If you enjoy reading books by Irving Stone then you might also like the following authors:
Margaret George writes historical novels that bring famous figures from the past to life. Her book, “The Autobiography of Henry VIII,” is written as if Henry himself is telling his story. It covers his life from boyhood, through his marriages and reign, to his later years.
Readers get a vivid sense of his thoughts and emotions, making the man behind the king feel real and personal. It’s full of drama and rich details that capture his world.
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a historian and author who tells vivid stories about some of the most fascinating figures in American history. Her book, “Team of Rivals,” focuses on Abraham Lincoln and the unconventional cabinet he built during his presidency.
Lincoln chose his former political opponents for top positions, turning their differences into strengths. The book reveals how he managed to lead with empathy and wisdom, even during the Civil War.
Goodwin paints a clear picture of these personalities and their challenges, making readers feel closer to history. Fans of Irving Stone’s way of bringing historical figures to life may find her approach equally engaging.
David McCullough was a historian and author known for bringing the past to life through vivid storytelling. One of his most celebrated works, “The Path Between the Seas,” tells the story of the construction of the Panama Canal.
The book follows the monumental challenges of the project, from political struggles and engineering breakthroughs to the sheer determination of those involved. McCullough captures the scale of the effort and the people who made it happen, making history feel immediate and real.
Elizabeth Berg is known for writing heartfelt stories about ordinary people navigating life’s ups and downs. In her novel “The Dream Lover,” she explores the life of French novelist George Sand.
The book takes you into the world of 19th-century Paris, where Sand defies conventions, pursues her art, and becomes known for her romantic relationships with prominent figures like Chopin.
The story captures the struggles and passions of a woman ahead of her time, offering a glimpse into her personal and creative challenges. Fans of historical fiction set in vibrant, transformative periods may enjoy Berg’s thoughtful take on a remarkable real-life figure.
Jeffrey Archer is an author known for his engaging storytelling and intricate plots rooted in human ambition and life’s unpredictability. His novel “Kane and Abel” follows the lives of two men born on the same day but in very different circumstances.
One is the son of a Boston millionaire, while the other is an orphan raised in poverty in Poland. Their paths cross as they rise to power, locked in a rivalry that spans decades.
The story explores their determination to succeed, with moments of betrayal and unexpected alliances shaping their lives.
Tracy Chevalier is known for her ability to bring historical figures and settings to life with vivid detail. In her novel “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” she imagines the story behind one of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous paintings.
The book follows Griet, a young maid in 17th-century Delft, as she is hired to work in Vermeer’s household. Griet becomes involved in the artist’s world, where strict societal rules and family tensions collide.
The novel explores art, power, and the hidden lives of the people behind great works. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age through the eyes of an ordinary girl.
Nancy Horan is an author known for weaving historical fiction around real-life figures. In her book “Loving Frank,” she tells the story of Mamah Borthwick and her relationship with architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The novel explores their connection against the backdrop of early 20th-century social expectations. It’s a personal look at a complicated romance, where choices come with both excitement and consequences.
Leon Uris was an author known for dramatic historical novels that pull from real events and human struggles. One of his well-known books, “Exodus,” tells the story of Jewish refugees after World War II as they fight to establish the state of Israel.
It follows characters like Ari Ben Canaan, a strong and determined leader, who helps smuggle Holocaust survivors past the British blockade. The story covers their sacrifices, hopes, and hardships.
Uris weaves their personal stories with the larger historical events, creating a vivid picture of a pivotal time in history.
Herman Wouk was a master of historical fiction, known for his ability to bring complex periods of history to life through relatable characters. His book “The Winds of War” follows the Henry family as they navigate the turbulent lead-up to World War II.
Through the eyes of Naval officer Victor “Pug” Henry, readers experience key events and personal struggles that intertwine with monumental moments in history. It’s a sweeping and immersive story with vivid characters that make the era unforgettable.
Robert K. Massie wrote historical biographies that bring historical figures to life. In his book “Peter the Great: His Life and World,” he explores the reign of the Russian tsar who transformed his country into a major European power.
The book shows Peter as a man with big ambitions, traveling across Europe to learn shipbuilding and modern techniques. It also dives into his struggles at home, from dealing with ambitious nobles to challenges with his own family.
Massie paints a vivid picture of Peter’s world, full of court intrigue and bold reforms.
Philippa Gregory writes historical novels that focus on the lives of real figures, often from British royalty. Her book, “The Other Boleyn Girl,” tells the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn, as she navigates the dangerous court of Henry VIII.
The book introduces Mary as a young girl who catches the king’s eye, pulling her into a world of power struggles, ambition, and family rivalry.
Gregory combines historical detail with stories about women whose lives are often overshadowed by famous men, creating rich and intriguing characters.
David Mitchell is an author with a knack for creating layered narratives and memorable characters. One of his well-known novels, “Cloud Atlas,” weaves together six interconnected stories that span centuries.
The book moves from a 19th-century voyage across the Pacific to a distant, post-apocalyptic future. Each story feels distinct yet ties into the others in unexpected ways, exploring themes like human ambition and the ripple effects of individual choices.
The shifts between time periods and writing styles make the book feel like an adventure across both history and imagination.
Min Jin Lee is a writer with a thoughtful and heartfelt style, often exploring family, identity, and resilience.
Her novel “Pachinko” tells the story of a Korean family over several generations, beginning with Sunja, a young woman in early 20th-century Korea, who faces unexpected challenges after becoming pregnant.
The story follows her family as they move to Japan, facing prejudice, struggles, and moments of hope in a foreign land. The detailed lives of the characters make their journeys feel personal and real.
A.J. Cronin was a Scottish author known for his storytelling, often exploring personal struggles and moral choices. One of his well-loved books is “The Citadel.”
The story follows Dr. Andrew Manson, a young and idealistic doctor, as he begins his career in a small Welsh mining town. He faces the harsh realities of poverty and the indifference of the medical establishment.
Over time, his ambition grows, but with it comes ethical challenges that force him to question his values and decisions. The book paints a vivid picture of small-town life and the struggles of maintaining integrity in the face of success.
It’s a straightforward, engaging story with themes that stick with you.
Erik Larson writes historical non-fiction that feels alive, focusing on real people and events. In “The Devil in the White City,” he tells the story of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
The book follows two main figures: Daniel Burnham, the architect who spearheaded the fair’s construction, and H.H. Holmes, a charismatic doctor who used the chaos of the fair to conceal his horrific crimes.
The way Larson combines history and true crime makes the era feel vivid while uncovering the lives of people who shaped—and haunted—it.