Recommended summer reading books, both history and historical fiction, from Historical Writers’ Association authors,
HWA Crown Awards 2019: the longlists!
Thirty-six outstanding history and historical fiction books enter the race for the top prizes in three categories as the 2019 HWA Crown Awards longlists are announced. The HWA Crown Awards are divided into three categories: the HWA Gold Crown; the HWA Non-Fiction Crown; and the HWA Debut Crown. The longlisted books are: The HWA Gold […]
Queen Victoria: a dark, if splendid, monster?
To mark the bicentenary of Queen Victoria’s birth on 24 May, 1819, author and HWA member Miranda Carter examines Victoria’s lifelong conviction that she was always right – especially when she was completely wrong – and its often disastrous consequences.
The curiosities of history
How much research do I need to do? It’s a familiar question for writers of historical fiction. But author Robert Wilton has a confession…
Peterloo by Jacqueline Riding
On a hot late summer’s day, a crowd of 60,000 gathered in St Peter’s Field. They came from all over Lancashire – ordinary working-class men, women and children – walking to the sound of hymns and folk songs, wearing their best clothes and holding silk banners aloft. Their mood was happy, their purpose wholly serious: […]
Historia interviews: Alison Weir
Historia interviews author Alison Weir about her novel Anna of Kleve
Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior by Catherine Hanley
A life of Matilda – empress, skilled military leader, and one of the greatest figures of the English Middle Ages. By Catherine Hanley
The best historical books of 2018
2018 has been an exciting year for historical writing, both fiction and non-fiction. With the holidays coming up, Elizabeth Fremantle asked fellow HWA members to choose three outstanding books each to recommend as the year’s highlights (and a few older favourites have popped up as well). We hope this selection inspires you, whether you’re looking […]