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What is a historical nonfiction book?
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Apr 15, 2023 · What is Historical Nonfiction? Historical nonfiction discusses real-life historical events and eras. These books should be based upon rigorous research and study. Subcategories include: Academic History books/textbooks. These books aim to educate and inform, rather than entertain. Research sources should include:
- Historical Nonfiction Books. Midnight in Chernobyl by Adam Higginbotham. Adam Higginbotham’s page-turner of a historical nonfiction book tells the story of the April 1986 meltdown of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.
- Historical Biographies. You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe. This book is unlike any other biography of a president you’ll ever read. Historian Alexis Coe’s You Never Forget Your First is a book about George Washington, America’s first president.
- Historical Nonfiction Memoirs. Driving While Black by Gretchen Sorin. Historical nonfiction mixed with memoir is such a fascinating combination. It contextualizes history and makes it more personal.
- Microhistory Books. The Plaza by Julie Satow. The Plaza Hotel has become synonymous with wealth, fame, and glamour, and it’s also had its share of scandals.
Aug 13, 2022 · Author John Cameron discusses how nonfiction history and historical fiction are more similar than they are different. John Cameron. Aug 13, 2022. Good history and good historical fiction are two branches of an intellectual river seeking to illuminate the past. I have long believed in the value of each branch.
- Do your research. The first rule of writing about real events from history is to do your research. Nonfiction authors (and historical fiction writers, for that matter) need to spend a large amount of time making sure that the real-life stories they are telling are accurate and factual.
- Choose a point of view. It’s important to choose a perspective for your book. This doesn’t mean you have to write in first person from a specific person’s point of view (though that is always an option, especially in the creative nonfiction genre) but it can help you focus and narrow the scope of your book.
- Outline a narrative arc. As with writing fiction, it’s important to have a detailed outline of your story and overall arc before you dive into the creative writing process.
- Focus on compelling famous characters. If you’ve got your sights set on writing a New York Times bestseller, it’s worth researching some popular figures from history.
- Research, research, research. This principle applies to all types of books, but conducting research for historical nonfiction can be particularly challenging.
- Fact check. Every detail you include in your book should be precise and true. Make sure they are verifiable by multiple, credible sources. While some speculation may be necessary, aim to minimize it and fill in any gaps in knowledge as much as you can.
- Utilize a narrative structure. Viewing your chosen topic as a story provides you with a clear direction, which is particularly valuable when writing a historical memoir or autobiography.
- Stay true to the facts. While it is important to tell a compelling story, staying true to the facts is equally important. Avoid embellishments. Present your story accurately and objectively.
We've researched and ranked the best historical nonfiction books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more Featuring recommendations from Richard Branson, Reid Hoffman, Charles T. Munger, and 284 other experts.
Non-fiction (or nonfiction) is any document or media content that attempts, in good faith, to convey information only about the real world, rather than being grounded in imagination. Non-fiction typically aims to present topics objectively based on historical, scientific, and empirical information.
