historical novel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, neutral, literary-critical
Quick answer
What does “historical novel” mean?
A novel set in a past historical period, in which the plot and characters are shaped by the events, customs, and conditions of that time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A novel set in a past historical period, in which the plot and characters are shaped by the events, customs, and conditions of that time.
A literary genre that blends factual historical research with fictional narrative, aiming to recreate a past era with authenticity while telling an engaging story. The events may involve real historical figures or be set against the backdrop of significant historical events with fictional protagonists.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The genre label is identical. Minor spelling variations may appear in related texts (e.g., 'centre of the novel' vs. 'center of the novel').
Connotations
Identical core connotations. In academic contexts, both regions use the term precisely to denote the genre.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties within literary, educational, and general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “historical novel” in a Sentence
[Author] wrote a historical novel about [event/period].The historical novel is set in [time/place].[Book Title] is considered a classic historical novel.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “historical novel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She aims to historical novelise the Tudor period.
- He is historical novelising the events of 1066.
American English
- She aims to historical novelize the Civil War era.
- He is historical novelizing the Gold Rush.
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard derivation. No common adverb form.]
American English
- [Not a standard derivation. No common adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- Her historical-novel approach to writing is meticulous.
- It had a dense, historical-novel quality.
American English
- His historical-novel style is very popular.
- The film had a sweeping, historical-novel feel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in publishing and bookselling contexts to categorize and market books.
Academic
Frequently used in literary criticism, history departments, and genre studies courses.
Everyday
Common in discussions about books, reading preferences, and film/TV adaptations.
Technical
A precise genre classification in library science, publishing, and literary taxonomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “historical novel”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “historical novel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “historical novel”
- Incorrect: 'an historic novel' (using 'an' before the aspirated /h/ is archaic and rare in modern speech). Correct: 'a historical novel'.
- Confusing 'historical novel' (set in the past) with 'historic novel' (a novel that is itself historically significant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A history book is non-fiction, presenting researched facts and analysis. A historical novel is fiction; it uses a historical setting to tell a story, blending fact with invented characters and plots.
No. While many feature real historical figures, others use entirely fictional characters living through real historical events or in a meticulously recreated past society.
There's no fixed rule. Generally, it's set in a period before the author's own living memory, often at least 50+ years ago. Novels set in the recent past (e.g., the 1990s) are often just called 'period fiction' or 'recent past fiction'.
Typically, no. The inclusion of magic or supernatural elements as real within the story's world would move it into the genre of 'historical fantasy'. A pure historical novel aims for a realistic portrayal of its period.
A novel set in a past historical period, in which the plot and characters are shaped by the events, customs, and conditions of that time.
Historical novel is usually formal, neutral, literary-critical in register.
Historical novel: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˌstɒr.ɪ.kəl ˈnɒv.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˌstɔːr.ɪ.kəl ˈnɑː.vəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not directly applicable as it's a genre term. No common idioms incorporate it.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a NOVEL (book) with a HISTORY lesson woven into its story: a HISTORICAL NOVEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MACHINE FOR TIME TRAVEL (it transports the reader to a different era).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of a historical novel?