In praise of historical fiction

Wolf Hall's success continues to keep the journalists busy. Here is an article celebrating the best in historical fiction, giving recommendations from Mary Renault's The King must Die (set in Ancient Greece) through to Patrick O'Brien's Hornblower novels (set during the Napoleonic wars). There are also plenty of readers' recommendations in the comments section.

PS: Here is a video of Hilary Mantel explaining how she came to write about Thomas Cromwell

PPS (20 October): Here is more from Hilary Mantel about writing historical fiction

Wolf Hall wins the Booker

Many congratulations to Hilary Mantel for winning the Booker Prize for her historical novel, "Wolf Hall" about the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell. The even better news is that she is planning to write a sequel! If you have read the book, or any of her other works, please let us know.

PS: Here's a podcast from the Guardian's literary critics discussing the novel.

PPS: Here's the official Booker Prize website, including archives of the previous winners.