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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Nautical

The Witch from the Sea

By Lisa Jensen - Published 2001

Genres:

In 1823, half-Indian Victoria “Tory” MacKenzie flees an unpromising future in Boston by disguising herself as a male and stowing away on a ship. ...Read Review

The Buccaneers

By Iain Lawrence - Published 2001

Genres:

Adventure Children/Young Adult Nautical

Bound for the West Indies, John Spencer sets sail aboard the Dragon in 1803. The day he sights a lifeboat with one passenger in ...Read Review

The Sweet Trade

By Elizabeth Garrett - Published 2001

Genres:

Adventure Nautical

This book fictionalizes the short and colorful careers of the two best-known female pirates ever to sail together, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, ...Read Review

The Captain’s Wife

By Douglas Kelley - Published 2001

Genres:

Adventure Biographical Fiction Nautical

In the summer of 1856 Mary Patten and her husband, Captain Joshua Patten, begin what would become an incredible voyage aboard the clipper ship ...Read Review

Captain Kilburnie

By William P. Mack - Published 2001

Genres:

Adventure Military Nautical

Fergus Kilburnie is an unlikely candidate for officer rank in the Royal Navy of the time of the French Revolution. A Scottish farm ...Read Review

Fire On The Waters: A Novel War of the Civil War at Sea

By David Poyer - Published 2001

Genres:

Military Nautical

Fans of contemporary naval fiction are undoubtedly familiar with David Poyer. His The Med, The Gulf, Tomahawk, and others follow the careers and ...Read Review