero and denounced as a rogue. The overarching themes appear to focus on redemption, the nature of leadership, and the struggles of its characters against destiny and societal expectations. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical and reflective tone, introducing Dom Manuel, the renowned Count of Poictesme, who mysteriously vanishes, leaving his realm in confusion and disarray. Through the eyes of his daughter Melicent and a boy named Jurgen, the narrative hints at fantastical elements involving prophecies and transformations. Following his disappearance, the remaining lords of the Silver Stallion gather under the leadership of his grieving wife, Dame Niafer, contemplating the fate of their fellowship. As they navigate personal grievances, prophecies, and power dynamics, they are thrust into a new era of governance, challenging both their societal roles and personal identities in the face of change and uncertainty.
James Branch Cabell
The Line of Love; Dizain des Mariages
"The Line of Love; Dizain des Mariages" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work unfolds within a comedic context, reflecting on themes of love and the complexities surrounding relationships, particularly through the character of Florian de Puysange and his romantic entanglements. It weaves a narrative that embraces both the whimsical and the serious aspects of love, delving into how personal connections shape lives. The opening of the novel presents a prologue that highlights the significance of love stories in literature and life. It introduces us to Florian de Puysange on the eve of his wedding to Adelaide de la Forêt, establishing his deep emotional ties and internal conflicts, specifically regarding the memory of his deceased friend Tiburce. As Florian navigates the festivities of his marriage, he finds himself haunted by the loss of his friend while simultaneously exploring the nature of love, fidelity, and the passage of time. This multifaceted approach invites readers to reflect on the essence of human connections and the bittersweet experiences that accompany such deep affections.
James Branch Cabell
Domnei: A Comedy of Woman-Worship
"Domnei: A Comedy of Woman-Worship" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel written between 1910-1912. Set in the imaginary French province of Poictesme during the 13th century, it tells the story of Dom Manuel's daughter Melicent and the disastrous struggle between her successive husbands, Demetrios of Anatolia and Perion de la Forêt. The novel explores themes of chivalric woman-worship through a dramatic tale of conflicting loyalties and passion in a richly imagined medieval world.
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