Must-Read Titles Renaissance literature was incredibly influential in the shaping of English literature, and some of its best stories were written in the form of historical fiction. Historical fiction set in the Renaissance period provide an interesting lens into the era and its culture, exploring a range of mad kings, powerful queens, brave adventurers, tumultuous plots and romantic entanglements. If you’re looking for some unputdownable titles to sink your teeth into, here are 10 must-read titles in Renaissance historical fiction.
- The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
The Pillars of the Earth is a 1989 historical fiction novel by Ken Follett set in the middle of civil war in 12th-century England. This epic masterpiece focuses on the construction of a Cathedral in Kingsbridge and the competition, conspiracy, and love that surrounds it. The novel has so far been published in 33 languages, sold 27 million copies and been adapted into an 8-part miniseries and a video game, among other adaptations.
- The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper is Mark Twain’s beloved 1881 novel based on a 16th-century English setting. It is the story of two boys born within hours of each other, on the same day and in the same city: the pauper Tom, and the baby prince Edward, later to be crowned King Edward VI. They switch places, and despite a series of near-misses and close calls, their secret remains and leads to a dramatic conclusion.
- Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel is a historical fiction novel and a sequel to Wolf Hall (also a must-read). The novel follows Thomas Cromwell – lawyer and adviser to King Henry VIII – in his scheming against the Boleyn family, which ultimately leads to the execution of Henry’s second wife and Queen of England, Anne Boleyn. Winner of the 2012 Man Booker Prize, Bring Up the Bodies is one of the most intriguing and best-reviewed works of historical fiction.
- Wilful Disregard by Eva Stachniak
Wilful Disregard by Eva Stachniak is a 2016 novel about renowned Renaissance artist and divine genius, Michelangelo Buonarroti. Seen through the eyes of his admirer and student Tommaso Cavalieri and his friend Pontormo, the novel explores the love triangle between the two men and the mysterious artist, with a backdrop of artistic Renaissance Florence. Wilful Disregard is a captivating love story and an exploration of Michelangelo’s complicated life and enigmatic character.
- Q by Luther Blissett
Q by Luther Blissett is a 1999 novel set in 16th-century Italy and Germany. The novel encompasses a wide range of movements and political struggles, exploring various forms of cultural expressions and subversions as part of an influx of radical ideas of Protestant Reformation. According to author Luther Blissett, the transcendental spirit of Q, who has no gender, age race or country, is a symbol of collective identity and cultural anarchy.
- Raphael by Paul Hofmann
Paul Hofmann’s Raphael is a 1989 novel about the legendary artist and architect, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, or Raphael. Centering around Raphael’s artistic commissions between 1508 and 1520 in Papal Rome, the novel provides a unique look at the power struggles, personalities and desires of the era. An entertaining and highly readable novel, Rafael is an excellent introduction to the grandeur of Renaissance Rome.
- Nostradamus and the Attack on Suffolk by Francis Goodwin
Nostradamus and the Attack on Suffolk by Francis Goodwin is a 2006 historical fiction novel based on the famous predictions of the 16th-century French physician, astrologer and alleged seer Michel de Nostre-Dame, better known as Nostradamus. The novel tells the story of the unravelling of a series of cryptic predictions, involving Nostradamus, King Henry VIII and the possible attack of a French fleet on a small port in Suffolk, England.
- I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis
I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis is a 2006 novel about one of the most enigmatic and mysterious works of art of all time – the Mona Lisa painting. Set in the year 1503, the novel follows Lisa di Antonio Gherardini as she becomes a model for the famous painting. I, Mona Lisa covers a varied range of topics including the historical context of Renaissance Florence and the competition between Florence’s artists and their patrons.
- Florentine Codex by Nicholas Rinaldi
Nicholas Rinaldi’s Florentine Codex is a 1997 novel set in 1527 Florence. It follows a young scholar, Virgilio Santi, who is determined to discover a lost codex of incredible historical and poetic value. The novel explores the exciting and significant year during which Raphael and Miguelangelo were in their prime and the Medici family reigned supreme in Florence. This action-packed and thrilling story of ancient manuscripts, rivalries and religious reform will captivate readers until its dramatic conclusion.
- The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory
The Boleyn Inheritance is a historical fiction novel by Philippa Gregory, author of The Other Boleyn Girl. The book chronicles the stories of three of the five wives of King Henry VIII: Jane Boleyn, Anne of Cleves and the ill-fated Katherine Howard. It follows their intertwining stories as they battle for Queen of England with dramatic and devastating results, while exploring the political, religious and personal intrigues of the Tudor court.
Renaissance literature was some of the most influential in the history of world literature. These 10 Renaissance historical fiction titles are perfect for those looking for an immersive and captivating read into the era, exploring real and imagined characters, enthralling plots and epic stories set in real-life 15th and 16th-century settings. Whether you’re a fan of the era or an avid reader of historical fiction, there’s no doubt that each of these books will provide a unique and rewarding experience.
