historical novel

noun

1. a novel within the genre of historical fiction.

Word History and Origins

Origin of historical novel¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

“Roots” premiered on ABC in January 1977, just a few months after Alex Haley published the historical novel upon which it was based -- a phenomenon on the back of a phenomenon.

From Los Angeles Times

The 10-episode adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 historical novel told the book’s story from beginning to end.

From Los Angeles Times

And “Shōgun,” which told the complete story of James Clavell’s 1975 historical novel, will be competing in the drama categories because it will be going off book and returning for a couple more seasons.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not all darkness, though: We also recommend a biography of the groundbreaking Chinese cooking star Fu Pei-mei, a prismatic portrait of five Black ballerinas from the 1960s and ’70s, and Cristina Henriquez’s historical novel set during the construction of the Panama Canal.

From New York Times

Which brings us to the curious case of “Shōgun,” FX’s 10-episode adaptation of James Clavell’s 1975 historical novel following a fictionalized 17th-century Japanese leader, the cunning and revered Lord Yoshii Toranaga.

From Los Angeles Times