Researching The Historical Novel, Part II
Author: John H. Manhold

I have mentioned previously that the Romance genre is almost a
sure bet, and that mystery stories are a pretty close second. I
also included adventure in the popular list, but particularly
dwell on the historical novel because it not only has remained
popular through the years, but recently has experienced somewhat
of a growth period, as has the formerly almost dormant western.

I also have intimated that in no other genre, is research the
most dominant requirement. A historical novel, above all else,
must be accurate in its historical details. In my previous
discussion, I covered some of the problems encountered in
researching the historical novel.

There are a number of others, with which one must contend. If
one selects a period in antiquity, such as Costain's previously
mentioned The Black Rose, one will find a great deal of
confusion and overlapping descriptions of both terrain and the
people living there. A prime example, is offered by wandering
groups of marauding nomads who invaded China's northwestern
borders in the waning B.C. years. Reportedly, their depredations
were so annoying as to cause erection of the first part of the
Great Wall in Gansu. These Xiongnu were described and often
called "Huns," by early eighteenth century writers. The grave
confusion occurs because the Chinese destroyed the Xiongnu in
the second century A.D., and no evidence ever has surfaced that
there had ever been any westward migration of the Xiongnu.
Attila, the Hun, and his hoards, did not appear and begin their
devastating raids in Europe until some two hundred years later.

This is just one of the myriad problems one can experience in
attempting to set a story in such a out-of-the-way time and
place. The research must be thorough, because if it is not,
someone is going to spot it. Before starting a novel in this
era, I might suggest perusal of Frances Wood's, The Silk Road,
as an excellent place to begin. It is well researched and
beautifully written. Also, a novel by Sam Barone, entitled Dawn
of Empire, is a well-written example of a fairly recently
published novel set in a similar early era.

Another factor that I mentioned briefly in an earlier
discussion, is that of geography. I recalled the tremendous
change that had taken place in the seashore area just outside of
Marbella, Spain in just a few short years. These changes are not
unique. All of Europe has, and is, changed quite drastically.
Certain, mostly desert parts, of Morocco and Algiers have
changed little except for the eternal movement of the sands. The
rest provides horrendous mixes of the new with the old. Parts of
Ireland remain pretty much as they were, but even the once
remote Ring of Kerry has encountered much change.

If one is to write about the United States, one must remember
the tremendous changes that have taken place here, as well. One
has only to remember, for a graphic example, some of the recent
motion pictures depicting New York City at the turn of the
century. Other changes that are more difficult to remember, and
perhaps picture, are the 'Great American Desert' that once
covered much of the southwestern part of the country, and the
once untenanted Llano Estacado that now is heavily populated and
even contains whole cities.

Characterization is a third major factor that one must consider
in the historical genre. Individual personalities, perhaps have
changed little. Anger, jealousy, pettiness, fear, magnanimity,
have all existed for eons of time. However, the mores of the
various societies in which these personalities live, have
undergone a tremendous revolution. Those of the ancients
contrast sharply with those of the Renaissance, the Elizabethan,
and every other marked period of history, as they do from
nationality to nationality; viz, the duena system of courtship
in Spanish society, or the Creole institution of placage in Old
New Orleans.

So, if one wishes to write in the historical genre, each and
every one of these factors must be carefully considered and
researched. It is not an easy task if one does not enjoy
spending countless hours perusing numerous sources. However, if
you enjoy such pursuits, you will find many rewards well worth
the time.


About The Author: John H. Manhold is a retired professor and
scientific journal editor. He is an author of several textbooks,
a lexicon in four languages and now novels that often require
extensive research. He provides coaching on various types and
phases of writing. Please see http://www.johnhmanhold.com/ for
more information, and an address.