Historical fantasy

Historical fantasy is a fantasy genre. It takes place usually in an alternate historical setting, with fantasy elements. While most fantasy is based on historical or current human societies to some extent, historical fantasy takes place in an identifiably earth-like historical setting.

Examples

• The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Avalon, except done more as history, plus magic)
• Wild Life by Molly Gloss (Pacific Northwest woman + bigfoot)
• The Moon and the Sun by Vonda McIntyre (the Sun-King if a mermaid had been discovered)
• Jacqueline Carey, Kushiel series (Europe with a different Jesus-like pantheon of gods)
• Susanna Clark, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (alternate history + magic)
• Sorcery and Cecelia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Caroline Stevermer & Patricia C. Wrede (Regency-era Britain/Europe + magic)
• Sarah Canary by Karen Joy Fowler
• God's Fires by Patricia Anthony

See also

• alternate history