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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Nonfiction

Margaret Tudor: The Life of Henry VIII’s Sister

By Melanie Clegg - Published 2018

Genres:

None of the Tudor royal family has lacked attention from historians and novelists, but perhaps the one who has attracted the least coverage ...Read Review

Pirates and Privateers in the 18th Century: The Final Flourish

By Mike Rendell - Published 2018

Genres:

Nonfiction

Nobody speaks of the Golden Age of Slavery or of Witch Hunting or Heretic Burning, but the equally unpleasant practice of piracy and ...Read Review

The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

By Brad Meltzer - By Josh Mensch - Published 2019

Genres:

Nonfiction

Americans tend to think independence was our destiny, ordained by the size of the colonies and distance from Great Britain. Anyone familiar with ...Read Review

Behind the Throne: A Domestic History of the Royal Household

By Adrian Tinniswood (author) - Published 2018

Genres:

Nonfiction

This is an entertaining and well-researched account of the wide range of activities that need to be performed and provided to allow the ...Read Review

The Man Who Would Be Sherlock: The Real-Life Adventures of Arthur Conan Doyle

By Christopher Sandford - Published 2018

Genres:

Nonfiction

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote extensively about mysteries and detective work through his best-known sleuthing character, Sherlock Holmes. From the late 1800s through ...Read Review

Queen Victoria: Twenty-Four Days That Changed Her Life

By Lucy Worsley - Published 2019

Genres:

Nonfiction

Worsley’s book is a fine exploration of Queen Victoria’s life told in a digestible presentation of 24 events of significance (per the ...Read Review

Ungovernable: The Victorian Parent’s Guide to Raising Flawless Children

By Therese Oneill - Published 2019

Genres:

Nonfiction

This thoroughly researched book (the bibliography runs to eight pages) presents everything a Victorian woman needed to know about conceiving, bearing and raising ...Read Review