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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Gilded Age

The Sergeant’s Lady

By Miles Hood Swarthout - Published 2003

Genres:

This Western is set in the waning days of the wars against the Apaches in Arizona Territory. Cavalry Sgt. Swing’s detail is ...Read Review

Sweetbitter

By Reginald Gibbons - Published 2003

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

Originally published in 1994 and brought back into print as part of the Voices of the South series, Reginald Gibbons’ heart-rending story of forbidden ...Read Review

A Greater Glory

By James Scott Bell - Published 2003

Genres:

Inspirational

Kit Shannon returns in a new series, The Trials of Kit Shannon, which is highly recommended for fans of the Shannon Saga (City ...Read Review

The Newsboy’s Lodging House

By Jon Boorstin - Published 2003

Genres:

Biographical Fiction Mystery/Crime

This novel fictionalizes what might have happened during philosopher William James’s “missing months.” In his early thirties, suicidal, overwhelmed by the problem ...Read Review

The Third Corner

By J. L. Abbott - Published 2002

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In the years during and following the American Civil War, a secret government agency called Dark Watch protected the nation’s interests. In 1871, ...Read Review

Death of Riley

By Rhys Bowen - Published 2002

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

The second installment of Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy mysteries finds the feisty young Irish immigrant dealing with the discovery of boyfriend Daniel’...Read Review

The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque

By Jeffrey Ford - Published 2002

Genres:

Literary

Imagine being commissioned to paint a portrait without being allowed to see the subject. This is the irresistible challenge facing Piambo, a renowned ...Read Review

Gramercy Park

By Paula Cohen - Published 2002

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Romance

An intriguing, memorable debut, this historical novel offers numerous puzzles, startling revelations, and a rich cast of characters. Cohen depicts the social and ...Read Review