History: Actual, Fictional and Legendary discussion

The years 1919 to 1980 are of special interest to me (with focuses on the Spanish Civil War, the Second World War, Decolonization, the New Frontier, the Civil Rights Movement, and the transitional decade of the 1970s) because a multitude of significant events took place during those 61 years.

Mine are either the Roman Empire or the Middle Ages. I also love the Napoleonic wars.

Cold War and Maybe 16-17th century Asia.

I have a passion for the American Frontier of the 1800s do in no small part to hearing stories of my Irish/Cherokee family over several generations pioneering their way West from Virginia beginning in the late 1700s to finally settling in the Arizona Territory.
My other interest is feudal societies outside of Europe which was my focus in school.

For me it has to be seventeenth English and French history. So much happened during that period and it changed the way we live today, as well as producing such magnificent and significant characters as Charles 11 and Louis X1V. That is why my books are set during this time.

Janet wrote: "I have a passion for the American Frontier of the 1800s do in no small part to hearing stories of my Irish/Cherokee family over several generations pioneering their way West from Virginia beginning..."

Janet, you might enjoy my books Journey to an Untamed Land, and Look Unto the Fields which are set in 1820s Arkansas Territory (today Oklahoma) and involve the Cherokee Old Settlers.

Even though most of my writing has me stuck in 1840 - 1880's, I have always adored the Catastrophe years of 1300 - 1200 BCE. So many changes in the ancient world's warfare techniques that shaped the middle east into what it is today...but it's a pretty arcane time period. I wish there was also more about the Tumulus people. I wish like, Archeology magazine would do something about them... :)

Melina wrote: "What is your favorite time period to write/read about?

Mine is 1890-1920 with a particular interest in World War One."

Hi Melina,

I'm very interested in the beginning of the twentieth century, especially in Ireland. Do you have any favourite books about / referring to that period?

Julian Bell
Author of Whatever You Say, Say Nothing

I have always been interested in the Age of Sail and the British Navy during the Napoleonic wars, so say 1785 to 1815. read just about everything set in that time period in those circumstances.

Ancient Egypt- It mesmerizes me. I wrote a book last year, but would have to wait long before it is published as my publisher is doing four of mine already. Thinking of self publishing. I need help with it though.

Hands Down it is The American Civil War. So many inspiring and great people at the worst time in our countries history.

The world was changing in 1960 as the 50s ended. There was even a true crime case where a murderer was acquitted because he "truly" believed his victim was a ghost.

Read the story: http://bit.ly/1UbpaJm

Melina wrote: "What is your favorite time period to write/read about?

Mine is 1890-1920 with a particular interest in World War One."

A fascinating period in history. Glittering arts and literature. The aristocracy in Europe in a golden age. The western expansion beginning in the United States. A time of new vision in technology and science, dawn of the automobile and airplane. All ending in a cataclysmic World war.

That is an easy one for me. American Civil War period.

No unfortunately not. Right now I can't find the time.

I had earlier expressed my special interest in the time period 1919 to 1980. Here are a number of books that deal with what I regard as one of the most fascinating periods in world history.

1) The Lights that Failed: European International History 1919-1933 by Zara S. Steiner



2) The Triumph of the Dark: European International History, 1933-1939 by Zara S. Steiner



3) The Spanish Civil War by Hugh Thomas



4) Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell



5) Kingdom of Shadows by Alan Furst (novel set in prewar Europe, late 1930s)



6) Hitler's Black Victims: The Historical Experiences of Afro-Germans, European Blacks, Africans, and African Americans in the Nazi Era by Clarence Lusane



7) Armed Truce: The Beginnings of the Cold War 1945-46 by Hugh Thomas



8) 1946: The Making of the Modern World by Victor Sebestyen



9) Remembering America: A Voice from the Sixties by Richard N. Goodwin



10) At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years 1965-68 by Taylor Branch



11) The 1970s: A New Global History from Civil Rights to Economic Inequality by Thomas Borstelmann



12) Conflicting Missions: Havana, Washington, and Africa, 1959-1976 by Piero Gleijeses

My interest is in 1800s on the American Frontier. My passion for the historic West stems from the stories I heard growing up. My Irish/Cherokee family pioneered their way through Texas, New Mexico and Arizona as ranchers, miners and lawmen. Those stories inspired my novel, Desperate Straits.

I am fascinated by the Roman occupation of Britain and its effects on culture. There are so many parallels with what is happening around the world today. I am fascinated by the Druid past of Wales and enjoyed researching the spiritual teachings hidden in Druidry.
My debut novel has some excellent reviews on Amazon.
Where Rowans Intertwine

I love many time periods, but my favorite is probably the Roman Republic, as described by Colleen McCullough in her seven-novel series The First Men of Rome.

Yes, aside from Egypt, Rome comes next with me. Say, I had someone say they'd be a Beta reader for my historical fiction (ancient Egypt). Where are you?

As someone deeply interested in 20th Century world history - in particular the events that occurred between 1919 & 1980 - the recent Century Trilogy of novels by Ken Follett finely illustrates the flavor of those years.

1) Fall of Giants



2) Winter of the World



3) Edge of Eternity Deluxe

Melina wrote: "What is your favorite time period to write/read about?

My favorite time period is the Napoleonic Wars with a focus on the British Navy, 1785 - 1805

At the moment I am writing about Ancient Israel in the time of Abraham and Sarah - and loving it.
However, the next one in my head will be in 1880's Paris. For me it's about where I want my characters.
It's a good think I love research.

Whoops! Should have been THING

I love to read and write about the MIddle Ages, right now specifically the early Medieval period and the Carolingian Era. I am very interested in the relationship of the Christian Franks with the pagan Saxons, Danes, and Norse. The interplay of religion, culture, politics, military aggression, and identity during this turbulent time of change is fascinating!

My favourite historical time period is around CE 230 during the Roman occupation of Britain. I am fascinated by the response of the Celtic peoples to their masters, the Romans. My debut novel, 'Where Rowans Intertwine' is about the fortunes of a novice Druid priestess , ministering to her Celtic tribe during that period.
Having lived on Anglesey for 23 years it was easy to imagine living in that time period. More info on my website:
www.margaretgrantauthor.wordpress.com

Books set in the middle ages are definetly my favorites, specially those set during the 100years war. Otherwise, I also like those set during the 18th century, in France or England :)

I love to read about World War 1 and World War 2. I had family members in both of these wars so I guess there lies the interest.

Just read Natasa Pantovic Nuit A-Ma Alchemy of Love

A spiritual historical fiction set in China (Macau) at the Age of Enlightenment.

I just did the review and rated it 5 stars. What an interesting age!

Deep profound reading. Fallowing a very interesting story set in the 16th century of Alchemy, magic, Chinese I Jing. The dance of Yin and Yang, rational and intuitive is very obvious within the chapters of the book. A female dreamy approach to life versus a male, an energetic and scientific approach. Ama lives during the scientific revolution of Age of Reason, during the time when missionaries tried to convert Chinese to Christianity finding a rich, advanced, intriguing culture, and philosophical approach to Life and God that is amazingly different from our Western one.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Terri wrote: "I love to read about World War 1 and World War 2. I had family members in both of these wars so I guess there lies the interest."

I can fully relate, because I share the same deep interest in both World Wars. My maternal grandfather (who passed away in 1973 when I was in 3rd grade) had served as a Corporal in the U.S. Army in France in 1918. My father was an NCO (non-commissioned officer) in the U.S. Army during the Second World War, serving in Europe between 1944 and 1946 in Patton's Third Army. His 3 older brothers also served in the military (Army, Coast Guard, and Navy) during the War.

Right now, my favorite years are 1907 and 1863, but I'll soon be migrating to 1894 and the Moulin Rouge.

My favorite 1907 book is The Real All Americans, by Sally Jenkins. Great account of how the Carlisle Indians of the infamous Carlisle Indian School revolutionized football (with Pop Warner and Jim Thorpe).

Favorite 1863 book is Chancellorsville, by Stephen Sears. Fascinating in-depth account of the Union debacle at Chancellorsville weeks before the Yankees finally turned the tide at Gettysburg.

Favorite of 1894, Paris? For a great general history of France - a surprisingly young "nation" - Graham Robb's Discovery of France is an eyeopening read about France and what makes the French so French. Ah, and then there's Le Petomane. Google him for a chuckle.

Mario wrote: "Just read Natasa Pantovic Nuit A-Ma Alchemy of Love

A spiritual historical fiction set in China (Macau) at the Age of Enlightenment.

I just did the review and ..."
wow! I totally agree. What a fascinating book and subject! I will post my review too!

Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery set during the Age of Enlightenment. A novel about China, eastern philosophy, enlightenment, love, magic, Gods, Ama, Portuguese priests, the settlers of Macau (Macao) during the 16th and the 17th century...

A-Ma Alchemy of Love by Natasa Pantovic Nuit

my full review of this amazing novel; https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

thx and have a good day!

The Vikings! Particularly the Viking invasions of Britain (and Ireland). Also Norse/Scandinavian culture around that time.

I enjoy Celtic Britain and Feudal Japan too.

My favorite Viking story (not counting the original Norse myths) is Eaters of the Dead by Crichton: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7...

Since it touches on the real history I've always found it an enjoyable read and the movie is incredible as well.

I am writing about Ancient Israel at the time of Abraham and Sarah. I love it and am enjoying the research. BUT, I think my favorite period is 1800's Paris. Oh well, maybe the next book.

Irene wrote: "I am writing about Ancient Israel at the time of Abraham and Sarah. I love it and am enjoying the research. BUT, I think my favorite period is 1800's Paris. Oh well, maybe the next book."

++++++++++++++++++++
Speaking of 1800's Paris, I'd like to add as an aside

For the King by Catherine Delors

SUMMARY
"After First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte survives an assassination attempt, Chief Inspector Roch Miquel, a young man with a bright future and a beautiful mistress, must arrest the assassins before they strike again. But in a city with royalists and revolutionaries alike conspiring to overthrow Bonaparte, Roch's task is near impossible. And when his own father faces the guillotine, Roch has no choice but to trust those most likely to betray him."

Irene wrote: "I am writing about Ancient Israel at the time of Abraham and Sarah. I love it and am enjoying the research. BUT, I think my favorite period is 1800's Paris. Oh well, maybe the next book."

You might be interested in my Inspector Lefebvre mysteries, set in late 1800's Paris.

The Devil in Montmartre: A Mystery in Fin de Siècle
Paris

The Hanged Man: A Mystery in Fin de Siecle Paris

Thanks. I will check them out in about a year - after this book is finished.

Irene wrote: "Thanks. I will check them out in about a year - after this book is finished."

Thank you. It is an interesting time and place.

The Middle Ages for me, especially from about 1100 to 1500. I'm pretty much bored with all things French and English; the peripheries are where the good stuff lies. Brittany. The eastern Baltic. The empire Venice built. The wars with the Magyars, Bulgars, and then the Turks. The Sicilian Vespers. The Cathars. So many good stories!

Generally I'm more into British history or more precisely the war of the roses till the fall of the British empire because of how this tiny island nation became an empire and control 1/3 of the earth and also how interesting and amazing of the history of the royal family is like king Henry VIII wives, queen Mary and Elizabeth I, king George III and the Americas and the seven years war. It just amazes me


I love history and I would want to know more about it and not only just British history or European history, so I would like to asked about certain periods or event that has not been know or talked about

History with me is an echo in my blood and a calling that I almost hear. I look to the mid 16th century in England and the reign of Henry VIII. That time in history changed so much in the world by one mentally unstable monarch believing that he as a sovereign ruler was also the equal to the Divine Creator. How different our world might be today if one royal family, The Tudors of England, had not torn asunder the principles and doctrine of The Vatican in Rome. Through greed and sexual promiscuity, robbing the Catholic churches, cathedrals, schools, monasteries, and Abbey structures to nothing so that all the power, riches, and wealth were seized by the British monarchs with the advent of Protestantism, Henry VIII, his Catholic daughter Mary, Protestant Son Edward, and Protestant daughter Elizabeth changed the course of history for the entire world. Greed, sickness not only of the mind and body, but of the soul changed the course of Christianity in a tumultuous world which pitted family against family and tortured, killed, and arrested first one group, then the other, as loyalties switched and corrupted the aristocratic norm which would never exist again. This pivotal point in history changed the tone of religion and royalty, not just in England, but through the entire world as colonization reached out its hungry, devious claws to strip the earth of its bountiful resources, status quo, and the doctrine of Christianity would never recover, but be split from hence forward in every land, country, and monarchy. Sometimes to think back to these world-altering events is more than the mind and heart can perceive ... but perceive we must because there was no going back once the evil of Pandora's box spread to all colonization of the planet, creating chaos and war in its wake which still erupts across the globe and will continue. The players, dogma, and crusades may change, but the the result remains the same ... terrorism.

I think the 1860s and 1870s are ripe for alternate histories because there are infinite ways it could have plausibly turned out differently. The American Civil War alone is full of possibility. Turtledove's jumping off point of Lee's lost battle plans before Antietam is just one of them. Ewell takes Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg, Jackson doesn't die, Kentucky secedes, change the 1864 election-- any one of those produces a potential "south wins" (winning defined as successful independence) story setting. Add this to an era of significant technological change (some prompted by the war itself, especially in weapons and transportation), and toss in the various Prussian wars, the changes in Japan, a lot of the seeds for the 20th century were planted there. (Just imagine the entire 20th century if the nation of Germany never existed.)

So many (including me) like to read and write about this period because there are so many believable alternate worlds you can craft with just one minor chance it makes one think about how close we came to something totally different. And that's the fun of it!

In brief: I love Medieval European History from the fall of the Western Roman Empire to 1453, when The Ottoman Turks conquered the Eastern Roman Empire, heralding in the modern age to 2000 CE.
It's an exotic, strange, and exciting time era for me that is also deeply personal.
The Ottomans conquered my country, Bosnia, in 1463 and ruled it for 500 years.
I am descended from many European ethnic groups, not merely Slavs.
My family history and European history are deeply connected.

Hi, Marina! The Middle Ages east of the Rhine get too little attention here in the West. The whole of the Danube River valley, the brave states along the Adriatic, the rugged fortunes of the Baltic states, I love all that stuff. Incredibly romantic.

A part of the world I have not been to ... sounds delightful!

I finished An Echo of Murder by Anne Perry yesterday and now I would like to know about the Crimean War.

At the moment, English fiction written in and about the period between 1770 and 1820. Strangely, I enjoy both reading literature from the period, and modern literature that borrows heavily from novels of that period to structure its dialogue, which I am sure is no more representative of real life then than the snappy dialogue of Seinfeld or the Gimore Girls (apologies for bringing television onto the forum) is of our dialogue today.

Just love that crushing, oppressive social etiquette that simply doesn't allow anything to be expressed in a straightforward manner.

In a concise and short answer, the Victorian era.