The Secrets of Jin-Shei
Alexander, Alma
The epic story of seven women in ancient China and their loyal bond of sisterhood (jin shei).
The Love-Artist
Alison, Jane
A darkly brilliant first novel that imagines a missing chapter in the life of Ovid. A haunting drama of passion and psychological manipulation.
Gods and Legions: A Novel of the Roman Empire
Ford, Michael Curtis
A recreation of the remarkable life and times of the Emperor Julian.
Virtues of War: A Novel of Alexander the Great
Pressfield, Steven
In the brilliantly imagined first-person voice of Alexander the Great, acclaimed novelist Pressfield brings to life his epic battles, his unerring command of his forces, and the passions and ambitions that drove him. Also available as recorded book on CD.
Dreaming the Eagle
Dreaming the Bull
Scott, Manda
A series of books about the life of Britain’s warrior queen, Boudica, immerses readers in a world of druids and dreamers, warriors and lovers, passion and courage.
The Ptolemies
Sprott, Duncan
Sprott’s wildly imaginative yet historically accurate, and often hilarious work recreates the early years of the House of Ptolemy—the dark, glittering disastrous and forgotten ten generation dynasty of Greek pharaohs of Egypt.
Europe: The Middle-Ages and the Renaissance
The Clerkenwell Tales
Ackroyd, Peter
This clever and colorful novel builds a portrait of medieval London. Richly atmospheric and satisfying in its historical detail.
Ironfire: A Novel of the Knights of Malta and the Last Battle of the Crusades
Ball, David W.
A mighty struggle looms between the Christian Kingdoms and the Ottoman Empire. All that stands in the sultan’s way is a tiny island and its small band of defenders – the Knights of Malta.
The Lady and the Unicorn
Chevalier, Tracy
History and fiction are exquisitely woven into a literary tapestry.
Also available in large print and as recorded book on CD.
The Birth of Venus
Dunant, Sarah
An absorbing story of love, art, religion and power which tells the history of Florence at its most dramatic period. Also available in large print and as recorded book on audiocassette.
As Above, So Below: A Novel of Peter Bruegel
Rucker, Rudy
In 16 chapters, each headed by one of the artist’s famous works, Rucker brings the painter’s progress and his colorful world to vibrant life.
The Princes of Ireland: the Dublin Saga
Rutherfurd, Edward
A sweeping panorama steeped in the tragedy and glory that is Ireland. Also available as recorded book on audiocassette.
The Confusion
Stephenson, Neal
A profoundly compelling adventure which brings to life a cast of unforgettable characters on the high seas. Volume two of "The Baroque Cycle."
17th and 18th Centuries
To the Hermitage
Bradbury, Malcolm
Diderot’s journey to Russia to “enlighten” Catherine the Great is brilliantly recreated.
Casanova in Bohemia: A Novel
Codrescu, Andre
The adventurous life and erotic times of the famed illuminist Giacomo Casanova, as he plays out his final years in a dilapidated castle in Bohemia
Life Mask
Donoghue, Emma
The private drama of three celebrated Londoners as they explore the world on the brink of revolution.
The House of Sight and Shadow: A Novel
Griffin, Nicholas
Set in early 18th century London, which is still recovering from the ravages of plague and fire, two men are drawn into a dark game with the growing criminal underworld.
Holy Fools
Harris, Joanne
From the bestselling author of Chocolat comes a novel of love and betrayal, friendship and revenge, set in 17th century France. Also available as recorded book on audiocassette.
Empress Orchid
Min, Anchee
The story of a fascinating, strong-willed woman who for generations has been vilified as a grand seductress and murderer. Also available as recorded book on CD.
The Winter Queen
The Shadow King
Stevenson, Jane
This series, set in Holland in the 17th century form a sweeping portrait of the tumultuous history and politics of the era.
19th and Early 20th Centuries
Katya
Birdsell, Sandra
Peaceful lives are uprooted by revolution in 1917 Russia.
Shooting the Sun
Byrd, Max
Eccentric genius Charles Baggage and free-spirited astronomer Selena Cott set out to use the dawning of technology in 1839 to record a total solar eclipse.
Sharpe’s Escape
Cornwell, Bernard
The latest Sharpe adventure (after Sharpe’s Havoc) takes place in the fall of 1810 at the battle of Bussaco, Spain. Also available in large print and as recorded book on audiocassette.
True History of the Kelly Gang
Carey, Peter
A hero of 19th century Australia, Ned Kelly, speaks from the grave to tell his country’s legend. Also available as recorded book on CD.
Gabriel’s Story
Durham, David Anthony
The adventures and trials of a black pioneer family in the late 1870s. Gabriel, a young man who has moved reluctantly from the urban North to Kansas, runs away to become a cowboy.
Divine Husband
Goldman, Francisco
An unforgettable cast of characters strive for love or success in the heady late 19th century atmosphere of Guatemala City and New York.
The Mulberry Empire
Hensher, Philip
Exploration of the doomed 1830 mission of 50,000 forces of the British Empire as they entered Afghanistan to overthrow a hostile amir.
Cloud of Sparrows
Matsuoka, Takashi
19th Century Japan is the setting of this novel which explores samurai, geishas, ninjas, and Zen matters.
The Singing Fire: A Novel
Nattel, Lilian
Two women abandon everything they know for the maelstrom of London at the turn of the century.
The Painting
Schuyler, Nina
Set in 1870s Japan and France, this atmospheric novel tells the story of a Japanese woman who escapes her arranged marriage by painting memories of her lover, which she secretly sends to an importer in Paris.
A Black Englishman
Slaughter, Carolyn
Set in India in the 1920s, the story of a powerful love affair that combines the themes of colonial exploitation, political and ethnic tensions and secular and religious partition.
The Forest Lover
Vreeland, Susan
Painter Emily Carr shook up the early 20th century art scene with her uncompromising art. Also available in large print.
World War II and Its Aftermath
Carry Me Across the Water
Canin, Ethan
A young boy escapes Nazi Germany and goes on to build a life in America. Brilliant, suspenseful and surprising.
Breaking the Tongue
Loh, Vyvyane
This novel chronicles the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in World War II and it’s effects on one Chinese family.
Crimes of War
Hogg, Peter
A story of the hidden lives of two men: a Nazi war criminal and the investigator who tracks him.
In the Company of Angels
Kelby, N.M.
A young French Jewish girl is saved by Belgian nuns after a bomb kills her grandmother, and then the miracles begin.
The Dark Room
Seiffert, Rachel
The history of 20th century German through the experiences of three ordinary Germans before, during and after World War II.
America’s Children
Thackara, James
A story of J. Robert Oppenheimer which chronicles the birth of the nuclear age in America.
The Gardens of Kyoto
Walbert, Kate
A young woman tells about the death of her favorite cousin at Iwo Jima. When she receives a package containing his diary and a book, her bond to him is cemented and the mysteries of his life unravel.
Prisoners of War
Yarbrough, Steve
In a Mississippi farming town, a returned soldier now has to guard German soldiers he had previously been trained to kill.
Songbird
Zacharius, Walter
A young woman must rely on her remarkable strength of character in order to survive the devastation of World War II.