About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
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Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
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James Runcie

The Great Passion

By James Runcie - Published 2022

Genres:

For anyone who loves the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, this novel about his composition of the St Matthew Passion for Good Friday, 1727, ...Read Review

The Road to Grantchester

By James Runcie - Published 2019

Genres:

England, 1938. Eighteen-year-old Sidney Chambers’ life is filled with “study, friendship, peace and parties,” but that changes when WWII begins and Sidney and his ...Read Review

Sidney Chambers and the Dangers of Temptation: The Grantchester Mysteries

By James Runcie - Published 2016

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Fans of the Grantchester Mysteries will love the fifth installment, which is set again in the little Cambridgeshire village. In the six stories ...Read Review

Sidney Chambers and the Forgiveness of Sins

By James Runcie - Published 2014 Published 2015

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This is a collection of six short stories, closely adjacent in time, which is the fourth installment in the Grantchester Mysteries, starring the ...Read Review

Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil

By James Runcie - Published 2014

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Charming Canon Sidney Chambers returns in his third outing as the priest who dabbles in detecting. Now a married man, he must juggle ...Read Review

Sidney Chambers and the Perils of Night

By James Runcie - Published 2013

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This is the second in a series set in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Grantchester, England, featuring Canon Sidney Chambers. Kudos ...Read Review

Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death

By James Runcie - Published 2012

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The Shadow of Death, despite its ominous title, is first in a series of interconnected, gentle mysteries set in 1953, and featuring the humane ...Read Review