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Discussion: Best 14th Century Novels
posts: 5 views: 294 last post: 10 years ago
created by: Ned Hayes Writing
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I'm looking for good books set in the 14th century?

I'm specifically looking for books set in England.

Any suggestions?

(I've written one set in that era, and I'm working on another... and I'd like to compare the treatment of nobility, culture, etc.)
I just finished Tangwystl, which was almost very good, except for a couple of things which I explained here: http://redthaws.booklikes.com/post/1042822/except-for-a-couple-of-distracting-and-pervasive-faults-foibles-or-idiosyncrasies

But the culture and the politics seemed true, and I read it in a day. Wales in 1399.

King Richard made an appearance, but it was mostly about the relationships between the liege lords and the villeins.
Four books that I am considering purchasing, but have not yet read, come to mind. I mention them in order that you may check the reviews of others, as I have done, to see if they might be of interest to you . These are four historical novels by Bernard Cornwell from his Grail Quest series. This series follows the peripatetic adventures of the archer, Thomas of Hookton. They cover an important segment of the Hundred Years War from the Battle of Crecy through the Battle of Poitiers (roughly 1346 to 1356)--all against the backdrop of the quest for the Holy Grail, and the devastation wrought by the Black Death. With that said, much of the action takes place in France rather than England, but they are told from the perspective of Englishmen. Having read many of his books, he often does an excellent job.
I wish that we could link books here, but I'll have to settle for listing them. Some 14th century stuff that's been recommended to me but I haven't yet read:
Katherine by Anya Seton
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell (love his Saxon series, I assume this is as good)

Some that I have read (roughly ordered):
A Burnable Book by Bruce Holsinger
Folville's Law by David Pilling
Traitor's Wife & Hugh and Bess by Susan Higginbotham
Triple Knot by Emma Campion
I Serve by Rozanne Lortz
Thanks for the good ideas!

I love Karen Maitland's work as well -- "Owl Killers" and "Company of Liars" in particular.
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