If you enjoy reading books by Dorothy Dunnett then you might also like the following authors:
Sharon Kay Penman writes historical fiction full of political drama, vivid characters, and well-researched details. Her work is packed with complex plots and emotional depth, which fans of Dorothy Dunnett will appreciate.
A great place to start is The Sunne in Splendour, a powerful novel set during the Wars of the Roses that explores the life of Richard III.
Cecelia Holland is known for creating immersive historical worlds with strong, believable characters. Her style is direct and vivid, bringing historical events to life without glossing over their grittier realities.
Readers who enjoy Dorothy Dunnett's detailed historical settings might enjoy Holland's The Secret Eleanor, which reveals the intrigue and complexity surrounding Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Patrick O'Brian is famous for his naval historical novels set during the Napoleonic Wars. His stories feature vividly drawn characters and deep historical authenticity.
Fans of Dunnett's intricate plots and subtle character developments might enjoy O'Brian's novel Master and Commander, the starting point of his beloved Aubrey-Maturin series.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes engaging, character-driven historical fiction that explores medieval life and relationships. If you appreciate Dorothy Dunnett’s emotional depth and immersive storytelling, give Chadwick’s The Greatest Knight a try.
The novel focuses on William Marshal, one of medieval England's most heroic figures.
Bernard Cornwell excels at fast-paced, action-oriented historical fiction with clearly defined conflicts and compelling characters. Like Dunnett, he blends adventure and history expertly.
Check out Cornwell's The Last Kingdom, which introduces the Saxon warrior Uhtred in a gripping tale set in ninth-century Britain.
Mary Renault brings historical periods vividly to life with carefully drawn characters and authentic detail. Her novels often explore ancient Greece, filled with political intrigue, human complexities, and cultural richness.
A great starting point is The Persian Boy, a nuanced portrayal of Alexander the Great through the perspective of his companion, Bagoas.
Nigel Tranter's novels dive into Scotland's past, often focusing on vivid personalities, battles, and national identity. His style emphasizes storytelling clarity and believable historical settings, making his books an engaging read.
A good introduction would be The Bruce Trilogy, a dramatic account of legendary Scottish hero Robert the Bruce leading his country's fight for independence.
Anya Seton writes immersive historical fiction fueled by careful research and emotional depth. Her narratives pay close attention to detail, transporting readers seamlessly into the past.
Katherine is an iconic favorite, telling the passionate and turbulent story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt in 14th-century England.
H.F.M. Prescott's novels have a thoughtful and detailed style, blending richly developed characters with vivid historical backgrounds. She carefully explores moral complexities and personal motivations.
Her best-known work, The Man on a Donkey, skillfully depicts individuals navigating their way through the political and religious turmoil of England's Pilgrimage of Grace rebellion.
John Julius Norwich writes engaging, accessible historical nonfiction, providing clear insights into the power struggles, cultures, and personalities of the past. His enjoyable storytelling style combines scholarship and lively narratives.
To experience his work, try A History of Venice, a clear, fascinating account of Venice's remarkable and colorful history.
Guy Gavriel Kay blends historical fiction and fantasy beautifully, creating vibrant worlds inspired by real eras and cultures. His careful research and elegant writing bring history alive, while exploring themes of power, love, and fate.
One excellent book to start with is The Lions of Al-Rassan, a dramatic story of two warriors in a land reminiscent of medieval Spain.
Judith Merkle Riley writes witty historical novels that feature engaging characters, clever humor, and intriguing twists of fate. She skillfully interweaves romance, historical authenticity, and subtle mystical elements to create stories filled with warmth and charm.
Try A Vision of Light, the delightful first novel of her Margaret of Ashbury series, about a wise and spirited woman making her way in medieval England.
Zoe Oldenbourg’s novels offer rich portrayals of medieval life and society, with absorbing narratives about family, honor, and faith during tumultuous historical periods. Her storytelling is vivid yet detailed, immersing you fully in the era.
The World Is Not Enough is particularly notable for its realistic depiction of medieval Europe's complexity against the backdrop of the Crusades.
Thomas B. Costain focuses on solid storytelling and meticulous research to recreate grand historical moments and bring them to life with simplicity and clarity. His engaging, straightforward style makes history approachable without sacrificing accuracy or depth.
One of his most enjoyable books is The Silver Chalice, a novel set in ancient Rome's early Christian period.
Edith Pargeter, who also published as Ellis Peters, captures human emotions and dilemmas against authentic historical backdrops, with engaging plots and thoughtful characterizations.
Her exploration of loyalty, love, and morality makes her stories both deeply engaging and emotionally powerful. Don't miss The Heaven Tree, the first entry of her evocative Heaven Tree trilogy, set in medieval England.