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.

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones (set in 1346)

Neither did I. I used to enjoy Jean Plaidy back in the day but I'd forgotten about her. I'm also now reminded of King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett, which is superb. We studied Shakespeare's MacBeth in school and I really enjoyed it. A relative mentioned this to an acquaintance who happened to be a teacher and she told the relative to recommend to me I read King Hereafter - it's the story of the real MacBeth from boyhood into adulthood, paints a different picture of him as a villain and is superb. I might get it to re-read it actually thanks to this thread

Rosemary Sutcliffe. Some around the romans but not all. I enjoyed them and as far as I know they were well researched and good for accuracy. Of course a historian may tell me otherwise!

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)

Read the Penguin Tiina Nunnally translation, the 1920s version by Charles Archer and J. S. Scott is a bit ye olde worlde. Absolutely fabulous.

Another book set around the same time in the UK is Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. There are lots of errors in her history (and indeed her depiction of a modern Oxford) but this is a very atmospheric read about a time travelling historian who goes back to 1348 Oxfordshire.

Within the Fetterlock by Brian Wainright is another good read. It’s about Constance of York, cousin of Richard II.

Zoe Oldenburg's The World is not Enough and its sequel The Cornerstone follow the life of a woman in 12th century France. Wonderful books.

Another vote for Cadfael/Ellis Peters, and she also wrote historical fiction as Edith Pargeter. There are also a lot of Ellis Peters crime novels set in the 20th century, which are good, but not necessarily what you're looking for!

I have nothing useful to contribute but this has been an excellent thread, thanks for starting it. Although it's going to cost me a fortune.

So many wonderful books mentioned on here, many of which I have read and reread.

I did struggle with Kristin Lavransdatter which is unusual for me given the timeframe. I really didn’t like any of the characters and found the language a little dated. The overwhelming Christianity theme wasn’t for me either.

Sharon Penman is my favourite author on these times

I love Ken Follett and it ticks all your boxes. He does get sneered at because it's not literary fiction but as a taster for historical fiction it's great. Don't watch the tv series though, it was awful.
I also loved his later series about the 20th century.