MY TOP 25 HISTORICAL NOVELS OF ALL TIME

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

check out my top ten novels of all time video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqCqiI2YqtZ9jpY

[@arjunpaudel709]

27.Cold mountain 26. All the light we cannot see 25. Bernard cornwell 24. The guardship - james L. 23. Dissolution 22. Emperor at the gates of Rome - conn Iggulden 21. Patrick - O'Brian 20. Neal stephenson - confusion , quick silver , system of the world 19. Zane grey - riders of the purple sage 18. Russka - edward rutherfurd 17. Borderlords 16. Roma - steven saylor 15. Louis lamour - the californios 14. The last kingdom - bernard cornwell 13. Ken follett - Fall of giants 12. The bastard - john jakes 11. Birds of prey - wilbur smith 10. Sharpe's tiger - bernard cornwell 9. The killer angels - michael shaara 8. Dragon fly in amber - diana gabaldon 7. The winds of war 6. The first man in rome - colleen M. Cullough 5. North and south - john jakes 4. Alaska - james A. Michener 3. Shogun - james clavell 2. Pillars of the earth - ken follett 1. Lonesome dove - larry Mc murtry

[@ericblair54]

The 1956 Pulitzer Prize winning Civil War novel "Andersonville" by MacKinlay Kantor about a concentration camp-like prison by The South.

[@Br1cht]

The Iggulden books have very little to do with history though, he writes fantasy in a historical setting but there’s no historical knowledge to find there.

[@jasonjb.3358]

Man, I was looking for (unbiased -emphasis on that-) historical fiction recommendations to read with my spouse and I quickly ignored all and went with you because of your picture of the video. Not only is the sword and pistol awesome but it was the Raiders attire that got me. Huge fellow Raiders fan here! And I have to tell you, I’m now a fan of yours as well. I loved listening to you. Your enthusiasm is so charming. If you had a podcast I would listen. I think you should.

[@therealbroga]

This a truly wonderful list, but I was SHOCKED that Horatio Hornblower missed the cut! There's also some very good classics in the genre that still hold up today, such as The Three Musketeers and I, Claudius.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I have not read Horatio Hornblower so I could not include it. THREE musketeers made my top 10 Classic Novels list tho

[@therealbroga]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS I think you would greatly enjoy the Hornblower series.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Hornblower is amazing. And if you like the early Honor Harrington books, she is basically an expy of Horatio Hornblower.

[@joepingue2120]

Excellent, Brian. Thanks so much.

[@joepingue2120]

Although I’m a little surprised that you left out Gary Corby who wrote the novels of Ancient Greece starting with Pericles. Actually crime novels with two young sleuths in old Athens and other places in the Aegean and Ionia.

[@jay75.61]

awesome list.. I'm halfway through Pillars. it's incredible. Looking forward to checking out some more on your list.

[@ParthapratimsChannel]

These recs are gems, all of them

[@TMullins123]

I too visited Gettysburg after reading Killer Angels and the tour guide was impressed about how much I knew about the battle, spent 3 days there because of this book. The fact that you chose Patrick O'Brian really warmed my heart. Great list.

[@ParthapratimsChannel]

Man! Guy! Thank u! I loved master & commander movie. Didn't know theres this 20 book saga. Digging it

[@robertpatenaude]

Great list! Shogun and Pillars are also in my top 5. Never read Lonesome Dove or the Stand. Will have to get on that!

[@dunkace]

Had to come back to this video to comment. I have now finished the whole Lonesome Dove Saga, and I can't recommend it enough. What an adventure and such great characters who you really become attatched to.

[@RogueReplicant]

"Aztec" by American Gary Jennings is a superbly researched masterpiece that you will never forget.

[@earhear]

Raptor and the Azteca Trilogy are some of my favourite books. Some of the few books that I've actually re-read.

[@RogueReplicant]

@@earhear By the same author, The Journeyer is another historical masterpiece depicting the life and travels of Marco Polo.

[@jayspeijer614]

Great list Brian! I'd like to give a shout out for Aztec by Gary Jennings. Gripping story set in early Central America during the conquest of the Spaniards.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I have that book in my collection just have not read it yet

[@MyBookHauledLife-Essie]

I happened across Cornwell's Sharpe's series and plan to read the first 5 books in 2025. So, when you said it was your favorite series by Cornwell, I was thrilled!

[@lucretious7]

Did you consider A Tale of Two Cities? Published in 1859 about events taking place in the 1780s. Would you say that qualifies it, not necessarily for your list, but as a historical novel?

[@mruganksanghvi7821]

Just loved your list. Some of my favourite authors/books are mentioned here, and I intend to read as many of the this list as I haven't yet, starting with Aztec and China. Conn Iggulden is one of my all time favourites (along with George McDonald Fraser). Just surprised you didn't mention his Genghis Khan series, which is my favourite of his.

[@txmatt2112]

The more the merrier! Plus it helps us viewers discover more books!

[@NekitGallus]

I am really, very surprised that "The Name of the Rose", by Umberto Eco, isn't in your list. However, thank you for sharing it !

[@shawnn7502]

Some obviously all time great books here. I was surprised though that there was no Steven Pressfield on your list. He has around 3 or 4 great historical novels with his "Gates of Fire" about the Battle of Thermopylae being one of my all time favorite books.

[@artandbooks5850]

What a great list! Thanks so much for doing this. Your channel is fantastic!

[@scottjo63]

I commend your recommendations, especially The First Man Of Rome by Colleen McCullough. I, myself never read it the old fashioned way, however, I got the lucky chance to listen to an unabridged version on cassette tape years ago and it was read superbly by David Ogden Stiers. Stiers played Major Windchester on the TV show, M*A*S*H and BOYYY can he read. Superb is not a big enough word. Probably another hard to find audio now, but another goldmine find!!

[@DarthVenamis]

Love the energy as always Brian. Keep up the good content 👏

[@DebbieHeim-fv6yx]

I agree with all of your picks!, thanks!🎉😊

[@szaggasd]

Robert Graves The golden fleece, I Claudius, Claudius the God, Maurice Druon, The accursed kings

[@markelliott9737]

Oddly enough seconds after you mentioned Sean Bean and Sharpe KZbin decided to cut to an advert which was voiced over by Sean Bean! But the UK TV series was brilliant (although IIRC it was ITV not BBC that did it)

[@MichaelRomeoTalksBooks]

Excellent list. Some of my all time favorites are represented. And there are others in furiously Adding to my tbr.

[@Akhhhhh6]

I LOVE YOUR REVIEWS AND VIDEOS KEEP GOING❤

[@mattjazzml]

Have you read Wolf Hall? Quite an extraordinary book.

[@mruganksanghvi7821]

Truly a masterpiece. Brings Tudor England and Thomas Cromwell to life

[@williamramskill5488]

I'd love to see a list of your top pirate books Brian

[@moirad3504]

I just started Treason's Harbour by Patrick O'Brian. I've got The Pillars of the Earth by Follett that is just waiting for the mood to read it to strike me. The news that there is a new Sharpe book coming out has made me so happy. Hornblower is probably my favorite historical series as its what got me into it, and I've read through it a few times.

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

You definitely need to read pillars of the earth it's so great along with the world without end I just recently read the prequel book the evening and the morning it was so good

[@moirad3504]

@@cynthiaholmes5124 I got my father of The Evening and the Morning for Father's Day he just finished it and loved it

[@peterpuleo2904]

Try George MacDonald Fraser's "Flashman" novels.

[@goatman3358]

Love your top tens :D

[@spencerott2481]

Tears almost came to my eyes when lonesome dove was your number 1, that book changed my life.

[@flashgordon6510]

Damn, I gotta read that one! I've seen it on every top list.

[@makalu877]

Reading Lonesome Dove, just bought it today. Have read Shogun, Pillars, Quicksilver, The Confusion. I like your lists, and your excitement about your books and authors. Pillars is a book I could not put down.

[@donaldmartineau8176]

DANG I thought I read a lot! You are a reading BEAST! Try Thomas Cahill's Hinges of History series. Non-fiction.6 books & maybe a 7th soon. GREAT stuff. I'll be 70 this year and you encourage me to live a long. healthy.happy reading life!!! Solzenitsyn's Gulag series also a MUST read. Great video.

[@peterpuleo2904]

"Gulag Archipelago" is nonfiction though.

[@jessed7386]

man b.lee.d i dig all your reviews its the books that you talk about that isnt main stream, and interduce me to some books never heard of. theres just too much material though the years to sift from. some of them are gems that i read and would never have known if not for you

[@etluxaeterna]

never cried more than I did reading the last arc of Lonesome Dove. top 10 greatest books ever written of all time!!!!!

[@spencerott2481]

It is a four part series…

[@KAZHE63]

Amazing list! I’ve added so many to my TBR- thank you!!

[@trishbirchard1270]

I love your book reviews. You would definitely have been one of our favorite customers at the olde Paoli Book Exchange. ( Sadly, gone now.)

[@ellengoodwin9452]

I like your lists. You do a great job giving a bit about each one and I'm grateful for your work here!

[@tommonk7651]

So glad to see Shogun high up on your list. I think that is the best historical novel I've read so far. I also love Iggulden's Wars of the Roses series, and O'Brien's Master and Commander series is fantastic....

[@kenward1310]

I love your videos. Always interesting. You've grown my TBR list, that's for sure. Was hoping to see Hornblower make your top historical list, but maybe next time.

[@tysonkampenhout7451]

Wonderful list, thank you! I've read about 75% of the books on your list and wholeheartedly agree with your list in regards to those I've read. My #1 & # 2 series - and it's not even close - are #1 The Religion, and The Twelve Children of Paris by Tim Willocks. These two books are about the Siege of Malta & the St. Bartholomew day massacre in Paris in the late 1500's. Shocking, surprising, bloody and BEAUTIFULLY written characters, Tim Willocks is a wordsmith. Couldn't more highly recommend. And #2 on my list was The Skystone (Camulod Chronicles) by Jack Whyte. History of Britain in the 5th century and the imagining of the historical basis for Arthur/Camelot. 9 books in the series, historical basis for very good story telling and what the end of the Roman empire era and what that meant for the world. Beautiful, fascinating, interesting books.

[@GlitterPoolParty]

Really enjoyed your list. I've read your top 3 multiple times over my life of limited reading. Subscribing and stalking as I restock my library....

[@123faraway]

I just ordered Cold Mountain and All the Light we Cannot See on Amazon cause the bookstore don't have it. My hubby loves World War, action and Historical books. Thanks for the recommendations!!!!

[@peterpuleo2904]

Your personal collection looks impressive in the background. I have about a 75 book TBR backlog right now (fiction and nonfiction). How about you?

[@saifonlawrence2044]

Great choices...try some Pauline Gedge for your ancient Egypt fix !

[@reidcardwell]

Great video! I'm new to the historical fiction genre, surprised there's no Steven Pressfield in your list. I did create a new list from your video before I head to my local used bookstore. Subscribed while I was at it, thanks!

[@safinan8008]

Wow 😮 u have a lots books!! 📖🎬📽

[@ParthapratimsChannel]

Make a top 10 video and add 250 honorable mentions with it. That would be good with no problems.

[@DutchMcGinnis]

Great video. I have a suggestion that may be too hefty of a read for you and for many.. 52 volume Southern Historical Society Papers. I am halfway through them.

[@JoelAdamson]

Miniseries based on John Jakes books were a huge part of my childhood.

[@MrK.A]

Love your top tens bro. Would love to see a top ten magical realism and literary novels.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

except for i don't even know what magical realism is

[@MrK.A]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS Ah, I see. Yeah, it's a pretty small sub genre. Similar to fantasy. The Master and Margarita by mikhail bulgakov, The Wind-up bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami and One Hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez are decent examples of magical realism.

[@etluxaeterna]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS no one knows what it is. Most agents/editors disagree on what the hell it even is. Some say it refers STRICTLY to latin american writers, others say it's an open field etc etc...more like a minefield *rimshot*

[@MrK.A]

@@etluxaeterna well I'd have to disagree that no one knows what it is. I mean i write fiction in this genre and have recently queried literary agents who have requested magical realism novels on their website. Agents have to categorize work in order to sell it. MR is just not that popular.

[@astridgarcia888]

Thank you Sir !

[@arekkrolak6320]

First time I see someone on YT mentioning Michener. I will certainly look for Alasca, havent read that one yet. My favourite so far is The Source.

[@fehner27]

I just finished my first book from Zane Grey, Betty Zane. It was so good. I have Riders of the Purple Sage on deck, also reading Louis L’amour currently

[@joepingue2120]

What about Robert Harris’ books regarding Cicero?

[@BroncosNation07]

Thank you for the book recommendations. I was curious to see if you had city of Thieves on your list, I do drive for a living now so I listen to books on audio tapes. I thought it was absolutely amazing, I'm going to give your number one book The Stand a try!!!!

[@markbaker737]

Glad Shogun made the cut. My all tme favourite. Starting to read the rest in the series now.

[@DanielGFreeman]

Love It! I was pleased to see that several of the titles I have been collecting are on your list! Your reviews and recommendations haven't failed me yet. Thank you so much for your content as it has helped to make me a more versatile and balanced reader, and I enjoy reading even more because of it!

[@peterpuleo2904]

I have four teenage grandsons, typical for their ages these days. They all do very well in school, but none has developed an interest in reading outside of school assignments. Which books or authors would you recommend that might motivate interest in reading for them? (The classics I first read such as H. G Wells, or Robert L. Stevenson will not suffice, I think). Thank you for your advice.

[@mauriciomontes3825]

Thanks for the video. Hope you are doing well. Have you read any of Mika Waltari's books? I recommend Sinuhe the egypcian.

[@mruganksanghvi7821]

The Egyptian is outstanding. On the same subject, check out Allen Drury's A God Against the Gods and Return to Thebes

[@DuaneJasper]

You are on fire here! Hope you're healing up OK

[@RobGordon]

The movies for "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance" can be watched for free here on KZbin, and they are both great.

[@brianmelendy1194]

I am currently reading Louis L'amour for the first time. "The Californios". Thank you for introducing him to me.

[@decox911]

A great list and I generally agree with your choices, although I haven't yet read several of them. A few for your consideration: Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and Deep River by Karl Marlantes.

[@sandraelder1101]

Have any of you read Shiloh, Killer Angels, or Ben Hur? Worth reading?

[@bms2001]

I highly recommend Sharon Kay Penman's novels. Many of them are based around the Plantagenet dynasty, and all of them are fantastic

[@user-kp1py1ob3y]

Good list. I'm in almost complete agreement with your choices. Just this list of book series' could provide years of reading the absolute best stuff. I feel you missed one, though. Robert Harris, Imperium, and the two that follow in the series, are deserving of this list. My choices would be Shogun, Lonesome Dove, Grapes Of Wrath, Imperium .... hmmm... I see this is harder than it looks. No one will be disappointed by Robert Harris, and Bernard Cornwell is a gift to all readers. Thanks for your efforts. The books should be celebrated.

[@scottscooterburg222]

Hey Brian, Love your videos. My book lists are so long I’m not sure when I’ll get to your novels, but I do plan on reading them eventually. Hopefully next year. My college roommate, & friend for 3 decades, made a 2022 New Year’s resolution to watch every Academy Award winning movie since they began in 1929. That inspired me to choose two novels per month from each decade per spanning the 1920s to 2020s. I’m a bit behind because I never read as much in December as I plan to, and I finished those books first. I have decided to include more classics on my list. I have been wanting & planning to read Shogun for years. June is my 1970s month, and I was debating between Winds of War & Shogun, so I decided on Shogun (1975) & Sophie’s Choice (1979). I can’t wait!! Also, I know you read a lot and I was wondering if you have read the Shaara series on the Civil War? Very good series-excellent historical fiction actually! Great channel, & your videos lead me to new authors- including you- and inspire me to read even more than I do. Thank You! -Scott.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I read and reviewed The Killer Angels from Gettysburg. You can watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKaboIZ_m9ujf6M

[@flashgordon6510]

I miss having time to read. The sad thing is, I'm a book editor, but I don't have much time to read outside of work. Also wanted to add Aztec by Gary Jennings should be on this list.

[@TexasMan77]

How about Gone with the wind, have you read it? Love your list, haven’t read most of those but plan to.

[@jseibert8]

Glaring omission - Undaunted Courage by Stephen E Ambrose

[@Live_your_Dreams_Everyday]

Good list. I highly recommend the Flashman Series of novels if you have any interest in British Empire history

[@Uppernorwood976]

The Flashman Papers are like a treasure trove of genius I can’t believe I spent most my life missing out on

[@mruganksanghvi7821]

Agree. The Flashman series, I Claudius, and the Genghis Khan series by Conn Iggulden are the best historical fiction I have read so far. George McDonald Fraser is one of the very best

[@DuckRon626]

I've loved Louis L'Amour for years. My favorite description of his writing is when he writes about a horseman riding through a meadow, you are in the meadow with him. You can smell the flowers and feel the breeze on you face. I've told this to many people who are avid readers. Unfortunately, they look at me blankly. It's western and as such they are not interested. If L'Amour had written almost any other genre, they would probably be interested. But, they disdain westerns and won't even try reading one. Their loss, but, it is frustrating to wee such a fine author treated this way. Once in a while, I'll run into another L'Amour fan and he'll know just what I'm talking about. Love the Sackett series, but, almost any L'Amour book is a fine read. As I was watching this video, I was wondering if L'Amour would show up. Very pleased that he did. Thank you for all the good recommendations. My TBR grows every time I watch your videos. Since I'm in my 80s, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. At the moment, my TBR is sure to out live me. But, I'l just keep on keeping on. Again, thanks for the recs.

[@dianehouse4021]

My favorite L’Amour is Last of the Breed

[@peterpuleo2904]

You are right. Westerns don't get much respect. I can think of only two Westerns that get any real respect: "The Virginian" by Wister, and "The Oxbow Incident" by Clark. Maybe I could add " Blood Meridian" by McCarthy for a recent third.

[@debbiemcnamara7059]

Chesapeake is my favorite of his books.

[@danl2479]

Have you read THE KILLER ANGELS by Michael Shaara?

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Yes and here is my review kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKaboIZ_m9ujf6M

[@kvom01]

Nice to see good words for the Baroque Cycle.

[@lukegregg5944]

I love your reviews Brian!

[@carlosbranca8080]

Memoirs of Hadrian by Margarite Yourcenar is one of the most informative yet beautifukl novel i ve ever read. Also love I, Claudius. I liked James Clavells Tai Pan and Noble House even more than Shogun, hes awesome. great list,

[@mmichini6677]

Fantastic list. I have read all the books you mention. I'd make Shogun number two and Masters of Rome series number three. Lonesome Dove is still the GOAT.

[@scottjo63]

I'll add one, Ernest K. Gann's Gentlemen Of Adventure. From Goodreads: "Here is the story of aviation, from the first clumsy attempts to glide with makeshift machines, to the daring aircraft used in World War I ... and onward, at an everquickening pace, to a near-present that only a few dared to dream." Ernest K. Gann also did The High And The Mighty and Island In The Sky and they were both made into popular movies starring John Wayne. But Gentlemen Of Adventure was really something and history at its very best. My dad was in aviation and this was one of his favorite books. I myself, who is not in aviation but I also loved that book. This book is really about 2 brothers with one wife of one of the brothers who started out as stunt pilots and they do become involved in the wars to the 1st airports, 1st flights, etc. If you seen the movie, The Right Stuff, something like that. It may be hard to find, but if you do find it, it's a goldmine of a story.

[@rubyserenity90]

I am gifting someone a book in the category "Historical Fiction" so I thought I would see your recommendations because I personally have no clue what kind of books to get... and I really thought "Killer Angels" sounds pretty cool but when I searched it up it is a trilogy and the 2nd book in the trilogy, Do you recommend buying the first one or do the books need to be read in order?

[@Desh727]

Anyone know which if any of these are true historical as opposed to historical fiction?

[@sarugard9115]

Hey Brian Can ypu recommend me a medieval novel which follows a protagonist, who goes from peasant to squire to knighthood, something like that

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell. Start with Winter King. Its about a young boy named Derfel who goes from peasant to knight in King Authurs Court. Or The Sheepfarmer's Daughter by Elizabeth Moon. About a young peasant girl who goes from young girl to squire yo knight

[@sarugard9115]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS I'll check it out Thanks

[@mruganksanghvi7821]

There's also Hillary Mantel's Wolf Hall about Thomas Cromwell, the butcher's son who went on to become King Henry VIII's right hand man.

[@billcbren]

Glad to see Colleen McCullough so high on your list. That's a wonderful series, especially the first three novels.

[@starbird14]

Couldsomeone transcribe the list or are there bookmarks for each novel discussed?

[@danielkibira4064]

My bells and whistles were screaming; I almost thought you'd forget James Clavell, fortunately for me I was patient to the end of the ranking review. You were spot on 🎯 again💯👌 McDurf. In Yehushuwah's 👑 GIBBOR💪 👊🏾HaShem, Barakhah🌾 Shalom🙏🏾🙏.

[@swamproo5388]

have you read Simon Scarrow's Eagle series?

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

No

[@jjw9641]

"The Egyptian" by Mika Waltari was the best book I read this year. Highly recommended.

[@wbl5649]

I need to read Lonesome Dove. I loved the movie...I also need to read The Stand. My issue is I'm a very slow reader and these really big books intimidate me.

[@starnejme6902]

You're fabulous

[@gregp4735]

I was so glad to see “Lonesome Dove” at the top of your list (the entire list was outstanding, by the way). For me, it’s at the top of almost any list, regardless of the category.

[@thirdspacemaker9141]

I’ve been meaning to read The Killing Angels simply because it was an inspiration for Joss Whedon’s Firefly.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Interesting

[@avantgardenovelist]

I came for the recs, I stayed for the hilariousness.

[@nealneethling7040]

You have to try Ben Kane

[@thomasstarkey4538]

Most don't know this, but The Killer Angles is the first novel of a civil war trilogy. It's followed by Gods and Generals, and Last Full Measure.

[@stpnwlf9]

My favorite Wilbur Smith will always be The Sunbird -- he has alot of great ones, but that one is my fave. Also love the Sharpe's series.

[@stpnwlf9]

I'm with you! The Sunbird was my first Wilbur Smith novel and has always been my favorite!

[@edwardmeade]

I've read all of the WWIi novels you' ve recommend but you have missed the best of all. Vasily Grossman's WWII duology "Stalingrad" and "Life and Fate". These novels have only recently been released in English translations but they are in a class above anything you listed. He was an eyewitness to the events and his attention to the details are astounding. He humanizes war to a level I have never read before. These books are both high action and high art at the same time and shine a floodlight on a part of the conflict that was hidden by the Soviets and ignored by the West.

[@captainnolan5062]

Where is A Tale of Two Cities? I, Claudius?

[@a1cha0s]

Where would you rank The Book Thief?

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I think i put the Book Thief on my top 10 novels of all time list. i don't really consider it Historical Fiction tho. More like fantasy