I would like to read books about the Middle Ages, or earlier

[floorchid]

This is a very new interest so I'm not entirely sure what I'm asking. I think early Middle Ages first because chronological learning appeals to me - just after the Roman's left perhaps? And then I can go on with anything up to the Norman conquest? But perhaps onwards too?

I'm interested in realistic historical fiction, easy-to-read nonfiction, or biographies. Nothing too dry or hardgoing. I'm just dipping my toe.

But actually, maybe I also want to know about the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. They were before the Romans, weren't they?

And I want to read about the monarchy too.

I think my question is, where do I start?

What have you read that you would recommend?

Thank you.

I’d avoid Ken Follett like the plague. I like my historical fiction but Pillars of the Earth made my eyes bleed - his portrayal of medieval life doesn’t compare to anything else I’ve read. And yes I know, it’s fiction so the author has some license, but his version just doesn’t ring true. Too many sex scenes that add nothing to the whole as well (and I’m no prude).

Pillars of the Earth is my favorite book ever. Read everything by Ken Follet but start here.

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishigiru is one of the best books I've ever read. It's beautiful.

You should definitely try and go to Lindisfarne (AKA the Holy Isle). I've been twice. It's a lovely place. It's in Northumberland, also a lovely area. You can only drive in at certain times of the day via a causeway which goes under water when the tide is in. The tide times are published each day. There is a large car park on the left as you reach the main area (chargeable but not a fortune). Walk down the road and there's people selling local produce, a little hotel, nice little local shops, a beautiful coastal walk, an old Church and graveyard, visitor centre and more. Not far away is the delightful village of Bamburgh, lovely little hotels and shops (and a famous, imposing castle which has been used in many modern films including the most recent Indiana Jones film). Bamburgh is also where Grace Darling was born (and is buried in a prominent grave). Grace was a lighthouse keeper's daughter who famously saved a ship and its passengers from being shipwrecked. She died not long afterwards aged in her 20s from TB. In short, if you can go, yes, if you're interested in ancient history, I think you'd maybe like Lindisfarne

Shadow of the Crown by Patricia Bracewell is good Anglo Saxon historical fiction, there's a trilogy.

Bernard Cornwell too.

Karen Maitland has written some great books set in the 14th century in Britain
Company of Liars https://g.co/kgs/woqVNWF

Rosemary Sutcliffe and Henry Treece for Romans, Vikings, Bronze Age I read as a teenager/kid but not sure how they will have dated.

There's a series of non fiction books called The Time Travellers Guide to... which I recommend on day to day life in different historical periods. I'm more interested in that side of things than the monarchy personally, but for royal history you can't beat the genius that is Hilary Mantel.

I'm sure I'll think of others!

Some of my favourite reads are:

The White Ship - Charles Spencer (about the loss of Henry I’s heir in the sinking of the White Ship and the impact of that). Really like his style of writing and also liked Killers of the King although it’s a far later period of time (Charles I execution and what happened to the regicides after).

Katherine - Anya Seton (about John of Gaunt’s mistress and later wife Katherine Swynford).

Any of Sharon Penman’s novels.

Thanks for this thread, I'll be referring back for reading inspiration!

Oh and The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer. I don't know if there's a modern translation - assume there must be, although it's easy enough to get to grips with the language.

Neither did I.

Another vote for The Pillars of the Earth. So easy to read and unputdownable.

Company of Liars was an excellent read as was The Owl Killers. I wasn’t so keen on her others - a bit surreal or something.

Another vote for Cadfael.

Rosemary Sutcliffe has aged exceptionally well. Her Dolphin Ring saga runs from the end of Roman Britain forwards in time.

@Copperas You are the first person I’ve ever found who has also read these! I love them!

Oh, I love this thread, many books I have read and lots more I didn't know about!

My contribution:

The Girl who would be Queen by Jane Ann McLachlan.
It's book1 in the Kingdom of Naples series set in the 14th Century. I found it an easy read, no prior knowledge required, however a bit of research as you read along is always a good for better understanding and separating fact from fiction (= has the author done their homework?)

If you want to read original Middle English I would suggest starting with a good annotated edition (such as this blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Malory-by-Thomas-Malory-Eugne-Vinaver/9780192812179 ) of Le Morte d’Arthur by Malory. It’s not hard to understand as it’s late Middle English (so less challenging than Chaucer in the original) and so enjoyable. In fact quite hilarious in parts but also romantic
(edited to redo broken link)

It's maybe more historical fantasy than historical fiction but I really enjoyed Mary Stewart's Merlin/Arthurian saga, starting with The Crystal Cave which begins just after the Romans have left Britain

Conn Iggulden is a great author for this genre. He has many series of books, not what you’re interested in, but I loved his Golden Horde series. But he has a wide range and I have just started his Dunstan series. I love his writing style. And reading his historical fiction has led me to study the history of the period he writes about.

I'm new to this topic too but have enjoyed reading Femina, about medieval women. There is a Guardian review of it here:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/books/2022/jul/20/femina-janina-ramirez-review

There are some great suggestions here, I'd definitely recommend Rosemary Sutcliff and Henry Treece too. Also, one of my favourite history books is Lord of the Forest by B.B. It's a wonderful tale of a huge oak, tracing it's growth from a tiny acorn to a gigantic, old tree over hundreds or years and the history that it saw, from the middle ages up until WW1. It is a children's book, but it's very well written and very enjoyable.
Also, Children of the New Forest by Captain Marryat and Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall.
One novel that stands out in my mind is Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undsett. It's set in medieval Norway but is a really good read. I need to read the other two in the trilogy now!
(Edited for spelling)

Ah I read Kristin Lavransdatter as a teenager too. Remember nothing about it at all apart from that I liked it, so I should re read!

Good to know Rosemary Sutcliffe has aged well, I have a 9 year old I think will enjoy them if I can pry him away from the bloody wimpy kid.

Another vote for Unruly by David Mitchell. Brilliant

Cathedral - Ben Hopkins

Set around a cathedral building site in a fictitious German town starting in 1230. It’s told from the pov of different characters

Fascinating thread. Thanks for starting it OP. It's later ( the wars of the roses) on but I'm about to read The Hollow Crown by Dan Jones. Lots of people have recommended it to me.

Thank you for this fabulous thread. It's reminded me of many long forgotten favourites and spurred me on to try some new reads. I need more hours in a day!

This thread has cost me so much money 😂 Worth every penny thus far though!

I loved this.